As I head upstairs, I wonder why I’m even letting her stay. What the hell am I thinking? Surely nothing good can come from this. I should get dressed, thank Misty for the cookies, and send her pert bottom packing. Yes, that’s what I have to do. After pulling on some shorts, I march back to the kitchen, strong-willed and determined.
But I return to find her sitting on the kitchen counter saucily, dangling her legs. Before I have the chance to speak, she smiles winningly.
“My parents are in Azerbaijan for the summer, or most of it anyways. They left this morning, and they’ll be gone for two months.”
I stare back at her puzzled.
“What? They left you home alone for two months?” She nonchalantly shrugs at this, taking a bite of the cookie in her hand. She stares off into the distance for a moment and then turns back to me with a saucy smile.
“No, it’s fine. I’m used to it. They’re always traveling somewhere, whether it’s for vacation or Daddy’s business. Mom would stay back from the longer trips when I was a kid, but once I hit junior high, they started taking lengthy international trips together. I don’t mind. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Where are my manners, anyways? I’m Misty, of course. I’m Susan and Mark’s daughter from next door.”
I nod slowly.
“Yes, you already told me, but back to your parents. Aren’t they afraid of the pandemic?” I ask her. “It’s not safe to travel right now.”
Misty shrugs, her expression nonchalant.
“Meh. They don’t seem to care. I think they were getting a bit of cabin fever during lockdown because they’re so used to being jet-setters. Honestly, Susan and Mark couldn’t have booked their flights out of here fast enough.”
I frown, stating the question still lingering in my mind.
“But that’s a little weird, isn’t it? I still can’t believe they just leave you home alone for such long periods of time. Not many people would be so quick to do so with their teenage daughter.” Then, I decide to man up and get to the point. Trying not to be too obvious, I squint my eyes at her and gruffly ask, “How old are you anyways? Just for the record.”
She naughtily smiles back.
“I’m eighteen, Sergeant. No need to worry. Why? Did you have something on your mind?”
Her response catches me off guard, and I shake my head and look away, stunned and more than a little off-kilter.
“I admit though, it does get a little lonely sometimes,” Misty continues with a giggle. “You don’t mind being a good neighbor to me while they’re gone, do you?” she asks in an innocent voice.
Again, this conversation is completely out of hand. We haven’t even done the usual getting-to-know-you chitchat, and yet the dialogue is already nearing X-rated territory. But I can’t help it. Leaning against the counter next to Misty, I raise an eyebrow at her.
“What do you mean?”
She giggles.
“Well, I’m just wondering. You’re alone too, aren’t you? Don’t you get lonely living here all by yourself?” she asks.
I think for a moment.
“No, I’m fine. I chose Millbrae for its peace and quiet.” I turn to stand in front of her, cautiously placing my hands on her knees. “But a fine young lady like yourself shouldn’t ever have to feel alone,” I growl in a low voice.
She blushes faintly at this, and suddenly I realize that the vixen before me may actually be an innocent. Sure, she’s putting on a saucy show, but something tells me that this teenage girl doesn’t exactly know the nuts and bolts of how a man and woman work together. And like an asshole, I take advantage of that fact. I move towards her, her legs instinctively opening to let me in closer.
Wrapping my arms around her bare waist, I passionately kiss the curvy girl next door, and damn, but her lips taste like the sweetest honey.
4
Misty
The sexy soldier next door just kissed me. OMG! This is beyond my wildest dreams. Jordan’s bronzed, bare chest is pressed up against my breasts and his night-black hair is tangled up in my hands. I feel faint, like I’m about to melt into a pool of warmth.
He pulls his lips just slightly back from mine and opens his bright blue eyes to look at me. I try to think of something to say but my mind runs blank. Instead, Jordan shoots me that charming smile and I melt into his arms. I know I just met him today, but he makes me feel oddly safe, and somehow more myself than anyone else ever has.
He looks at me for a few moments, his intensely blue gaze taking me in. Helpless, I stare back, longing for him to kiss me again.
“How old are you again?” he asks in a soft voice.