The Neighbor #2 (The Neighbor Romance Series - Book #2)

by Adams, Claire

  “Touché. Now onto golf,” I said.

  “You don’t want to hit the ball fat. Some refer to it as a chunker and the ball doesn’t go anywhere. I expect you will hit quite a few of these in the beginning. You may overcompensate for this flaw by hitting the ball thin, which is commonly called a skull. This ball will careen across the green, past the hole and into the opposite bunker if there is one.”

  “It is like Goldilocks. You want to get it just right and avoid the extremes. Right?”

  “I suppose. Whatever works for you. I have hit many balls in the bunker and it has taken time to learn how to safely get out. Some people are so good at a chip shot that they don’t consider the occasional bunker a bad thing. Chipping requires acceleration, which is difficult because it is really a component of the short game. Our mind tells us that we should be practicing control at this point. The trick is to achieve controlled acceleration. It’s a tough one. Keep it low. A high ball is an unpredictable ball. It can end up anywhere. Sometimes you luck out and it ends up in a good place but you can’t rely on luck. Any questions?”

  “Sorry, what?” I asked. I had not heard a word of his dissertation.

  “This should be good. Let me see if you heard a word of what I was saying.” He chuckled.

  I hit a clean shot out of the bunker. It was not too thin or fat. Like Goldilocks, I had found perfection right in the middle. The ball rolled to within inches of the hole. Ryder was stunned.

  “Yippee.” I threw down my club and pumped my fist like Tiger Woods.

  Ryder gave me a congratulatory high five. He scooped me up into a hug. His muscular hands were on my ass where they belonged. I buried my head in the cradle of his sinewy neck.

  I pulled away and noticed his hat had moved to the side. I straightened it out and asked, “What is so special about the hat?”

  “I went to the Ryder cup in 2012. It was in Illinois. It was kinda a watershed moment for me. I had Arnold Palmer sign it on the inside. I am not star stuck easily but this guy is it to me. He was not on the team of course but I ran into him in the clubhouse getting lemonade mixed with tea. I hesitated asking him for an autograph but I did it anyways. He was polite and more than I had ever imagined. I was afraid that meeting a person who I held in high esteem would be a letdown. The United States lost that year on the last day so in that way it was a disappointing week but meeting Arnie and getting him to sign my cap was epic.”

  “I don’t have a living hero.”

  After my comment, Ryder went to my golf bag and pulled a black sharpie out of a side pouch.

  “What’s with the pen?” I asked.

  “You want a living idol? I can hook you up with one.” Ryder scrawled his initials on the underside of my new golf bag. “Ta-da. Now you will always remember who gave you your first set of clubs.”

  “You are a bit of a narcissist...but a sweet one.” I tugged at the bill of his cap and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. “I will not need initials to remember you Ryder Curran.”

  He kissed me back before pulling away. “Restraint Jenna. I think even this golf course enforces some sort of code of conduct around here and who knows who might see us.”

  “It’s not as if I am giving you a blowjob in the bunker.”

  “Yet.” Ryder smiled.

  I giggled. “Let’s see if my chip shot was a fluke or if I really have the hang of this.”

  It was a fluke and I continued to chip away at the ball. My shots were fat, thin, up-in-the-air and all together shit. Ryder was amused at my frustration.

  “You don’t get the hang of golf. It will take time and practice to buildup consistency.”

  “Some things come naturally. I guess golf is not one of them.” I was referring to the night I had spent at his house. There was nothing about my actions that was practiced or learned.

  “Name one thing that comes naturally. Even a child finds walking difficult at first.” Ryder was slow to catch on.

  “You are too focused on golf right now to follow my conversation. Too bad, as I think you would like where it is going.” I shot him a coy look.

  “I’m distracted but it has nothing to do with golf. Why don’t we grab a drink and take in the view.”

  “Ryder, the slough does not have a view.”

  “You will be my view. Maybe we can find some of those lost duffers floating in the water,” Ryder joked.

  “That’s kind of sick, but I’ll take you up on it.”

