He raises a brow in confusion.
“You can obviously afford to live in a nicer neighborhood than mine.”
“You do realize I’m a police officer, right? We’re not raking in the money.”
“Yes,” I draw out. “But your family is loaded.”
“Doesn’t mean I am, nor do I want their money.”
I snap my mouth shut and unbuckle my seat belt, feeling awkward over my question. Of course Kyle, as a grown man, doesn’t allow his family to support him.
“And to feed your curiosity, I moved there because it was the house my grandmother grew up in. She talked about it all the time and how she missed living in a simple neighborhood. Someone bought it and renovated it. I put in an offer when it went back on the market. Trust me; it wasn’t because you lived next door even though it is a plus.” He winks before opening his door and getting out.
Circling around the truck, he opens my door next before offering his hand.
“Are you doing this to make sure I don’t get out and make a run for it?” I ask.
He chuckles. “No. I’m doing it because I’m romantic as fuck.”
I grab his hand with reluctance.
“I promise it won’t be dreadful. I enjoy your company, and deny it all you want, but you also enjoy mine. We’ll eat dinner, sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to my sister, and then bail. If you’re uncomfortable, we’ll leave.”
I release an overly exaggerated breath and hop out of the truck.
Kyle’s introduces me to his family. His mother, Nancy. His younger brother, Rex. The birthday girl and younger sister, Sierra. And the youngest girl, Cassidy. Sierra’s boyfriend is here, appearing nothing like I’d imagine her with by looking at her. Sierra is sporting a black leather jacket and bright red lips, and she’s wearing heels. Her boyfriend is in a sweater and a pair of Sperry slip-ons.
Sometimes, opposites do attract.
No Michael Lane in sight. Good. My appetite won’t be ruined.
We’re seated at the table, about to dig in, when the front door slams.
Uh-oh. Front doors slamming are never a good sign.
The room goes silent.
No one takes a bite or drink.
“Sorry I’m late.”
I stiffen at the sound of his voice.
Shit.
I hold my breath, awaiting his entrance. He stands in the entry, arms broad with an expensive suit and a face full of smugness. For a small-town mayor, he thinks he’s hotter shit than he is. He hardly has any pull, but word is, he’s trying to move up the totem pole and make it to Governor of Iowa. Then, Senate. Then, however higher he can manipulate his way up.
He walks around the table, giving his wife a kiss on the cheek before doing the same to Sierra and Cassidy. He gives Sierra’s boyfriend a head nod but pays no attention to Rex or Kyle before taking the empty chair at the head of the table.
“I thought you couldn’t make it?” Kyle asks with a slight hiss in his tone.
Michael gives a crooked politician’s smile. “Didn’t think I could, but there was a break in my schedule, so I figured, Why not?”
I’m not sure if he’s noticed my presence.
Rex snorts. “Yeah, why not show up to your daughter’s birthday dinner?”
“Rex,” Michael warns.
I like Rex and his little smart mouth.
“Don’t get mad at me for stating the obvious,” Rex argues.
“Some of us work for a living to provide for a son who wants to take a year to defer from college to jerk around,” Michael bites out with a glare toward Rex.
“Or maybe your son decided he won’t be a puppet and follow in his father’s footsteps. I’m not attending the college or majoring in what you want. Just like Kyle, I don’t want to be Michael Lane’s protégé. You’ve shown me firsthand your business, and politics are something I never want to be a part of.”
This sure is fun.
Very entertaining.
I’m at the best dinner show, and I didn’t pay for a ticket.
“Everyone, shut up,” Kyle finally snaps. “This is Sierra’s birthday dinner, not a pissing match. If we want to do that shit, we’ll do it later. So, eat your fucking dinner and shut your fucking mouths unless it’s to wish her a happy birthday.”
Well, damn.
“Thank you,” Sierra says.
Kyle glances over at Nancy. “Sorry, Mom.”
I don’t pay attention to Nancy. My eyes stay on Michael. I watch the way his upper lip snarls at Kyle. He clearly likes to be the one in charge. He’s about to most likely lay into him until his eyes flicker my way. I receive a dirtier look than anyone at this table so far.
“I see we have company,” Michael says, jerking his chin toward me.
“Yes, sorry for the lack of introduction while you came in, talking shit,” Kyle says.
I’ve never seen him like this—so condescending and defiant. It’s a major turn-on, given he’s being a total dick to an asshole I don’t like.
Kyle tips his head my way. “Chloe, Mayor Lane.” Then, he tips his head toward his father. “Mayor Lane, Chloe.”
Michael rubs his chin. “Welcome to my home.” He says it with such distaste that more than one person at the table flinches.
“Dad,” Kyle warns, “you’re not even supposed to be here. If you plan to insult people, leave.”
His glare confirms I’m not welcome here.
“How long have you been dating my brother?” Sierra asks when I walk out of the bathroom and into the hallway.
I don’t see Kyle anywhere in sight.
Dinner was awkward, to say the least. Nancy forced conversation, asking what everyone had been up to. Sierra recently graduated from college. So did her boyfriend. Cassidy’s college choice was met with approval from Michael. Rex got skipped, considering he’d already told Michael to get fucked. The same with Kyle. When Nancy came to me, Michael interrupted the conversation and began discussing a charity function.
