Page 17 of A Very Grumpy Neighbor

I grab the door handle, but he hops out and jogs around to the passenger side, offering me his hand to help me out of the truck.

“See you later,” I say, grabbing my keys from my purse.

“See you.”

He hovers next to me, and for a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. I lick my lips as I gaze up at him, but then he moves away.

I shake my head, open my car door, and climb behind the wheel. I refuse to look back at him as I reverse out of my parking spot and drive home.

Meyer’s truck follows me, and I bite my lip as I ponder our date. It wasn’t what I expected. I meant what I said about having fun, but would I go on another date with him?

Yes.

My answer is instant. The truth is that there’s something between Meyer and me. A spark, a connection I’ve never feltwith anyone else. He might be closed off, a real tough nut to crack, but damn if I don’t love the challenge.

But it’s probably not something I need to worry about because I doubt he’ll ask me out on a second date. I wish he’d kissed me or given me some kind of sign about how he was feeling.

Meyer pulls into his driveway as I park and gather my things. I open my car door and gasp when I realize that Meyer is standing right next to me.

“Jeez!” I wheeze.

He clears his throat. “Sorry, I thought you saw me.”

“Did you forget something?”

He nods. “Yeah.”

Before I can blink, he pulls me into his arms and seals his mouth to mine.

My breath hitches in surprise, but I melt into him instantly.

His lips are firm and warm, and his hand slides up my back as he holds me against him like he’s been dying to do this all night. Maybe even longer.

I grab the front of his shirt, my fingers curling into the fabric as I kiss him back. His mouth moves with mine, and everything else—my nerves, the doubts, the awkward start to the night—melts away.

When he finally pulls back, he stays close, his forehead resting against mine as we both catch our breath.

“Goodnight, Jade,” he murmurs, his voice rough.

I blink up at him, dazed. “Goodnight.”

He hesitates, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. His hand lingers for a second before he finally steps back.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says, his tone leaving no room for debate.

And then he turns and walks back toward his house, leaving me standing in my driveway, heart pounding, lips tingling, and absolutely certain that I’m in trouble.

SIX

Meyer

I dragthe rake over the grass, brushing the dead leaves into a pile.

Or pretend to.

The truth is that I’m only out here to catch a glimpse of Jade. I’ve been working in the yard since I got up this morning, hoping to see and talk to her, but there’s been no sign of her.

I can’t stop thinking about our date and our kiss last night. It was perfect. Electrifying. It was all I could think about when I got home last night.

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