The Other Guy: A Textdoor Neighbor Romance

by Van Wyk, Jennifer

  “Well, give me his number then. I’m completely sober now but I still want to screw with him a bit.”

  “You’re gonna be the death of me.”

  “What a way to go out…”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  JACK

  It’s been a week of quiet and what I once loved and almost craved, and now I feel like I’m coming out of my skin. I’m going through the motions, eating my boring meals and running my gym but everything feels a little empty.

  I haven’t even had any texts from Toolbag’s latest string of girls. Maybe he finally found his conscience and decided he’d stop using me as part of his plan. I don’t miss the texts, so much, as the… entertainment. Not the right word for it but it’s the only term I can come up with. I didn’t enjoy it, but it at least brought some level of excitement to my dull life.

  “Why do I miss getting those texts? How pathetic am I?” I say to myself.

  And even though I try not to, I miss Sierra. Now her type of entertainment is actually wanted. I still want. In the few days she was here, she brought a certain light that I already feel like is absent from my life. Maybe has been for a long time.

  I put my now empty cup of coffee down on the end table and stretch out my legs on the leather ottoman in front of me. It’s Sunday and normally I love Sundays. I lounge and relax and it’s (typically) my cheat day for food. I rarely leave the house. A movie plays on the TV, one that I’ve seen more times than I can remember and can practically recite it from memory. But it’s hilarious and it truly never gets old. This group of three guys who all hate their bosses for different reasons and get into more trouble than any of them anticipate.

  After it’s over, I que up the sequel but pause it to make myself a giant plate of nachos with some shredded buffalo chicken. Pour a glass of soda and settle back onto the couch with my meal.

  Halfway through the movie, my phone buzzes and I pull it out of the pocket of my gray sweatpants and groan when I read the text that greets me.

  Unknown: Last night was amazing.

  Shit. I shouldn’t have spoken my happiness over not receiving more texts into the world.

  I ignore the text until my movie is over, clean up my dishes and the kitchen a little bit. Mess around on social media for a few minutes before I get another text alert.

  Unknown: Now you’re quiet? You had a lot to say last night.

  Giving in to the temptation, I text back.

  Me: You like a guy who talks, huh?

  Unknown: Well, dirty talk, yeah. It was… sexy.

  Me: Glad you enjoyed yourself.

  Unknown: Oh, I did. For sure. You? Want to do it again?

  I think for a few moments and decide to listen to my dad’s advice and shut it down before it gets out of hand once again.

  Me: I’m just going to come out and tell you. This isn’t the guy you were with last night.

  Unknown: Huh?

  Me: I’m his textdoor neighbor and he’s using my number to give to the women he’s been with.

  Unknown: Textdoor neighbor, huh? That’s funny. I’ve never heard that term before.

  Me: It’s hilarious, right? A friend of mine made it up, I can’t claim it either.

  Me: So anyway, sorry but I’m not him.

  Unknown: I guess I still don’t really understand. You texted me back like you knew what we’d done last night.

  Me: Yeah. Well, this isn’t the first time I’ve received one of these texts and I sometimes just talked to the women because I felt bad. But I’ve recently had a change of heart.

  Unknown: Change of heart, huh? What brought that on?

  No way do I want to say that not only did I meet a girl who reminded me that I should put a stop to it, but my daddy told me to as well.

  Me: I just did. Sorry that I misled you at the beginning but I wanted to be honest.

  Unknown: Well, thanks, I guess.

  Me: No problem. Have a good day.

  Unknown: Oh, I’m sure I will.

  I set my phone down and release a sigh of relief then decide to take things one step farther and search through my texts to where I was talking with the guy who’s at fault in the first place.

  Me: I see you’re still using my number.

  Within minutes he’s replying…

  Him: What are you talking about?

  Me: I just got another text from whoever you spent your evening with.

  Him: Hate to tell you but whoever was texting you definitely wasn’t with me. I spent the night alone. Thanks to you.

  Me: Me? How do you figure?

