Page 40 of Loathe Thy Neighbor

I bet they feel the way they look.Soft.

I wonder if he kisses the way he carries himself.With confidence.

I want to be kissed with confidence again.

All it would take is for me to push up onto my toes and I could test my theories…

No! Stop letting him affect you. He’s still Dean.

“Are you just kissing ass because I’m providing you with housing?”

“Are you going to continually throw that in my face?”

“Yes.”

He sighs, and I relent.

He’s right. I do keep bringing it up, but I don’t want him to forget he’s a guest here and, at any moment, I can take this away from him.

I’mthe one on top this time.

I guess I could back off a bit… “No.”

“Good.” He nods once. “No, I’m not just saying it to kiss ass. I meant it.”

“Well, thank you. I guess.”

His lips tip up at the corners. “You’re welcome. I guess.”

I roll my eyes. “Can I go now? I need to get to work.”

Slowly, he drops his arm, finally allowing me to pass.

I do, giving him a wide berth.

I need space. Apparently being close to him makes me realize ridiculous things like how good he smells. Or worse…how I wouldn’t push him away if he tried to kiss me.

“Hey, River?”

I peer over my shoulder.

“I like your hair down.”

I don’t respond.

Instead, I continue through the apartment, scooping my long waves into a ponytail and twisting my hair tie around them.

Dean chuckles as I make my way out the door.

8

Dean

“Cheers!Here’s to International Childfree Day!”

“Is that a thing?”

“It is, though it’s not technically for another month.” Nolan, my best friend, tips his beer back.

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