by E. L. Todd
“Well, thank you—”
“I’ll walk you to the door.”
“You don’t need to—”
He gave me a fierce look that shut me up right away.
I hopped out of the truck, and we walked into the building together. We took the stairs to my floor and moved down the hallway to my door.
He walked beside me, his arms stiff at his sides as he kept a few feet between us.
My throat was noticeably dry because the tension sucked all the moisture out of the air. I hated being alone with this man because it did terrible things to my cardiovascular system. I always felt like I was on the verge of a heart attack.
We reached my door, and I pulled my keys out of my clutch.
He stood near the door, like he wasn’t going anywhere until I was actually across the threshold.
I got the door open then looked at him. “Thanks for dinner.”
“You mean pizza and beer?” he teased.
“That’s my favorite kind of dinner.”
He continued to linger, like this conversation was far from over.
I stared into his pretty blue eyes and imagined his body on top of mine, his dog tags dragging along my chest as he moved. I pictured my fingertips feeling those rocks for abs again, sliding against the sweat that trickled everywhere. My body wanted to be full of him, to feel our lips locked together with a mixture of kisses and hot breaths. Maybe I couldn’t be around this man, after all. “Goodnight, Finn.”
“Goodnight, baby.” Before I could get inside, his thick arm wrapped around my body, and he pulled me in for a hug.
The second his hand moved underneath my shirt and felt my bare skin, I lost all reason to resist. I moved into his chest and felt his body surround me. If testosterone had a scent, it was the scent of Finn. My forehead moved against his chest, and I closed my eyes, accepting a moment of weakness.
His other arm wrapped around me, and he rested his chin on the top of my head.
I closed my eyes as I enjoyed his powerful body wrapped around mine. Someone could interpret the gesture as friendly affection, but I felt practically naked and covered in sweat. My breathing was deep and labored, but I also felt comfortable enough to fall asleep in his arms. I wanted to stay like this forever, to feel his scent envelop me.
He held me on the doorstep for a long time, his arms as strong as iron gates. Unless he released me, I would have no chance of escape.
He suddenly released me, my body turning cold the second his affection ceased. Without saying a word, he turned around and walked away. His heavy footsteps receded down the hallway, and his muscular back was perfectly upright with his powerful posture.
I watched him until he was gone from my sight. Then I stepped inside my empty apartment.
And wished he were still there.
2
Colton
When I woke up the next day, Finn was sitting at the kitchen table with all the windows open. It was a clear day, so while it was beautiful, it was ten degrees colder than usual. His living room had tons of windows that showed the large backyard. He sat with the newspaper beside him, his laptop open, and his notes in front of him.
I made a cup of coffee then joined him. “You always have a ton of paperwork.”
“Because I see a lot of patients.”
“How many patients do you see in twelve hours?”
“Twenty-four to thirty.”
“Really?” I asked in surprise. “That’s over two an hour.”
He kept his eyes on the paper. “I told you I was fast.”
“You make me feel lazy.”
“Because you are lazy.”
I rolled my eyes. “I haven’t talked to Aaron in a while. I would go out and try to meet someone, but saying I’m unemployed isn’t sexy.”
“But if you tell them you’re a lawyer between jobs, that is sexy.”
“Not as sexy as being a doctor.”
He kept his eyes on the paper. “I could get laid even if I weren’t a doctor.”
“Because you’re built like a brick house.”
“Not true. I’m ripped. There’s a difference.”
I rolled my eyes again even though he wasn’t looking at me. “I hate you sometimes.”
“I hate you all the time.” He shut the paper and placed it to the side.
“Any problems with Pepper?”
He finally looked up and met my gaze. “Meaning?”
“When you took her home last night.”
His eyes dilated slightly. “No. I walked her to her door and left.”
“You walked her to her door?” I asked incredulously.
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Just seems excessive…” I noticed the way my brother went out of his way for her. He actually behaved like a gentleman anytime it concerned her. Would he have offered to take home Zach or anyone else?
“I respect her. That doesn’t happen very often.”
Maybe he respected her because she was my wife…I mean, ex-wife. She still had my last name, so we were still family.
“Would you rather I treat her like garbage?”
“No. I just—”
“Then let it go.” He turned back to his computer.
I didn’t broach the subject again, knowing I was just being paranoid. “Have you talked to Mom?”
“Only every day.”
“Has she said anything…?”
“No. But she’ll come around.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so, Colt.” He typed on his computer. “I know you don’t have a job, but I do. So quiet down so I can get these dictations done. I have to work in a few hours.”
Not having a job was nice, but I noticed how bored I was. My brother worked forty hours a week, and when he was home, he still had to work a few hours every day. He didn’t always have time to play ball in the driveway. Then he spent his extra time at the gym or picking up groceries. The guy was busy. “I’m gonna visit Pepper, then. I’ll see you later.”
