Page 30 of Love Thy Neighbor

“What? What’s wrong? Is it the dress?” Her timid voice interrupts my thoughts.

Her fingers are on the hem—because it’s that short—nervously playing with it.

I clear my throat. “It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure? You’re looking at me funny.”

Because I think I want to fuck you and I shouldn’t.

“Sorry. It’s not you.”Liar.“I’m just ready to get a drink in me.”

She nods, tucking her hair behind her ear.

I sigh and push up to my feet, hoping and praying she can’t see the excitement happening behind the zipper of my jeans. “You look fine.”

Fine? You fucking moron.

“Uh, thanks…I think.” She wrinkles her nose, then gives her head a shake. “No. Not thanks.Fine? I put a lot of work into this dress and you think it’sfine?”

“I didn’t mean that. I—”

“Should I change?”

Yes, because it makes me think shit I have no business thinking.

“Do you think it’s too much? Do I look desperate?”

“No. You’ll definitely turn heads.”

Too fucking many.

She grins. “Good. I mean, Iamtrying to get laid, so I thought dressing up a little was warranted.”

Right. That’s why we’re going out. For her to get laid.

Because Caroline and I arejust friends.

That’s it.

End of.

No more inappropriate thoughts.

Ineed to get laid too. That’ll get it all out of my system.

No more bad thoughts about my best friend.

I give her the biggest, most charming smile I can conjure and saunter toward her.

“Let’s go get you laid.”

* * *

“This was a really bad idea.”

The worry in her voice is clear as her lips brush along my ear.

We’ve just stepped into Lorde’s, my boss’s favorite haunt, and she’s already itching to go home.

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