The Girl Next Door
The Boy Next Door Chapter 15

"We're late," Beck mutters, hastening his step as we move through the lobby of our apartment building before pushing through the glass doors and into the bright sunshine, "and I'm in no mood to run suicides." Yeah, me neither. We've done more than enough of that this summer. My body already feels battered and bruised and it's only August. Coach came back in July when training camp started up with all these new workout regimes. I'm not sure if he's trying to scare the freshman, but I don't like it. Not one damn bit.

Added to that, it's hot as hades out here. And it will feel a thousand degrees hotter running plays on the turf. There are times when the field actually looks hazy in the afternoon sun. A few of the guys have already passed out. That's Division I football for you. p****** need not apply.

I'll tell you this, it makes me glad that I decided not to enter the draft. As much as I love football and I'll miss the sport, I'm ready to move on with my life. I glance at Beck. He doesn't feel that way. He'll be entering the NFL draft this year and more than likely, he'll go in the first round. I can't wait to see what team he ends up with.

I'm knocked out of those thoughts when a female voice catches my attention. My head whips up, knowing exactly who it belongs to.

Alyssa.

My footsteps falter as the air gets clogged in my lungs.

I don't know how it's possible, but she's even more beautiful than I remember. For the moment, she's unaware of my presence and I'm able to eat her up with my eyes. My gaze touches every part of her. From the top of her blond head to the tips of her toes, I catalogue all the little details that have changed. The sleeker haircut that frames her face. The willowy form that now looks longer and leaner. No longer does she resemble the girl I remember. The one who chased after me throughout high school and the first couple years of college. There's something different about her. An air of sophistication that wasn't there before.

From all the luggage being dragged up the walkway, my guess is that Mia just picked her up from the airport.

"Well, this should be interesting," Beck mutters under his breath.

It's almost laughable that I'd thought our time apart would have dulled the emotions that have always simmered beneath the surface where she's concerned. If anything, they're stronger than ever and trying to break free. For the first time in eighteen months, my blood pumps through my veins with renewed energy.

It takes a heartbeat for her to become aware of my presence. Her gaze settles on me and the easy-going expression falls away from her face as if it had never been there in the first place. Her blue eyes turn stony. If I'd thought more than a year of separation would have dulled her anger toward me, I was woefully mistaken. That realization is slammed home when Alyssa grabs hold of Mia's arm and yanks her to a halt.

There's no disguising the wrath in her voice as she snaps, "What the hell is he doing here?"

I couldn't look away from her if I tried. She bristles as I continue to stare.

"Right," Mia glances nervously between us before admitting quietly, "I, ah, meant to tell you about that."

"About what?" Her expression turns stormy as if she's bracing herself for bad news. "What didn't you tell me about?"

"They also live here," her friend blurts, shifting her weight.

There's a beat of silence before Alyssa says through stiff lips, "I really hope you're joking."

"Sorry, Lys," the dark-haired girl whispers. "When I signed the rental agreement, I had no idea they lived here or that we're neighbors."

Alyssa's eyes widen. Any moment, they're going to fall out of her head. "What?"

Mia winces as her friend's voice cracks through the air.

I don't realize I'm on the move or that I've closed the distance between us until I grind to a halt a few feet away from her. The temptation to reach out and pull her into my arms is almost overwhelming. It's been way too long since I've been able to do that. Unfortunately, I know exactly how that would go over and it's not well. I'd probably lose my balls in the ensuing skirmish. After twenty-one years, I'm kind of partial to them.

Alyssa watches me through narrowed eyes. Color flares to life in her cheeks, giving them a flushed look. My mind tumbles back to the other times when her cheeks would fill with color. Only then, it had nothing to do with being pissed off.

Her lips compress into a thin line. When she remains silent, it becomes apparent that I'll have to be the one to make the first move. Which is just fine with me. In a way, it feels like I've been waiting for this moment for a long time.

"Hey, Lys." Everything warms inside me as her gaze holds mine. All I want is to feel the intensity of her gaze on me. Even if it's filled with anger. I don't care. I have no idea if I can make this right between us but as I stand before her, I realize just how much I want to. Need to.

If it were possible to wipe away the past and start fresh, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Am I delusional enough to think a simple conversation will undo the mistakes I've made?

Hell, no.

This is Alyssa Williams we're talking about. She has a temper. So, what I'm expecting her to do is bite my head off. Kind of like a female praying mantis after they've mated. I'm willing to swallow my pride and let it happen. Anything that will get us on the rocky road to making amends.

Much to my surprise, that's not what happens.

Instead, she says, voice full of ice, "Did you hear that?" Eyes wide, she glances around as if searching for someone. "It almost sounds like a ghost from boyfriends' past."

My brows rise as a frown pinches my face. I'm...not quite sure how to react to this, but all right. She wants to give me the silent treatment? I guess I deserve it.

I glance at Mia to get a read on her expression. She jerks her shoulders and for a second, my heartbeat stutters as her words from two weeks ago ring unwantedly through my head.