  We grabbed drink. As we walked away from the concession stand, we heard the man mumble, “Golf instructor my ass.”

  It was a successful lesson and I drove back to Leach Hall.

  Chapter Six

  I woke up Monday morning reminiscing about my day of golf with Ryder on Saturday just like I had Sunday morning. I had my pink golf bag propped up against the wall where I could see it. His initials were not visible but I knew they were there. I had Sex Ed. class, which I could not miss. I had both Ryder and Max on my case. I had to get my head out of my ass and attend class. I was at school to learn and I could not afford to skate by as a result of a romance. Although at the time, it was foremost on my mind.

  I was feeling upbeat and it was a hot day so I threw on some white jeans and a yellow tank layered with a black one. I took the time to dry my hair and wear it down, forgoing the ponytail. I looked like a sunflower but I approved of the positive look. I was happy and it showed. Professor Curran would notice me quickly. I thought it would be fun to tempt him and see how he reacted.

  My phone chimed.

  “Yes Max,” I answered.

  “Are you going to be a no-show again?”

  “Nope, I will meet you inside. Save me a seat. I will be a couple of minutes late. Kelly is not here this morning and I want to leave the room clean or at least tidy.”

  “Where is Kelly?” Max asked.

  “Why do care where Kelly is Max?”

  “Just curious. See you in class.”

  Max disconnected and I smiled. The fact that Max was curious was a start. I was playing cupid and it was time to sharpen my arrow.

  I swiped on some lipstick and I was ready to go. My phone chimed again, just in time because I was ready to switch off my ringer.

  I saw the golf ball, Ryder’s symbol, and answered.

  “You are going to be late for class. Why are you calling me?”

  “Wanted to make sure you were going. Been doing your stretches?”

  “Yes, I think I pulled a muscle in my ass.”

  “Good, I’ll rub it for you.”

  Jesus.

  I laughed nervously. “I will see you in a bit Professor Curran.”

  I ended the call and slammed the door behind me. I was off to class.

  ****

  Max saved me a seat near the front of class. It was obviously a seat selection made with me in mind. In the row ahead of us were Rozi with the perfectly arranged messy ponytail and Rosemary. She was in desperate need of a dye job. I would have to look at her roots for the next hour.

  “Thought you were going to be late. You got here before Professor Curran. I wonder what’s keeping him. He’s usually on time,” Max said.

  “Not sure Max. Are you on a fishing exhibition to find out what is going on with Ryder and me?”

  “Ah ha! So you admit that something is going on.”

  “Max, I clearly recall you saying that you would allow me some space when it comes to Ryder.”

  “Babe, it’s me, Max. I won’t tell a soul.”

  “Ick. Don’t call me babe.”

  “What does Ryder call you? Does he call you lover yet?”

  “Max, Ryder, I mean Professor Curran is hear. Shut the hell up.” I gave him a harsh look that he knew well.

  “Greetings all. Give me a show of hands. Who had fun inflating the condoms I gave out at the last class? Even better, any one make water balloons? For those of you who used them for the purpose for which they exist, I hope you used them correctly.”

  Ryder noticed
me quickly and nodded in my direction. He was especially alluring as he strutted across the stage. He was wearing khakis and an oxford with a navy South Carolina tie. Embroidered on his tie were tiny gamecocks. He looked more like a student than a professor. He had on glasses, which I didn’t know he had. It just contributed to the list of things I didn’t know about Ryder.

  “Jenna,” Max whispered. “Are you able to separate Ryder the professor from the guy you blew?”

  I nudged Max hard.

  “Ouch. I am just curious because it is a very unique situation.”

  “Max shut up before Ryder hears you or anyone else for that matter.”

  Ryder had continued with his lecture, which was focused on the use of diaphragms. There were several diaphragms displayed on a table. I was interested because I had never used one.

  “The use of a diaphragm is declining but I hope you have all have considered this method of birth-control. As always, raise your hand if you have any questions while I am speaking. As you can see, it is a pliable silicone cup. It is inserted into the vagina, all the way up so that it covers the cervix. Yes, I see a question.”