I nearly fall on my face at her question. “Negative thirty minutes.”
She blinks. “Huh?”
“We’re not dating.”
“So … just friends?” she asks.
I shrug. “Just neighbors.”
She leans against the wall, and I don’t know if she was passing by when I walked out of the bathroom or if she was waiting for me.
“I think you two would make a cute couple.”
I shake my head. “No. It’s a bad idea.”
“Hmm … doesn’t seem that way, but if you saying that makes you feel better …” she says before smoothing a hand down her blonde hair. “Thanks for coming to my birthday dinner.”
With that, her boyfriend appears, and she leaves with him.
I walk down the hall and out the front door, in need of fresh air. I inhale deep breaths while standing on the front porch.
“How dare you step foot into my home,” Michael says, coming to my side.
He was waiting for the perfect time to pounce.
“I’m unsure of why you’re so angry about it,” I reply, trying to keep my voice as firm as I can. You don’t scare me.
He rests his elbows on the railing next to me. From the outside, we resemble two friends sharing a friendly conversation, and I hate how close he is.
“You don’t belong here. My son hanging out with you will tarnish my family’s image.”
“Your son is a big boy who can make his own decisions. Maybe you should look in the mirror and realize what a deceptive liar you are.”
He lets out an arrogant laugh. “That’s where you’re wrong, Chloe. I’m not a deceptive man. I’m a man who wants the best for the town he’s in charge of, and if I have to get rid of the people who pollute it, it’s what I’ll do.”
“I wouldn’t brag about that.”
“Oh, really?”
I stare straight ahead. “You’re a fighter who will do anything to get what he wants even if it means stepping on the less fortunate. As our mayor, maybe you
should fight for them instead.”
“Life isn’t fair. Accept it. It’s a lesson you should’ve learned early, but I’m sure your single, drug-addicted mother didn’t instill it.” He cracks a smile.
I push off the railing. “Don’t talk about my mother. Don’t talk about my family. Matter of fact, don’t come near me again.”
“Chloe. No one cares about your dysfunctional family. You’re the one who stepped into my home, unwelcome. I’m well aware that you see my son as an opportunity. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, seeing as you’re trying to fuck your way into getting my son’s money.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You of all people should know how powerful I am. Remember Sam?”
I wince at the name. “Go fuck yourself, Mayor Lane.”
He laughs while I walk away.
Eight
Kyle
There’s a knock on my office door.
My father walks in.
Great. He’s most likely not here to ask for my Christmas wish list.
“What’s up?” This conversation needs to be as short as possible.
He shuts the door behind him and takes a seat. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be hanging out with Chloe Fieldgain.”
Ah, there it is. This isn’t a social hello, unsurprisingly. I expected a call, but it seems he felt the need to show his face instead.
The tension between my dad and Chloe was strong, and I can’t blame her. Even with my mom’s discouragement, he judges those less fortunate in our town.
Last night, I could tell we were both exhausted, so I didn’t ask Chloe to hang out, and we went into our own homes.
“Who I hang out with is none of your business,” I reply.
He laughs. “Tell me it’s only sex and you’re using condoms.”
“It’s not only sex, and we’re not using condoms. I’m hoping to give you fifteen grandchildren with her.” Take that, asshole.
“Son, if you’re having an issue getting women to sleep with you, I can find someone to help get your rocks off.”
I hold my hand up and cringe. Fucking gross. “Calm down. I’m not sleeping with Chloe.”
“Good. You might be smarter than I thought.”
I scoff. “Smart because I’m not sleeping with someone?”
“Smart, like your father, who knows where he sticks his dick is important.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I never want to be a man like you.”
“A man like me?” he asks, insulted.
“Yes. A shitty husband. A shitty dad. A man so hungry for power that he can’t realize his plate is already full.”
He pulls at the collar of his suit. “I’m beginning to think my daughters carry more balls than my sons. Rex wants to be … fuck, I don’t know what, and you want to screw a woman who grew up in the trailer park.”
“Again, I’m not fucking Chloe. We’re friends and neighbors.”
He smiles. “Be safe with her. The last thing you need is a baby with the woman. Fuck her all you want, but be careful.”
“Leave her alone,” I instruct. “Don’t you dare give her the same warning, or there will be problems.”
He huffs. “Since when do you think you have authority over me?”
“Since I decided I’m not afraid of you and not a puppet under your bullshit. I thought I’d already proved that to you. It’s been fun.” I tip my head toward the door. “You know the way out.”
“Selfish bastard.”
“I wish I were a bastard.”
“And there’s our favorite third wheel,” Lauren sings.
“Piss off,” I grumble when I slide into the backseat of Gage’s truck. “If you two weren’t forcing me to come, I wouldn’t be a third wheel. My mom, who is the queen of throwing parties, never had a gender reveal party. Next, you two will be drinking hipster beer and eating avocado toast.”
“Avocado toast is amazing, for your information,” Lauren replies with a laugh. “Stop being a hater.”
I run my hands through my hair. “Can’t you post the baby’s sex on Facebook like normal people do? Why are you throwing a big party?”
