Page 22 of Love Thy Neighbor

Cooper bends down, his lips so close I swear I can feel them brush along the shell of my ear.

“Told you,” he whispers, and I do everything I can to hide the shiver that races down my back.

After last night, having Cooper so close to me feels different and makes me think of things I shouldn’t be thinking of. Like how good he smells. Or how warm he feels.

I will not think about last night. I will not think about last night.

“Caroline?”

I turn toward the quiet voice, and Cooper turns with me.

Jason, a guy who frequents my favorite bookstore, is standing near the to-go window.

“Jason. Hey. How are you?”

“Good. Better now.” He smiles shyly.

I met Jason a couple months back browsing the fantasy section. We literally bumped into each other. We laughed about it and he helped me pick out a book.

I saw him again the next week.

Now we run into each other at least a couple times a month.

He’s a sweet guy. Quiet. A little shy. Traditionally handsome and very much thetake home to meet the parentskind of person.

There have been a few times I’ve thought he was going to ask me out, but then he didn’t.

I was a little disappointed at first, but over time I’ve learned to not get my hopes up.

Besides, the more I run into him, I’m not so sure he’s my type. As ironic as it is, he might be a little too shy for me.

Cooper clears his throat.

“Oh, duh.” I smack my forehead. “Where are my manners? Jason, this is my best friend, Cooper. Coop, this is Jason. He’s another regular atBooks & Things & More.”

Jason gives Cooper a shy smile, while Cooper gives him a once-over.

I’ve seen Cooper act all big brotherly over the years when it comes to other guys. Always stepping in and sizing them up, making sure they’re up to his standards of who he thinks is worthy of my time.

But this?

There’s something else in his eyes I can’t quite put my finger on.

“Next,” the cashier calls.

“Well, that’s us,” I say, hitching my thumb toward the counter. “It was good seeing you, Jason. I’m sure I’ll run into you next week too.”

“Always a pleasure, Caroline.”

He tips his head, grabs his order, and pauses once more to smile at me before leaving.

“That dude wants to fuck you.”

“Cooper Ryan Bennett!” I admonish, smacking my hand over his mouth as he stares after Jason. “What is wrong with you?”

He peels my hand away, lifting his strong shoulders. “What? It’s true. Dude totally wants to bone you but is too pussy to man up and ask you out.”

“You don’t know that.”

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