  “Does the male partner feel it?”

  “Probably not, unless it is inserted improperly. In some cases a large penis will go all of the way up and touch it. Unusually hard thrusting may also cause the penis to encounter the device,” Ryder answered and the crowd erupted.

  “Bull-shit. I can feel the thing.”

  “I believe him and he doesn’t even have a big dick.”

  “How do you know the size of his cock?”

  “I know a chick that got pregnant using a diaphragm, twice.”

  “Okay guys. I welcome the hearty conversation but it’s time to move on. There are many advantages,” Ryder continued.

  “See what you’ve been missing Jenna. This class rocks. He must be a pro in the bedroom,” Max said.

  “Shut up Max.”

  “I think the guy should pay for the diaphragm. Don’t you?” Max asked and raised his hand. “Professor Curran. How much does a diaphragm cost and do you suggest the guy give it to his girl for like a Christmas gift or something?”

  “Good question. I would encourage a conversation between partners. It can’t be a pop-up gift because the woman will have to get a fitting.”

  “Oh. Thanks.”

  “Can you shut up now Max? Please,” I whispered.

  Max was finally silent. Ryder was discussing the use of spermicides with the diaphragm, which seemed to be of interest to Max.

  Ryder was in his element when he was in front of the class. He was very good in front of a crowd and he was a specialist when it came to sex. I began to feel intimidated because in comparison to him I was an amateur. He was like the Arnold Palmer of sex. I was afraid I would fall short of his expectations.

  In the back of my notebook, I had the class syllabus. I glanced at it to see what topics Ryder planned to cover. I wondered if he was planning to use me for all of the things he was talking about in class. Was I his test subject?

  I started collecting my things when class was ending.

  “Is Jenna Walsh here?” Ryder asked, pretending that he had not seen me.

  “I’m here.”

  “Jenna, I would like to see you after class for a moment.” Ryder smiled.

  Heads turned in my direction. Rozi and Rosemary were speaking rapidly between each other. I knew the request seemed odd to everyone. We had no upcoming test or assignments. Ryder had no valid excuse to speak with me.

  What the hell was he up to?

  I got up out of my seat. Max stood in my way before I could get to Ryder.

  “Looks like we have a teacher’s pet,” Max said in a hushed tone but loud enough so others could hear. He meowed and scratched my arm like a feline.

  I stood before Ryder with no emotion. I felt as if I was in 3rd grade again and called to the front of the class.

  “Yes Professor Curran. You asked to see me?”

  Ryder walked to the door and closed it.

  “Jesus. I almost lost it when I saw you. Was the bright yellow meant for me? It’s my favorite color but it looks horrible on me. It makes me look jaundiced.” Ryder touched my hair and gently caressed my face. “You are so fucking beautiful. It makes me crazy because I want to tell the world that you are my girl. I know that Max is just your friend but I was fucking jealous when I saw him whispering in your ear.”

  I blushed. “You have nothing to worry about Ryder. Nice lecture by the way. You are quite the expert on all things related to…sex.”

  “I am not so interested in sex exactly. The human anatomy fascinates me and sex comes into play naturally. It is nothing to be ashamed of or to sweep under the rug. If we make it some secretive dirty thing STD’s and unhealthy impulses run rampant. Sex is a beautiful thing when it is entered into by two consenting adults who care for one another. At some point the act of sex becomes making love and that is indescribable.”

  I doubted that I had ever made love before. Perhaps I would with Ryder.

  “Well I am sure you have work to do and I should hit the library. Perhaps we can do another lesson at Westlake. I am itching to use my new clubs,” I told him and smiled.

  “Westlake sits on a polluted slough. According to our friend Can, there are probably old duffers floating in there dead. I want to take you to a real lake. We can go right now if you want. I have an extra jacket in my car in case it gets cold.”

  “Pretty spontaneous don’t you think?”

  “Hell yeah. Spontaneous is good. Life is short. Let’s make the best of the moment!” An animated Ryder shoved his papers in his bag. “If anyone sees us, say it’s golf related.”

