The Boy Next Door

by Jennifer Sucevic

  As I cross over the threshold, Mia’s voice stops me in my tracks. “Colton?”

  I turn and meet her steady gaze. “You should know that Alyssa has moved on.”

  And just like that, I’m shoved beneath the glassy surface of the water again and can’t breathe. Mia’s words shouldn’t cause me a moment of heartache. If anything, relief should be pumping through my body.

  That’s the outcome I was hoping for, right?

  It’s the reason I pushed her away in the first place.

  But...that’s not the way I feel.

  Unable to utter a sound, I jerk my head into a tight nod before slipping from the apartment and into the hallway.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Colton

  “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 sunshine, “and I’m in no mood to run suicides.”

  That makes two of us. 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 intimidate 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 when we’re 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. Pussies need not apply.

  I’ll tell you this, deciding not to enter the draft was the right decision. As much as I love football, and I’ll miss the sport, I’m ready to move on to the next phase of my life. I glance at Beck, knowing he doesn’t feel the same way. He’ll enter the NFL draft this year and, more than likely, be a first-round pick. I can’t wait to see what team he signs with. I’m stoked for the guy.

  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 my gaze locks on her. That’s all it takes for the air to get clogged in my lungs. I don’t know how it’s possible, but she’s even more beautiful than I remember. My gaze roves over every part of her. From the top of her blond head to the tips of her toes, I catalog all the little details that have changed. The sleeker haircut that frames her face. The willowy form that somehow looks longer and leaner. She doesn’t resemble the same girl who carved out a place in my heart. The one who chased after me throughout high school and the first couple of years of college. There’s something different about her. An air of sophistication that wasn’t there to begin with.

  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 might have dulled the feelings that have always festered 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.

  A heartbeat later, she becomes 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 to begin with. Her blue eyes turn stormy. If my feelings haven’t softened over time, neither have hers. 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?”

  My unrelenting stare leaves her bristling with anger.

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

  “About what?” Her jaw locks as if bracing herself for catastrophic news. “What didn’t you tell me about?”

  “They also live here,” her friend blurts, shifting her stance.

  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 right out of her head and roll on the ground near her feet. “What?”

  Mia winces as Alyssa’s sharp 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 from where she stands. The temptation to reach out and pull her into my arms is almost overwhelming. It’s been way too long since I’ve touched her. Unfortunately, I know exactly how that would go over, and it’s not well.

  Alyssa glares through narrowed eyes. Color flares to life in her cheeks, giving them a flushed look. When she remains silent, it occurs to me that if I want our relationship to be different, I need to make the first move. In a way, it feels like I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.

  “Hey, Lys.” Everything inside me warms as her gaze flicks to mine. I have no idea if I can make this right between us, but I want to try.

  If it were possible to wipe away the past and start over again, I would do it in a heartbeat. Am I delusional enough to think that a simple conversation will undo the pain I inflicted?

  Hell, no.

  This is Alyssa Williams we’re talking about. The girl has a temper. What I’m fully expecting is that she’ll bite my head off—kind of like a female praying mantis after they’ve mated. But I’m willing to swallow my pride and allow it to happen. Anything that will get us on the rocky road to making amends.

  Much to my surprise, that’s not what transpires.

  Instead, she says, voice full of ice, “Did you hear that?” Eyes wide, she glances around as if searching the area. “It almost sounds like a ghost from boyfriends’ past.”

  My brows rise as a frown pinches my expression. She wants to give me the silent treatment and pretend I don’t exist?

  Fine, I deserve it.

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

  You should know that Alyssa has moved on.

  What if that’s true?

  All this girl wanted to do was love me, and I stomped all over her heart and ran away like a little bitch. Looking back, I’m embarrassed by my own immature behavior. My tongue darts out to moisten my lips as I make another 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 time I wanted.

  Her body goes whipcord tight as a growl of protest emanates from deep within 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 Alyssa breaks free, she shoves me away before straightening her shirt 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 show we’re treating him to with an amused expression.

  My guess is that he’s loving this. Usually, he’s the one intent on making an ass out of himself. And yeah, when the shoe is on the other foot, I derive 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 the pit of my belly even though I know damn well I have nothing to be concerned about. Alyssa and Beck have been friends for years. Bu
t still...I don’t like her looking at him like that—especially when she can’t 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 asks.

  The temptation to lay hands on her pounds through me. Instead of giving in to the urge, I keep them to myself.

  “Feel free to stop by if you’re not busy,” Alyssa adds.

  Humor flares to life 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 getting it on in Beck’s pool a year ago. So, it’s altogether possible I’m mistaken 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. I have a hunch the invitation is payback.

  “Hmm,” Alyssa continues with a small frown, “that’s strange. She must have forgotten to mention the party to you the same way she forgot to mention that a certain someone who shall remain nameless is my new neighbor.”

  Yup, most definitely retribution.

  Mia’s eyes narrow as if she, too, has arrived 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 attempt to put the past behind us. “How about for old times’ sake?”

  I get zero reaction.

  Any power I’d once wielded over her has vanished. It’s a frightening realization. Even though I’m the one who opened my hand and let her slip through my fingers, all I want to do is reel her back in.

  Alyssa tilts her head and glances around owlishly. “It’s so strange the way I keep hearing something.”

  Frustration bubbles up inside me. Maybe I have no right to feel it or be irritated by her behavior, but that doesn’t stop the hot licks of emotion 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 from her. “You’re acting like a child.”

  Boom. Mission accomplished.

