The Girl Next Door
The Boy Next Door Chapter 16

You should know that Alyssa has moved on.

What if that's true?

Can I necessarily blame her for trying to replace happiness with another guy?

Nope.

All this girl wanted to do was love me and I stomped on her heart and ran away like a little b***h. Truth be told, I'm embarrassed by my own behavior.

My tongue darts out to moisten my lips as I make a second attempt to break through her icy veneer. What I don't know is how deep her cool exterior runs and if it's possible to drill down past it.

"It's really good to see you, Lys." When she continues to avoid eye contact, I decide to take my life into my own hands by stepping closer and pulling her into my arms. For a sliver of a moment, my mind tumbles back to what it felt like to hold her any damn time I wanted.

I guess what they say is true-you don't realize what you have until it's gone.

Her body goes whipcord tight as a growl of protest emanates from deep in her chest and then she's fighting her way out of my arms like I'm a serial killer trying to wrestle her to a white van. Once she breaks free, she shoves me away before straightening her clothing and spearing me with a steely-edged glare that would shrivel the balls off most guys. With a huff, she turns her attention to Beck, who watches the current show we're treating him to with an amused expression.

I'm sure he's loving this. Usually, it's him making an a*s out of himself. And yeah, when the shoe is on the other foot, I get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

"Hello, Beckett. It's nice to see you." Now that Alyssa is no longer addressing me, her voice softens considerably as she flashes a mega-watt smile in his direction. A kernel of unwanted jealousy explodes in my belly even though I know damn well that I have nothing to be concerned about. Alyssa and Beck have been friends for years. But still...I don't like her looking at him like that. Especially when she can barely be bothered to give me the time of day. "Did Mia happen to mention the welcome home party I'm having this Saturday at Bang Bang?" She continues to ignore me like I'm not even standing here. The temptation to lay my hands on her pounds through me. This time, instead of giving in to the urge, I keep my hands to myself. "Feel free to stop by if you're not busy." Humor ignites in Beck's green gaze as he slants a look toward the dark-haired girl. "Nope, she didn't mention it." Yeah, there's a reason for that. Mia can't stand Beck. It's doubtful she would spit in his mouth if he were dying of thirst. Then again...I did catch them swapping spit in Beck's pool a year ago. So, it's altogether possible I'm wrong about that.

Mia's lips sink into a frown as she gives her best friend a bit of side-eye. Alyssa doesn't bother to glance in her direction. My guess is that the invitation is payback for moving into the same apartment building as me.

"Hmm," Alyssa continues with a small frown, "that's strange. She must have forgotten to mention the party to you the same way she neglected to mention that a certain someone who shall remain nameless is my new neighbor." Yup. Most definitely payback.

Mia's eyes narrow as she arrives at the same conclusion.

Unable to remain silent any longer, I blurt, "Hey, what about me? Don't I get an invite?"

By the sparks of blue anger that flash in her eyes, I'm guessing that would be a negative. When she remains silent, I give her my most charming smile-the one that can melt the panties right off a girl-and make a second attempt. "How about for old times' sake?" I get zero reaction.

Any power I'd once had over her has vanished. Even though I'm the one who opened my hand and let her go, she's slipping through my fingers when I want more than anything to snatch her back and hold her tight.

Alyssa c***s her head and glances around owlishly. "It's so strange the way I keep hearing something."

Anger and frustration bubble up inside me. Maybe I have no right to feel them or even be irritated by her behavior, but that doesn't stop the emotions from flooding through me.

Tired of being ignored, I say, "Really, Lys?" I pause for a beat before adding something I know will solicit a reaction out of her. "You're acting like a child."

Boom. Mission accomplished.

If I'd wanted her attention, I certainly have it. She goes off like a firework on the fourth of July. Thunderclouds erupt on Alyssa's pretty face as she wheels around to face me. Two steps bring her close enough to drill a finger into my chest. Well...at least she's touching me of her own volition. That's got to be a step in the right direction.

Or not.

Fury vibrates off her in heavy, suffocating waves. "I'm the child?" Her voice escalates with every word that she bites out. "That's rich! You dumped my a*s because you couldn't keep your d**k in your pants! Don't you dare turn this around on me!" The people passing by on the sidewalk in front of the building stop and stare. "You and I are not friends. We will never be friends! I was an i***t for thinking you were anything other than a manwhore!" Read more free novels at Narugi.com

When I remain silent, the air around us crackles with explosive energy. It's like an impending lightning storm. Any moment, I'm going to get fried.

Guilt nearly swallows me whole as tears prick Alyssa's eyes, making them appear glassy. She blinks back the moisture, refusing to let it fall, and glances around as if only now realizing that her outburst has drawn an unwanted audience. A dull red color seeps into her cheeks.

She meets their inquisitive stares with a snarl. "Move it along! Show's over, there's nothing to see here."

An apology sits on the tip of my tongue. Before I can get it out, Mia grabs Alyssa's luggage and drags it to the building. Beck scrambles to open the glass door before the two girls disappear inside the lobby. And I'm left standing like a dumbass with my d**k in my hand. f**k me.

Once the door closes firmly behind them, Beck glances at me with a raised brow.

"Well," he says, running his fingers across his jaw, "that didn't go well."

I grimace at the understatement. "Nope, it sure as hell didn't."

Any hope that my past transgressions might be forgiven go up in flames.

More like a dumpster fire fueled by a drum of gasoline.