The Girl Next Door
The Boy Next Door Chapter 35

"Yup." I roll from the bed and stretch.

Her gaze roves over my body before settling at my groin. I glance down to see what has captured her interest and realize that I'm sporting a massive boner.

Yup, that's exactly what this girl does to me.

She props herself up on her elbows, all the while staying laser focused on me.

Damn but she makes a pretty picture lying there all naked and flushed.

I really need to get out of here before I jump back into bed with her. I grab my athletic shorts and yank them up my thighs before tugging on my T-shirt. Now that I'm dressed, the situation feels much safer. It's like I've got a protective shield in place. Once I've got my slides on, I retreat from the space. "Is a mocha frappe still your preferred drug of choice?"

Her lips tremble at the corners as she relaxes against the mattress. "Yeah, it is."

There's a sliver of comfort in the knowledge that while some things are completely different, others stay the same.

"Okay. I'll be back in fifteen."

With that, I disappear from the bedroom and out of her apartment. I make a quick pitstop at my place and grab my wallet before heading to my BMW parked in the lot. As I slide behind the wheel and shove the keys into the ignition, the vehicle purrs to life. That's three hundred and thirty-five horses waiting to break free under the hood. I rev the engine before pulling out and heading up the street about half a mile before swinging around the corner. There's a little coffee shop off the beaten path where the locals stop for java. I have no idea if Alyssa has frequented the place, but I know her penchant for coffee and I'm pretty sure she'll enjoy it. At this time on a Sunday morning, the shop is fairly quiet and I'm in and out in a matter of minutes. All I want to do is get back to Alyssa and spend the day together. I don't give a crap what we do, I just want to be with her. I want our relationship to feel like it did before I blew everything to s**t. Even if it's just fleeting moments.

As I park the convertible in the lot, I grab our containers of coffee along with the fresh baked almond scone I picked up for Alyssa and head inside the lobby before beelining for the elevator. Normally, I would take the stairwell, but my hands are full. Using my elbow, I hit the button and wait for the car to arrive. Once it does, I hop onto the platform. I almost shake my head when I replace myself whistling a song.

Whistling, for f**k's sake.

I can't remember the last time I whistled. Or felt this happy. And it has everything to do with Alyssa.

"Hold the lift!" someone yells from the lobby as the doors slide shut.

Without thinking, I wedge my foot between them. The metal bounces off my rubber shoe-which by the way, hurts like a mother fucker-before sliding open. A dark-haired guy with a suitcase jumps onboard. He's slightly winded as if he's just run a mile. Although that's doubtful since he's wearing pressed khakis and a crisp light blue-colored button-down shirt.

"Thanks, mate!"

Hmmm. Interesting.

British accent.

"No problem. Seems like you're in a hurry."

Once we're inside, he glances at the control panel but doesn't press anything else which means he's also getting off on the third floor. I've lived here since July, and I've never seen this guy around.

He cracks a smile. "I've come straight from the airport." Before I can ask, he offers, "I'm here to visit a friend."

A prickle of unease blooms in the pit of my gut as I study him with a little more care.

"Oh?" I try to keep my tone nonchalant. "Your friend is on the third floor?"

"Yes." Once the doors slide open, he glances at the drinks in my hands before placing a palm across the metal threshold. "After you."

"Thanks." I roll my shoulders, trying to shake off the thick tension that has gathered there before stepping into the carpeted hallway. The air gets clogged in my throat as I give him a bit of side eye, waiting to see which direction he heads in. If he turns to the right, then I don't have-

f**k.

Not only is he walking in the same direction as I am, but he's pulled up alongside me. With every step that brings me closer to Alyssa's apartment, my anxiety grows, morphing into more of a heavy stone. While I asked Alyssa questions about her time in London, I painstakingly avoided the topic of people she might have dated. It's not like I wanted to know.

The British dude glances at the silver numbers alongside each apartment door. Just when I think he'll pass by her place, he grinds to a halt and rechecks the numbers. "Here we are." He flashes me another smile. "Thanks again, mate."

My footstep faulters as he raps his knuckles against the wood and waits. Within seconds, the door swings open and Alyssa stands on the other side of the threshold. Thank f**k she's wearing more clothing than when I walked out twenty minutes ago. She's pulled on a white T-shirt and tiny red shorts. The shorts are teeny tiny and do absolutely nothing to cover her long lean legs. A growl rumbles up from deep within my chest.

Alyssa's movements still as her lower jaw drops open. It takes a moment for her to blink out of the stupor she's fallen into. "Jack?"

Jack?

Why the hell does that name sound so familiar?

Wait a minute. Is this the dude who was texting her?

f**k.

f**k.

f**k.

"Surprise! I was in Chicago for an interview and decided to make a slight detour." He let's go of the suitcase handle and opens his arms wide.

Every instinct is screaming at me to rip her away from him. Bile bubbles up in my throat until it feels like I could choke on it. My hands tighten around the contains of coffee as she steps into his embrace. I take a step forward before grinding to a halt. What the f**k am I going to do?

There was a time when Alyssa belonged to me, but that's not now.

Her eyes replace mine as he presses a kiss against her cheek.

All I know is that I can't stand here and watch this happen right in front of my face. Even though it goes against every impulse, I turn away and force my feet into motion. It takes effort to put one foot in front of the other. The walk to my apartment feels like it lasts forever. As I slip the key into the lock and turn the handle, I glance down the hallway only to replace it empty.