Page 54 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

And I realize I use that word a lot when it comes to Sutton, but that’s because it’s true.

It’s complicated because logically I know I should hate him for using me.

I should hate him for the way he looks down on me like he’s better than me.

Should hate him for the way he tries to sabotage me at every turn.

But nonsensically? I want him.

I want the way he makes my body feel.

I want the way his stare makes it seem like I’m the only person in the room.

The way he makes my world feel like everything I was ever missing isn’t so lost when he’s around.

“I have fifteen minutes.”

So I tell her.

I tell her everything. From high school to heartbreak to him becoming my coworker and roommate. I tell her all my logical and nonsensical reasons.

And what does Darlene do?

Shelaughs.

“How is this funny?” I ask, my temper rising.

She places her hand on top of mine, patting it twice. “Oh, honey. It’s not funny, not at all, and I don’t envy the position you’re in. It’s a hard choice to make—the head or the heart.”

“Not heart,” I’m quick to say. “My heart isn’t involved. It’s just my body that can’t say no to him.”

She twists her lips up, tipping her head to the side and eyeing me in a way that makes me shift under her stare.

With a singular nod, she says, “Then go for it.”

“What?” I balk at her suggestion.

She lifts a shoulder. “If your body can’t say no, then screw him.”

I laugh at her choice of words, shaking my head. “I can’t.”

“Why the hell not?”

“Well, we’re roommates, and there’s the bet we had. It’d be admitting defeat, and there’s no way I’m doing that and letting him win again. Plus, there are some fraternization rules at work, and I’d really rather not be fired over some dick.”

“Is it good dick though?”

I bark out another laugh at her words, not expecting them in the least.

“The first reason isn’t even important anymore. You’ve both already clearly lost, so we’ll just call it a draw. The other part…” She winces. “Well, that one is a little more complicated.”

There’s that word again.

“But I’d suggest maybe keeping your hands off each other at work.”

My cheeks heat with her penetrating stare.

“Darlene!” someone yells from the front counter. “Break time’s over!”

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