Page 45 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

But I guess it shouldn’t after this last month of living with him.

He might put on this mean front, but he’s not as awful as he pretends to be. I see how patient he is with the older people in the building. How kind he is to noisy kids in the diner.

I’ve known Sutton for a long time, but I’ve never heard him speak with such gentleness before.

“What?” His voice is gruff when he notices I’m still staring at him.

“Nothing,” I answer, shaking my head, returning to my spot on the couch. “She was attacked by a dog at her last home when she was just a few weeks old. The owners decided to re-home her and keep the dog, and she’s been at the shelter since. There was some damage to her back leg, so she walks with a limp, but other than a few scars, she’s perfectly healthy.”

I scoop the kitten into my hands and lift her to my face. Her tired eyes peel open, her little mouth opening in an adorable yawn.

“Artemis.” I test the name out on my tongue. I like it. “I think it suits her.”

“You’re welcome.” He finishes tying his laces, then pushes to his full height. “I’m going to head out. You need anything from the store?”

Again, I’m shocked by his kindness.

“A few things. I’ll come with you,” I say, setting Artemis down on the couch cushion and standing up. She doesn’t mind the shuffling and curls back up against the pillow.

“I actually have a date beforehand, so…”

“Oh.”

I don’t know why it surprises me so much, because it definitely shouldn’t. Sutton’s never been one to shy away from dating. It’s just…I don’t know what I thought. I wasn’t expecting him to start dating so soon when he just moved to town.

A smirk pulls at his lips. “That a problem, Holland?”

“Why would it be a problem?”

“Your face fell when I said the worddate. You jealous?”

I scrunch my nose. “Of your poor, unsuspecting date who has no idea what a complete ass you really are? Far from it. If anything, I feel bad for her.”

“She already knows I’m an asshole. She loves that about me.”

“Well, bully for you.” I turn away from him, stomping into the kitchen. The sarcasm in my voice is clear, but I’m hoping he doesn’t hear the anger lacing it.

Which is really damn ridiculous. I have no reason to be upset that Sutton is dating.

It makes no sense at all.

I yank open the fridge and pull out a Diet Coke, cracking open the can and taking a hefty drink, all to avoid the way he’s staring at me.

He’s always fucking staring at me.

“What?” I bark, annoyed.

“Yeah, you don’t seem jealous. Not at all.”

“Trust me, Sutton, I’m not. I’m happy you finally found someone to put up with you. Remind me to send them a card expressing my condolences.”

He laughs. “You know, one of these days you’re going to realize that all this hatred you toss my way is just a coverup for your underlying sexual desires for me. Then you’ll be begging for me to give you what you truly desire.”

“A life without you? I could only be so lucky.”

He shakes his head, grinning as he pulls the front door open. “I’ll be back late. Don’t wait up for me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

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