I walked into the lingerie shop and spotted her behind the counter. She was making notes on her clipboard, and judging by the large box beside her, she was checking all her inventory. There wasn’t a single customer inside.
“Slow day?”
She looked up at the sound of my voice. “Customers don’t usually come in until after lunch. I use the morning to catch up on paperwork. Unless you want to buy something?” She grinned.
“You got anything in black?” I walked up to the counter and rested my elbows on the surface.
She chuckled. “I’ve got everything in black.”
“It’s always been my color…”
She turned back to her notes. “So what brings you here?”
“Finn is busy, and I’m bored.”
“You could get a job…”
“I’m trying.”
“But you could be trying now.”
“I am a lot pickier about the offices I want to work in now. I’d rather be in an environment I really want to be in instead of just taking anything.”
“That’s smart.”
“But that means there’s a lot more waiting around. Finn works all those shifts, and then he has to do paperwork when he’s home. I was hoping we could play basketball all day, but he’s got too much shit going on.”
“He’s a hard worker.”
I rolled my eyes. “Or a party pooper.”
“I know you don’t really think that about him.”
I respected my brother immensely, even if I never mentioned it. “So, learn anything about your new neighbor?”
“I haven’t seen him since the other day.”
“And how hot is he?”
She shrugged. “Pretty hot. He came home in his gym clothes, and he definitely has a nice body.”
“Why did he get divorced?”
She gave me a glare. “You think I’m really going to ask that in the middle of the hallway?”
I shrugged. “You told him yo
u’re divorced too.”
“And I wouldn’t want him to ask why. Maybe if I get to know him, it’ll come up.”
“Maybe we should hang out at your place and see if we can learn anything more. We still haven’t settled if he’s gay or straight.”
“I’m pretty sure he’s straight.”
“Why?” I asked.
“He stared at me a lot.”
“Ooh…maybe you have a rebound.” Now that Pepper had had a relationship with Jax that failed, I wasn’t uncomfortable with her seeing other guys. It was starting to feel normal, like we really were friends who talked about getting laid like everyone else. I was slowly letting go of the fact that she was my ex-wife. She still felt like family, but in a friendly way.
“The last time I had a rebound, it ended up being a nightmare…”
“Only because one night with you just isn’t enough.”
She gave a slight smile.
“And since this guy is divorced, you probably have a lot in common.”
“That’s true…”
“So maybe he’s perfect for you.”
“I hope the criteria to be perfect for me is more than just being divorced. I have interests and hobbies like everyone else.”
“Tell him you own a lingerie shop.” I snapped my fingers. “That’ll be perfect.”
“But he lives across the hall from me. Wouldn’t that be weird?”
I shrugged. “If it’s just a fuck-buddy situation, why would it be?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never hooked up with a neighbor before.”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything. What time of day did you see him last time?”
“After work.”
“Perfect. We’ll linger in the hallway until he comes home from the gym.”
Pepper shook her head slightly, like the suggestion was ridiculous. “Acting like a desperate idiot isn’t my style. I may be desperate right now, but not that desperate.”
“How else are we supposed to run into him?” I asked. “We only have the short window of when he walks from the stairs to his front door. Desperate measures are required. Unless you know where he works or what gym he goes to.”
She shook her head. “I’m not desperate enough to ask. How about this? We go to my place to watch the game like normal people—and not spy on the guy across the hall.”
I was eager for Pepper to find the right guy so she could have the relationship she deserved. The day she got married would hurt me, would make me remember how happy we were together, but it would also comfort me. She deserved everything I’d failed to give her. “That’s not as adventurous, but fine. We’ll pick up some beer on the way.”
“That sounds much better.”
“You can invite Finn over if you want.” She had to wrap a towel around the cap of the bottle before she twisted it off. She tossed the cloth and cap on the coffee table before she took a drink.
“He’s working today.”
“Oh, that’s right.” She pulled her knees to her chest and watched the game, paying attention to the plays and the score because she was genuinely interested.
“My brother really likes you.”
She almost spat out her beer as she said, “What? What do you mean?”
I eyed the drops of liquid that stained the front of her blouse. “He told me he walked you all the way to your front door last night. That’s not like Finn. He’s not the kind of man that practices chivalry.”
She wiped her mouth with the back of her forearm. “I think he’s kinder than you give him credit for.”
“No, he just likes you. He told me he respects you—and that’s hard to accomplish.”
She kept her eyes on the TV.
“What is it with you and my family?” I asked. “Every single one of them is obsessed with you.”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess we just click…”
“Too bad they didn’t get you instead of me in the divorce.”
She tapped my arm lightly. “Don’t do that. You know it’s not true.”
“Eh…it’s partially true.” I clinked my bottle against hers. “But that’s okay. I fell in love with you the first night we met. It doesn’t surprise me that you have that effect on everyone else.”
