What the hell?
“I was kidding,” I try to reassure her.
“Y–y–you were?” I laugh at the way she cocks her head to the side and nod. “Dammit!”
“What?” I stand up straighter; something is clearly wrong. My investigative nose is tingling about it too.
“Nothing. Was there something you wanted?” Her words are cordial, polite even, but I can feel the distress oozing off her.
“Not really, no.”
“Oh, okay.”
We both stand, staring at one another, waiting for the other to say something. The longer the silence, the more uncomfortable she becomes. I know she loathes this awkward in-between moment we’re having, but it gives me a feel for who she is. And who she is, is someone I’d like to get to know more. I’m attracted to her, sure, she’s a beautiful woman, but it’s more than that. She has a vulnerable innocence about her that I’m dying to explore.
“Can I take you for dinner?” I ask, not ready to leave her company yet.
Hope turns around, looking for someone else in the room, I think, before pointing to herself. “Me?”
Laughing softly, I nod my head, “Yeah, Hope, you.”
“Why?” Her confusion is clear.
She makes me a little sad. “I find you interesting.” Stepping closer to her, she doesn’t back away from me like I thought she would. When I grip her elbows in my hands, however, her body tenses.
“I want to know more about you, pretty girl,” I whisper, leaning closer. Her eyes widen, and I give her a chance to pull away before slowly lowering my lips over hers.
She’s soft, unsure, sweet.
So goddamned shy.
I don’t push for more. I don’t even know why I pressed for this innocent touch, but holy shit, I want more.
“I don’t know your name,” she mumbles against my mouth as a shiver works through her frame.
Pleased that she’s not unaffected, I respond, “My name is Reed Burkhart. I’m a sergeant with the Jacksonville PD, and today I was a dick to you when I already knew you were moving in. Please let me take you for dinner.” I’m not above begging.
“Reed.” She whispers my name as I pull away from her, and my damn dick weeps for her to do it again.
“Jesus,” I groan. “I really want to kiss you.”
“I thought you just did?” She purses her lips.
“No, pretty girl, that was just a taste. I want the whole course now.”
“I see,” she replies, but I can tell she doesn’t, so I take a step back, giving her room to breathe.
“So, dinner. Was that a yes?” I give her my most charming smile, but she still has a perplexed look on her face. Confused as to why I want to get to know her.
Hell. I’m confused too.
Dating your neighbor is about as bad as dating your best friend's sister.
Hope
Dinner?
Do neighbors go to dinner together?