Page 35 of Sweet Shots

“Because he’s human, and that’s what humans do.”

Maybe he’s different.

“He’s not.”

You don’t know that.

I stop, running my hand over my face. “I guess you’re right,” I say to my inner voice, then sneak a look at CP, who is now loafing on the couch, eyes closed. “I don’t know that he’s not different. He’s annoying, yes. A terrible neighbor, yes. Charming to the point of being a sociopath, yes. Has zero respect for limits and personal space, also yes. But that doesn’t make him a terrible person, does it?”

No.

I sigh heavily and drop onto the couch, which makes CP hiss and scurry away. I grab my phone and write out a text.

Me: I’m freaking out a little.

Why my answer to freaking out over being vulnerable is to be more vulnerable, I’m not entirely sure.

Because he isn’t a terrible person.

“Shut up,” I mutter.

A text comes in almost immediately.

Asshole Neighbor: Tell me why.

Because this is new. I’ve never done it before. I don’t know you. I’m not sure the money is worth it. I don’t like how comfortable I feel around you. I’m worried I’ll like it too much.

Well, that’s a lot of truth.

And I’m not sure I want to tell him any of those things. I was okay admitting that I’m freaking out. You know, post recording jitters. It happens. But all this inner emotional personal stuff?

I told him we weren’t getting personal.

But I’m afraid that I want to. I’m scared because Iwantto.

He tore me open with hardly knowing me, bared all my secrets, and he didn’t run. I mean, we aren’t dating or anything, but he didn’t act any differently. He didn’t make fun of me. He didn’t call me poor or talk shit about my family dynamic. Nothing about him changed at all. He’s acting the same as he was before, which makes me feel like maybe I could tru—no. No, I’m not going there.

Of course I can’ttrusthim. What am I even thinking? I don’t know him. He’s an asshole.

I stare at his text, noting the way he demanded I tell him and didn’t ask why I’m freaking out. Why do I like that?

Me: I’m not sure.

It’s the best I can give him right now.

Asshole Neighbor: Promise you’ll forget all your worries when you get here. You can come sooner if you want.

Asshole Neighbor: If you think it will help.

I don’t know why, but that has me confused. Annoyed. Maybe a little angry. I get up and storm next door, ringing the bell like a madman. He opens the door with that same grin that suddenly has my stomach fluttering.

“Why the hell are you being so nice to me?” I bark, throwing my arms up.

His eyes narrow, and he says, “Have you considered I’m not the big jerk you think I am?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Well, sorry to break it to you, but I’m actually a really nice guy.”

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