I’m curious as to whether I’m having a godson or goddaughter, but they want to find out the sex with balloons filled with confetti. Chloe wouldn’t be into this shit. I pause.
Why am I thinking about her and what she’d do if she were pregnant?
“Lauren wanted a party. We’re having a party, so shut your mouth, or you won’t be the godfather,” Gage replies.
Lauren glances at me from the passenger seat and scrunches her face up. “You wouldn’t be a third wheel if you found a girlfriend.”
“I told you to find me a girlfriend. Not my problem you failed.”
“Been there. Done that. Had to listen to too many women cry over the phone about you breaking their hearts. My job as your matchmaker is over. I’d love to say it’s been fun, but I’d be lying.” She studies me for a few moments. “Do you not want a relationship? Does commitment scare you?”
“It’s not at the top of my priority list,” I answer with no shame.
Commitment scares the shit out of me. I’ve never witnessed it firsthand. My mother turns a blind eye to my father’s affairs. Every Lane man has been an adulterer. The only man I’m close with who I’ve seen is capable of staying faithful is Gage.
I’m not against commitment. I’m afraid I’ll fail at it.
A hint of disappointment crosses her face before she sets her attention on Gage. “I told you he’d die old and alone.” She squeals. “I cannot wait to decorate my beachside villa in ten years.” She winks at me before whipping back around in her seat.
“What does my love life and a beachside villa have to do with shit?” I question with confusion.
Gage chuckles. “My girl over here made me bet that you wouldn’t have a serious relationship in the next ten years. If you don’t, I somehow owe her a beachside villa. Whatever the hell it is, it sounds expensive as fuck.”
“You two bet on my love life?” I ask before rubbing my chin. “Better yet, why are you creeps talking about my love life? Has your bedroom talk become that boring?”
“Far from it,” Gage answers. “Trust me; I couldn’t give two shits about who you’re banging or marrying, but she wouldn’t shut up about it. It’s easier to agree, so it’s what I did. If you ever do settle down, you’ll understand.”
Lauren pats his shoulder. “Good man.” Her attention bounces to me. “So, keep being a heartbreaking whore.”
“Oh, babe, say good-bye to your beachside shit. Kyle will be tied down before then,” Gage tells her.
“And how are you so certain?” she asks with a raised brow.
“He’s trying to get into his neighbor’s panties.”
“Neighbor?” Lauren asks. “I need a name.”
“Chloe Fieldgain,” Gage answers before I get the chance to tell him to keep out of my love life.
“Uh … doesn’t she hate your guts?” Lauren questions.
Lauren is unaware that Chloe was writing a story about her being assaulted by her old landlord. So far, with her family’s influence and our jobs, we’ve kept the details to a minimum. People know something happened, but unless Lauren opens up, they’ll never know everything.
I grin. “You hated me once, and here we are, headed to a whatever-you-called-it party.”
She narrows her eyes. “A gender reveal party.” She perks up in her seat. “Now, didn’t you and Chloe have a thing in high school that went south? Yes! I love me a good second-chance romance.” She kisses Gage’s shoulder. “Don’t I, babe?”
Gage brakes at a Stop sign and stares at her with affection. “I wouldn’t call it a thing.”
“Fuck off,” I hiss.
“People call her the ice queen,” Lauren comments. “Like, all she does is hide behind her books and the newspaper she works for.”
“I’m trying to break through
the frost,” I explain.
“You should invite her on a double date.”
“He should the fuck not,” Gage says. “I’d rather buy you a beachside villa than be involved in Kyle’s girl drama like we’re teenagers.”
That’s Gage. He’ll tell me when I’m being an idiot, but he isn’t one for heart-to-hearts unless it’s with Lauren.
“Invite her on a double date,” Lauren demands.
Gage smiles over at his fiancée. “The queen has spoken.”
The party is being held on Lauren’s family’s property. There’s an endless amount of food, and I watch my best friend and his fiancée pop the balloon.
Does Chloe want kids? My guess is yes since it seems like she frequently helps with her sister’s kids.
The confetti is pink. The cake is pink.
I’m having a goddaughter.
By the end of the car ride home, I’ve decided I’m going to ask Chloe on a double date.
Nine
Chloe
Kyle Calling.
The Ignore button is hit.
I need space to get my head straight before we talk. We haven’t done much of that since dinner at his parents’. He still tells me good morning, but it’s brief before he leaves for work. His truck was in the drive, but no lights were on in his house when I got home yesterday.
Hours later, Gage’s truck pulled up, and Kyle stepped out. When he was unlocking his front door, Lauren yelled his name, ran up the porch steps, and handed him a pink balloon.
He grabbed it, laughed, and hugged her.
My phone rings again.
Kyle Calling.
I hit Ignore.
It rings once more.
Kyle again.
“Jesus, what?” I answer.
“You need to get to Garfield’s Grocery,” he says in a serious tone.
“Why? I’m working.”
“Trey was busted for shoplifting.”
“Shit! Give me ten.”
“Park in the rear lot, so no one sees you, and I’ll let you in.”
Just Neighbors Page 8