She turned quiet as she watched the TV.
“You want to go bowling on Thursday night?” Zach and I were thinking of getting a team together to make it a weekly thing.
“I would, but I already have plans.”
“What are you doing?”
“Finn and I are going shopping for his kitchen stuff at Williams-Sonoma.”
“Are you charging him for all these services?” I asked incredulously.
“No,” she said with a chuckle. “That’s what friends do.”
“You don’t have to help him, you know. It’s nice of you and everything, but you don’t need to bend over backward for him.”
“I really don’t mind. I know Finn started off as just your brother…but he’s become a part of my life too. Besides, he’s a veteran. After everything he’s done for our country, you bet your ass I’m gonna help him with whatever he needs.”
I nodded in agreement. “That’s a good point.”
A knock sounded on the door.
“Expecting anyone?” I asked.
“No.” She set her beer down then went to the door. After looking through the peephole, she turned to me. She mouthed, “It’s him!”
“Who?” I mouthed back, rising to my feet.
She thrust her finger in the direction across the hall. “Hot neighbor.”
I jumped to my feet. “I’ll hide in the bathroom so you can have sex on the couch.”
She gave me an incredulous look. “What? No, just sit down.” She pointed at the couch.
I lowered myself back down.
She flipped her hair over her shoulder then opened the door. “Hey, Damon. How are you?”
He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and Pepper was right, he did have a nice body. I smiled widely and tried to act natural, but my jaw hurt from grinning so big, and I felt out of place just staring at him.
Damon glanced at me and gave an awkward look of acknowledgment. “Good. I just wanted to see if you wanted to watch the game, but you’re obviously on a date—”
“I’m not her date,” I blurted. “Just her gay bestie.”
Pepper turned to me, silently telling me to play it cool. She turned back to Damon. “We were watching the game too. Would you like to join us?”
Now that he knew I was gay, he didn’t seem so uncomfortable. “Sure.” He stepped inside then extended his hand to shake mine. “Damon. Nice to meet you.”
“Colton. You want a beer?”
“Sure.”
I grabbed one from the fridge and handed it over.
Pepper sat in between us, seeming cool and composed, but I could tell she was nervous. “Seahawk fan?”
“Would I be alive right now if I weren’t?” Damon asked with a chuckle.
“Good point.” She held her beer on her thigh and kept her eyes on the TV. “Did you just get off work?”
“Yep. I have a nine-to-five.” He relaxed into the couch and rested his ankle on the opposite knee.
“What do you do?” she asked.
“I’m an accountant,” he answered. “What about you?”
“I own a boutique clothing store in town.” She purposely left the best part out.
“It’s a lingerie store,” I added, knowing it would make her look better, not worse.
Pepper shot me a glare.
“A lingerie store?” Damon asked. “Wow…that’s pretty cool.”
I shot her a triumphant look back.
The conversation shifted to sports, a subject I couldn’t contribute much to. They talked back and forth, everything lighthearted and easy. The guy was easygoing and laid-back, and most importantly, he was super-hot. His body was impossible to mask under his clothing, and I could tell he was all muscle, soft skin, a
nd the perfect amount of hair.
Too bad he was straight.
I wanted to give Pepper the best chance of success, so I made an excuse for leaving. “I have to pick up Zach from the airport. I’ll talk to you later.”
Pepper didn’t question the lie.
“Nice to meet you, Damon.” I gave him a thumbs-up before I walked out.
When I shut the door, I felt a slight twinge of jealousy. It was only a matter of time before Pepper fell in love with a new man and started her own life. It was a tough transition, but one that needed to happen. Because I cared about her happiness much more than my own.
Finn walked through the door an hour before midnight. In his dark blue scrubs with a deep cut down the front, hints of his ink were visible. It was a short-sleeved top, so his arms were decorated with the black tattoos that covered up almost every patch of skin. He set his satchel on the dining table then moved to the fridge.
“Since you drink so much, how do you manage not to do it at work?” I sat on the couch with the TV on.
He pulled out the box of leftover pizza and ate a few slices at the counter. “I’m too busy to think about booze.”
I noticed that he hadn’t brought a woman home in a couple of weeks. He used to have someone over at least three times a week, and now that he was living in his own home, I’d expected him to be more promiscuous. “Haven’t met any lady friends lately?”
He looked up from the box and eyed me, his black stethoscope hanging around his neck. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You usually bring women home, but you haven’t in a while.”
He took another bite and didn’t answer my question. “What’d you do today?”
“Hung out with Pepper.”
“Poor girl.”
I glared at the guy. “Don’t feel sorry for her. That new roommate across the hall came over to watch the game. And this guy is sexy. You can tell he hits the gym every day, and he has dimples in his cheeks every time he smiles. He’s cute.”
Finn stopped chewing, his eyes narrowing on my face.
“What? I’m gay. What do you expect me to say?”