  Him: All hell broke loose last week for me. My girlfriend found out, I had a full glass of beer dumped on my head, and kicked out of my favorite bar.

  Me: And this is my fault, how? And girlfriend? You had a girlfriend this entire time?

  Him: I did. But I’ll get her back. She threw a fit and left but I know her, she’ll be back. She took my fucking dog with her, too. Probably so I’d chase her. So if she doesn’t come back on her own, I’ll be able to go after her to get my dog back.

  Me: Wow. You really know how to pick them.

  Him: Well, now that I know you’re still cool with me using your number, I’ll get back on track.

  Me: I didn’t say that. I actually was going to tell you to stop.

  Him: Oh, come on now. You can’t tell me this hasn’t been fun.

  Me: Doesn’t matter. I’ve had enough and really don’t feel like having to change my number. So stop using mine.

  I set my phone aside and flip it over. Not that I won’t hear the alert if I get a notification or call, but it makes me feel better to have it out of sight.

  The rest of the day is blissfully quiet. I feel a little better about the silence now that I’ve stood up to this guy, whoever he is, and it might make me sound like a petty person, but I kind of like the fact that he got dumped — both by his girlfriend and a glass of beer on his head. He deserved it.

  And then the quiet vanishes with the sound of my doorbell.

  It’s a little unnerving that I’m shocked someone could be stopping over on a Sunday night because I have no life.

  And when I open the door, I’m even more shocked.

  “Sierra?”

  “Hi.”

  “And… friend?” I glance down at the dog panting happily at her feet, long leather leash dangling between them.

  “This is Toby.”

  “Hi, Toby.”

  His tail wags and he struggles against the leash to come inside my house, jerking on Sierra’s arm until he’s pushing his way inside. But not before giving me a good sniff to which I have to bend over so his nose doesn’t do some damage.

  Sierra laughs as she walks in after her little friend.

  “Do come in.”

  “Why thank you. Such a nice offer.”

  I chuckle as she breezes past me and I shut the door behind her.

  “So…”

  “So.” She walks around, Toby still on his leash as they both take in my home. She doesn’t shy away from being nosy, and neither does her dog. Bending over, she unhooks him and he walks around for a few seconds before climbing up on my sofa. I raise my eyebrows.

  “Oh, yeah. Make yourself comfortable, Toby.”

  He sighs as he nestles in where I was just sitting.

  I look at Sierra, back to Toby, back to Sierra who has an amused look on her face.

  “What’s happening here?”

  “Toby wanted to meet you.”

  “He did, did he? Well, he certainly knows how to make himself feel welcome.”

  “He does, doesn’t he?”

  She plops down next to him, removes her coat, and scratches him behind his ear. She leans over to kiss him and I can’t help but notice the cleavage she’s showing me. Not me. Not on purpose. At least I don’t think. Her cream colored sweater is baggy, hanging a little off one shoulder, gaping enticingly and my eyes won’t move. They’re stuck on the curve of her breasts. She removes her shoes, tucking her legs under
her butt. Legs that I want wrapped around my waist. Especially since I can see them so clearly in her leggings.

  “Runs in the family, I see,” I say, grinning as I take her in. It shouldn’t make me think of anything other than Sierra hanging out on my couch but unfortunately, it brings up an immediate sense of longing. For what could be, if she wasn’t with someone else. If she lived around here. I like seeing her in my space. Making herself comfortable with her dog that didn’t even question whether or not he was allowed on my furniture. She looks cozy and… right. I clear my throat to push away the thoughts that don’t belong in my head. “What brings you by? I thought you’d returned home.”

  “I did.”

  “And now you’re back?”

  “Home.”

  What? Her single word answer doesn’t make any sense to me. I lean over to grab the remote and turn off the TV. “Enough with the riddles. What’s going on? Why are you here? How did you even know where I live?”

  “Kyle.”

  “Kyle is why you’re here or Kyle told you where I live?”

  “He told me where you live.”