  Chapter Seven

  The drive to the lake was beautiful. We took the scenic route, which included country roads lined with live Oaks that were hundreds of years old. Dotting the sides of the road were vegetable stands and old brightly colored shacks. Ryder had on a pair of vintage Ray-Bans and he blasted the music. The image was surreal.

  “I love this drive,” Ryder said loudly over the sound of the wind and music. “There is history on these roads. The houses you see are on land passed down through generations. It went from plantation owners to former slaves and then through the family. These folks have been excellent stewards of the land. The veggies sold at these stands taste like sunshine. You can’t buy this stuff down at the Piggly Wiggly or in the most expensive markets in New York and LA. It’s a gift we have in the south.”

  I was pleasantly surprised to hear Ryder speak of something other than golf. I was not used to being with a man who had knowledge beyond the hottest new pop-artist or the easiest way to score weed. Being with a thirty-three year old had advantages. Ryder was refreshing.

  “Why are these houses brightly colored? I have never seen anything like it. They are an odd variety of shades that I don’t see every day. There is a mustard yellow, only it’s honey-mustard. That one is blue but it’s a brighter hue than I have ever seen. I love the color pink but for a house?”

  Ryder laughed. “There is an explanation for the rainbow of odd colors. According to the Gullah tradition, the bright colors scare away evil spirits. You have never seen the colors because they are often sold inexpensively. There is not a huge demand for these shades. They were made in error or they are the results of combining factory leftovers. I think it’s a nice change. Moss green and beige are boring.”

  “Cool.”

  “I know a little about a lot. Don’t be too impressed.” Ryder smiled and turned up the music.

  Ryder threw me a gym bag as we pulled onto the gravel road by the lake.

  “What’s this? More surprises?” I asked as I grabbed the bag.

  “Not really but you never know when you are getting another surprise with me. Your reaction when I gave you the golf clubs was so damn cute. My bad, you hate being called cute. You were so jubilant.”

  “Nice save Ryder.” I winked and opened the gym bag. “Shorts and a pair of u
sed sandals.”

  “It is just stuff my niece left in my car. She is 12 years old and I hang out with her sometimes. I like to help my sister when I can. She is about your size so I thought you could use her things.”

  “We’re the same size?”

  “Yep. She’s going to be tall like her dad. He’s almost seven feet.”

  “Was there something wrong with my clothes though?”

  “Jenna. You would look amazing in a potato sack. I didn’t want you to get your white jeans filthy.”

  “What are you planning?” I asked.

  The car came to halt.

  “Wait by the picnic table over by the shore. I will be back shortly. It’s a surprise. There is a restroom that you can change in.”

  I hopped out and Ryder drove off.

  ****

  Ryder took off, leaving me alone by the lake. I hit the restroom to change my clothes. There was a pair of jean shorts that fit perfectly. They were snug but that was a good thing. I planned to keep on my yellow tank because Ryder liked the color but I threw on the white one provided. I would transform back into a sunflower later. I brushed my hair, remembering Ryder’s gentle touch from earlier. I decided to leave my hair down, but I put an elastic hair tie around my wrist just in case.

  I wore the water shoes provided by Ryder. I guessed that they were appropriate for whatever he had planned. I took a seat at the picnic table. It was worn and marked with the initials of lovers past who had left their memories. If I had a pen, it would be tempting to scrawl “RC+JW” but even the thought was too saccharine sweet. I giggled at the passing thought.

  A few people were enjoying the lake. There were small families with children in diapers that looked to be weighing them down. I spotted couples. Some appeared to be young and testing out a new romance and others were older. The latter didn’t speak much, as they seemed to communicate just fine without words.

  It was a lovely fall day. Some found it difficult to distinguish a day in late September from a day in mid-April. The temperature was similar but the smell was vastly different. There was the smell of home, a musky scent that was hard to explain. There was also a tenor in the air in the fall that was missing in the spring. A sense of calm. It was the time of year to focus on the important things in life like family, friends and home.