  If I’d wanted her attention, I now have it in spades. 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.

  Then again, maybe 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 ass because you couldn’t keep your dick 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 idiot for thinking you were anything other than a manwhore!”

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

  Remorse nearly swallows me whole as tears prick Alyssa’s eyes, giving them a glassy appearance. She blinks back the moisture and glances around as if only now realizing that her outburst has drawn unwanted attention. 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 push 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 there like a slack-jawed dumbass.

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

  “Well,” he says, running his fingers along his shadowed jaw, “that could have gone better.”

  I grimace at the understatement. Any hope that my past transgressions might be forgiven go up in flames.

  Or, more accurately, a dumpster fire fueled by a drum of gasoline.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Alyssa

  Oh my God!

  What the hell just happened?

  Emotion churns through me as Mia shoves the key into the lock and twists the handle before dragging my bags inside our brand-new apartment. The confrontation with Colton has left me shaken and out of sorts. Was I really under the delusion that it would be possible to ease back into life at Wesley? That I could take my time, adjust a bit, and find my bearings before having to come face-to-face with him? I glance at my phone, noting that I haven’t even been on American soil for a full hour before we had a blow-up.

  Ugh.

  That encounter couldn’t have gone any worse.

  After my time in London, I’d convinced myself I was over him—that I’d detoxed the guy from my heart. Only now do I realize that it was nothing more than wishful thinking on my part, or I wouldn’t have gone off the rails like a complete psycho. I wince, remembering the avid faces watching from the sidelines. A few spectators had been on the verge of grabbing a bowl of popcorn and pulling up a lawn chair to enjoy the show.

  On a positive note, it’s doubtful I’ll have to worry about Colton pestering me in the near future. Or anyone else who witnessed that debacle. I’m sure my new neighbors will give me a wide berth and avoid me like a case of the clap.

  One year. That’s all I have to endure until graduation. Then we’ll go our separate ways, and I’ll never have to see him again.

  The adrenaline pumping through my veins dissipates, leaving exhaustion behind to fill the void. It takes every last ounce of strength to muscle my luggage into the small entryway and slam the door closed.

  With a huff of breath, I glance around our new digs. I’d been so excited by the photos and virtual tour Mia had sent. It seemed almost unbelievable that we had all this space to ourselves. No more dorm life! Or teeny tiny flat.

  Although, given what just transpired outside, I would happily exchange this place for a dorm. How am I going to coexist in the same building with Colton Montgomery?

  I trudge into the sun-filled living room before collapsing onto a chair. Another wave of exhaustion crashes over me. I don’t think I’ve slept for a solid twenty-four hours. There had been so much that needed to be packed up and too many people to hug and kiss goodbye. As excited as I was to return to Wesley, I was sad to leave all the new friends I’d made behind—especially since I have no idea when I’ll see them again.

  Almost gingerly, Mia settles on the couch across from me. A flicker of unease fills her expression as concern gathers in her eyes. “I’m really sorry, Lys. I meant to tell you about Colton on the ride home from the airport, but I didn’t know how to do it.” She jerks her shoulders. “When I toured the building and then signed the rental lease a few weeks later, I had no idea he lived here.”

  My gaze meanders to the patio door that leads to a small balcony. I’d been over the moon when she’d stepped outside with her phone and panned the area. The idea of being able to sit outdoors on a balmy night and study in the fresh air seemed almost extravagant.

  And now?

  Not even that little perk can bring a smile to my lips because all I can think about is that Colton will be here, too. I’ll run into him in the hallways. I’ll have a first-class seat to the groupies he entertains. That thought is enough to make me nauseous. A humorless chuckle bubbles up in my throat. It seems ridiculous that I’d actually convinced myself I was over him. Or that I’d moved on with my life when clearly that is not the case.

  “It’s fine.” Now that the brightest part of my anger has drained away, guilt rushes in to swamp me
. “Sorry for being such a raving bitch and inviting Beck to the party.”

  She shakes her head as a groan slips free.

  It only makes me feel worse. Mia renting an apartment in the same building as Colton was an unfortunate coincidence. Me inviting Beck to the welcome home party, however, was not.

  I clear my throat and add in a hopeful tone, “It’s always possible he won’t show up.”

  Mia snorts before leveling a disbelieving stare in my direction. “I think we both know he’ll be there.”

  She’s right, we do.

  Beck has always had a not-so-secret thing for my bestie. Mia, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with the guy, which is a challenge since they grew up together, live next door to one another, and their parents are good friends, which means they end up spending holidays and vacations together.

  As easy on the eyes as Beck is, I can’t blame her for keeping him at a distance. He’s a player, and Mia has experienced enough pain in her life to willingly invite more. I might have been gone for a year, but I can’t imagine that much has changed where Beck Hollingsworth is concerned.

  Unlike me, Mia knows better than to try and tame a bad boy.

  “We could always look for another apartment and, if we find something, try to get out of the lease,” she says, breaking into my thoughts.

  I glance around the newly decorated space. I like what Mia has done with the place. Already, after only being here for two weeks, the apartment looks homey. It would be such a pain in the ass to move again. Not to mention, I really do love that balcony.

  Am I really going to allow Colton Montgomery to chase me away from here?

  Nope. I refuse to give him the satisfaction. Decision made, I blow out a breath and shake my head.

  Mia’s shoulders loosen from around her ears as a tentative smile curves her lips. “Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll barely see him. You’re busy with dance, and his season is just beginning. You’ll be like two ships passing in the night.”