  I nod like I understand what she’s saying but I’m still stuck on how friggin’ beautiful she is. Her chocolate brown hair looks silky and soft and my fingers itch to run through it. Her makeup is subtle, highlighting her features. Shiny peach lips, a little bit of a rosy tinge to her cheeks that I suppose could also be from the cold, eyelashes long and dark as kohl. Never have I examined a woman so closely in my entire life. It’s a bit unnerving how strong of a pull she has on me. I can barely focus on anything else.

  “I see.” I don’t see at all because I’m currently struck stupid. Especially when she bites her bottom lip and looks up at me from under her lashes. Is she trying to look seductive? To kill me? I damn near groan. It’s been just a few days since she and I shared a meal with my dad at the diner, and I hate to admit how much I missed her. She’s not just a pretty face. Though pretty is hardly the word I’d use to describe her. Unforgettably gorgeous. But she’s also intriguing, funny and quick-witted, smart and creative and fun to be around. “And why is it, that you’re here?”

  “Wanted to come see my buddy, is that so wrong?”

  “Buddy.” Right. Because she lives with her super cool boyfriend. “And what does your boyfriend think of you being back here and coming to see your… buddy?”

  She shrugs. “Not sure.”

  “Because…”

  She rolls her eyes like I’m the one causing this confusion. “I’m not sure, alright?”

  Trying not to sound too annoyed, I rest my elbows on my knees and get her attention. Her beautiful dark twinkling eyes are on me. “Cut the shit, Sierra. I don’t do riddles and I’ve had a really relaxing day until now. What’s going on?”

  “Fine. So… I did go back but now I’m here.”

  “Again. And your boyfriend?”

  “Isn’t my boyfriend anymore.”

  It’s a struggle to not smile but I manage it. She was living with the guy. That had to mean something, right? “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Are you?”

  “I don’t want you to be hurting so yes, I’m sorry.”

  She watches me for a few beats. Toby moves his head so it’s resting on her lap. Lucky dog.

  “I’m okay.”

  “Are you?”

  “I am. He wasn’t who I thought he was.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that as well.”

  She shrugs one shoulder. The one that’s bare. Her skin looks smooth and I have no doubt that it smells delectable.

  “He… well, let’s just say that I’m much better off now. I can’t be with someone I can’t trust.”

  “And you couldn’t trust him?”

  She scoffs then finishes with a laugh. “Uh, no. No, I can’t.”

  “I thought he was such a cool guy?”

  “Turns out, I was trying to convince myself of that. Apparently I can’t trust myself, either.”

  “I don’t know about that. You recognize what an awesome guy I am.”

  She gives me a look I can’t quite decipher but it’s gone in a flash. Replaced with a smile and shake of her head. “Right, how could I forget?”

  “When you said that you are home…” I hedge, letting her finish for me.

  “Home. With Kyle. For the time being, anyway. I need to decide where I want to land.”

  “Not here?” Please say here, please say here.

  “Didn’t say that. I like it here, but I can’t live with my uncle forever. I need to be on my own.”

  “Makes sense. Well, if you decide you want help finding a place, let me know.”

  “I might just take you up on that.”

  “Good. You hungry? Did you eat?”

  “Uncle Kyle and I made broccoli soup today but I didn’t have dessert.”

  I mentally calculate what I have for dessert and stand to go to the kitchen remembering I have a chocolate chip cheesecake in my freezer. “I’ll have to talk to Kyle about his hosting skills. Come on, let’s go find something sweet.”

  Toby groans when Sierra moves him so she can stand up. “Oh, shush, you big baby.”

  He cracks one eye open and blows out an annoyed breath, his lips flapping. I chuckle at his theatrics. “He’s something else.”

  “I know. He’s so dramatic.”

  “You like cheesecake?”

  “Am I breathing?”

  “Now who’s dramatic?”

  She giggles and follows me to the kitchen, looking around the space. My dad helped me refinish my kitchen and since he’s a chef, everything is top of the line. Well, top of the line that was within my budget, anyway. “Wow. You waste this kitchen on making plain old chicken breasts and steamed veggies?”

