Page 102 of Love Thy Neighbor

I toss my head back, sighing.

Here we are again: me waiting on her to get ready while she races around her bedroom telling me five more minutes…every five minutes.

“You’re going to be late. You promised River you’d be at the store by nine AM sharp.”

“Quit your complaining, Mr. Gets to Stay Home Longer!”

The girls are meeting at Making Waves to double-check inventory before heading over to the venue to start setting up. I have a few things to take care of with work, then plan to show up later for moral support and to make coffee runs.

“Come on, Care. I’m sure you look great. Plus, I’m sure you’d rather not piss off River by being late. Don’t tell her this, but she kind of scares me.”

I hear her laugh. “Just let me grab my shoes!”

Finally, I hear her making her way down the hall, and I rise up from the couch.

She steps around the corner wearing jeans that look like they’ve been painted on. A plum-colored sweater hangs off one shoulder, just waiting for me to sink my teeth into. Those same sexy-as-fuck boots she wore with her red dress complete the look, making me excited about peeling them off later.

“You look…fuck.” I reach down, adjusting my hardening cock.

Her full lips curve into a coy smile, like she knows she’s killing me right now. “I lookfuck?”

“Mhmm. Are you sure you have to go today?”

She giggles as I close the distance between us, wrapping my arms around her waist.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

I drop my lips to hers, kissing her breathless.

“Do we have time for a quickie?” I ask, pulling my mouth away, kissing up to her ear.

“Weren’t you just complaining about me being late?”

Shit. I totally forgot. Caroline does that to me, short-circuits my brain.

I wonder if there will ever be a time she doesn’t affect me like she does now. I sure as fuck hope not.

“Right.” I nod, putting space between us so I don’t get carried away. “You’re right.”

She laughs. “You’re hopeless, Cooper.”

“Hopelessly devoted.” I wink. “You have everything?”

“Yep.”

“Aren’t you missing something?”Like your designs?I leave that out, but I know she’s aware of what I’m asking.

I haven’t pushed her about it again, but I’ve seen her working on new stuff the past few weeks. I know it’s been for the festival.

Now she’s standing before me empty-handed, and that doesn’t sit right with me.

She shakes her head, her blonde curls bouncing. “No. I can’t think of anything.”

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose, growing increasingly exasperated.

She’s not going to do it.

Again.

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