I huff out a breath and turn, storming to my car. I’m not responding to that. Just no.
“That offer for a threesome still stands, you ever want to take me up on it,” he calls after my retreating figure.
I flip him off as I hop in my car, still refusing to answer. Whatever this morning was, it was just a ploy. He’s an ass.
By the time I pull back home an hour later, I’m still pissed. Parking my car in my driveway, I hop out and open my trunk.
“Need a hand with that?” the neighbor’s deep voice drifts across his lawn to me.
I glance next door enough to tell that he’s changed, yet again, into a tight T-shirt, as he sweeps his front porch off.
“Nope, I’m good.” Hoisting all five bags out of the vehicle, I loop them over my forearms, clumsily shut the trunk, and hobble my way toward my front door. I’d run if they weren’t so heavy.“A garage would have been nice, Nana,” I mutter, tossing all my groceries on the entryway floor before locking the front door behind me.
I can’t complain, really I can’t. It was a gift and the only connection I still have to my grandmother. If I wanted to, I could have sold the house and bought another one. But, this place is perfect. Well, except for all the sun, but unless I up and move to Antarctica or a cave, I’m bound to be plagued by that wherever I go. So, it’s really just the lack of a garage at the moment.
The neighbor has one. A two car garage that he never seems to use. Rolling my eyes, I grab a few bags of my groceries and haul them to the kitchen island.
I need to stop thinking about him. Stop fretting over it. I can’t let one asshole ruin my peace or stress me out.
After I put all my food away, I make a quick breakfast of avocado toast. I probably should have eaten before I went shopping, but whatever. I was all out of food. It couldn’t have been helped.
Staring down at my simple plate, I sigh. I’m still in a shit mood, my mind nowhere where it needs to be for a productive night.
“Screw it,” I mutter, shaking my head. I can’t let him get under my skin. That’s all this is to him, some annoying game. Well, I’m done playing. I can ignore him, buy new blackout curtains for that side of my house the next time I go shopping.
Satisfied with my new plan, I grab my sunglasses and head outside with my toast. Sunset, waves, a cool breeze, one of them is bound to help my mood.
Sitting down on my small porch swing under the protection of its canopy, I rock gently with the breeze as I take a bite. Closing my eyes, I savor the creamy, fresh flavor of the mashed avocados.
“Ready to take me up on that offer, yet?” a gravelly voice cuts through my peace.
I jerk my eyes open, twisting around on my swing to see the asshole messing with something in the back of his dirty pickup truck. He shuts whatever it is with a loud bang, then strolls over to my picket fence.Topless. Completely topless.
I blink. He was just out front. What is he doing out here, now? Other than obviously stalking me. And he was clearly just wearing a shirt moments ago.
I start to ask him how many times a day he changes his clothes, but bite my lip. Nope, I’m not asking. I don’t need to know what all he does over there that has him taking his clothes off multiple times a day. I‘m not going there.
Instead, I turn back around and take another bite.
“Come on, Prude, come take a swim with me. I’ll make it good for you.” he keeps talking, oblivious that I’m no longer listening. Nope, I’m done. Done playing whatever game this is. I stand up, taking my half-eaten meal with me.
“You don’t have to go get a swimsuit. You already know I don’t wear one.”
“I’m not.” I hold up my plate and walk a few steps toward the door.
“How about a walk? We’ll start smaller?”
“Not happening.” I grab the doorknob, but freeze when he continues.
“Don’t tell me you’re allergic to fun.”
“Nope, just assholes.”
“I don’t know, I think I could show that tight, little asshole of yours all kinds of amazing things.”
“Pig.” I huff the word as I yank open my door.
“It was a joke, Prude. Come on, take a stroll with me.”