  I stop in my tracks. “What?”

  “Isn’t that what you eat all the time?”

  “Who told you that?”

  She grins. “Your dad. When you went to the bathroom at the diner. He said I was a good influence on you because you normally only eat chicken and veggies.”

  “I’m healthy.”

  She does a slow perusal of my body and I don’t miss the flare of heat in her eyes. “Mm hmm.”

  I raise my eyebrows and resist shoving my hands in my pockets of my gray sweats when her eyes stay trained on my crotch for a few seconds longer than appropriate. Instead, I cross my arms over my chest and flex my biceps a little.

  Her cheeks go pink and she matches my stance. Is she making her breasts pop out of her sweater on purpose? Maybe earlier when she was giving me a good look it wasn’t an accident after all.

  Somehow we are standing only a foot apart, both of us with our arms crossed over our chests to show off. Our eyes taking the other in, breath coming in heavier. I inch closer and she does the same. Electricity zinging between us without even touching. I would bet my gym that if we came together, it would be far more than electricity. Fireworks. Explosions.

  It takes every ounce of self-control I possess to not take her in my arms and slam my mouth to hers in a kiss neither of us will forget. A kiss that would make all other kisses be long forgotten.

  She licks her lips and my eyes zero in on the little pink tip of her tongue.

  Just as I’m about to take another step closer, to test my theory about how strong our connection really is, Toby interrupts us with a growl then half-assed bark. He whimpers a little then lets out another little yip/bark. Sierra blows out a breath, taking a step back and I do the same.

  “He’s dreaming. He does it often.”

  I nod and swallow. “Cheesecake?”

  “Maybe another time. I was taking Toby for a walk and decided to say hi. I didn’t plan on staying.”

  “No?”

  “No. I… there are some things I need to figure out and walks always clear my head.”

  “And those thoughts led you to my doorstep.” It’s not a question. First of all, she can’t deny it because of where she’s currently standing. Second, I alre
ady know the answer. She feels something between us as well. However, she was living with her boyfriend and now she’s back here, living with her uncle. Whatever happened in the few days she was gone changed things and she deserves time to digest that.

  “Yes,” she eventually admits.

  “I’m glad they did,” I tell her truthfully. “Whenever you’re ready for that… cheesecake… you let me know.”

  “You’ll be the first.”

  “Good.”

  “I’d better go,” she says, though it sounds like that’s the opposite of what she’d like to do.

  “Want me to drive you?” A quick look out the window tells me that the snowstorm they’d predicted to come tonight has arrived. Unfortunately, it is warm enough that it hasn’t quite turned to snow yet. Ice pelts the window and then I hear thunder. Thunder snow means we’re not just going to get a few inches but rather a dumping of snow.

  She follows my gaze and winces. “Do you mind? I’m sorry to take you out of the house. Especially in this.”

  “It’s fine. I really don’t want you walking in this anyway. Nor do I like the idea of you out in the dark.”

  “Toby’s here to keep me safe. He wouldn’t hurt a fly but people don’t know that.”

  “Good. Let me just grab my coat and keys.”

  “Thank you.”

  Her phone rings and she walks to her coat, pulling it out.

  “Hello?”

  She mouths Kyle to me and I nod. “Yeah, I’m at Jack’s. He said he’d bring me home.”

  She’s silent for a few minutes while she listens to whatever it is he’s saying.

  Her eyes close and when they open, they’re trained on me. “Um, what am I supposed to do?” she asks quietly.

  I move closer.

  “I don’t know…”

  “What? What’s going on?” I ask but she holds up a finger telling me to have patience, wait my turn.

  “I understand. Okay, hang on.”

  She lowers the phone from her ear and looks nervous. “So, um, apparently it’s been raining for a little bit now. And… well, Kyle lives at the bottom of that steep hill, you know?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Well, you can’t get out of it.”