Love Thy Neighbor (Friend-Zoned)(21)

She turned down a date tonight with the douchebag so we could watch TV together. I don’t know what to make of that. Maybe she was lying about how last night went to save face.

You heard the moaning and groaning yourself. You saying she faked that?

My lip curls. Thinking of Nat f*cking some other guy makes me wanna go apeshit. I f*cking hate this guy. I know I don’t know him, but something about him is off and I’m going to figure it out.

Shady recognizes shady. And I’m shady as f*ck.

At least you’re the one spending the evening with her.

Smirking, I go back to my laptop and continue working. My smirk vanishes when I realize she’s probably going to see him again tomorrow night. I need to get her out of my head.

Time to call Tasha.

***

Placing the tub of peanut buttercup ice-cream, spoons and sodas on the coffee table, I await my guest. I check the clock. 8:27pm. He’ll be here soon.

I’ve showered and dressed in my regular outfit of pajamas and a tank top. While I wait, I open a soda and turn on the TV. I flick through but noise close to the front door draws my attention. I get up and walk closer to it. The muffled noise comes from Ghost’s apartment.

Using the TV remote, I turn the volume down and creep over there. I know it’s wrong but I’m curious.

“See, I told you I could be quiet.” That coming from a woman.

Ghost chuckles then replies, “Yeah. Thanks for coming over, Tasha.”

My stomach dips and my face heats.

Tasha. The woman from that first night.

I hear her smile through her speech. “Anytime. I was wondering if you’d ever call again after last time. I know it was awkward for you.” I want to punch that smile off her pretty face.

Awkward for him? What about me?

He responds, “Nah, that was nothing. Nat and I are friends. It’s all good.”

Friends.

That we are.

Then why are you getting pissed about this?

Yeah. So, he’s f*cking someone. Good for him.

My face falls. I think I’m going to be sick.

They say their goodbyes and I rush over to the sofa and park my butt with a plop. I turn up the volume on the TV and sip casually on my soda. The patio door slides open ten minutes later and Ghost walks in wearing his blue pajama pants and a white tee. His hair’s wet from the after-sex shower he just had. He focuses on my face then frowns. “Everything okay?”

Not trusting myself to speak, I just nod then resume watching TV.

He sits next to me and places his cold hand on my warm forehead. Concern flashes across his face and he mutters, “You’re burning up, babe.”

I remove his hands from my face and explain quietly, “No. I’m not getting sick. I just get this way sometimes. Mostly, when I’m angry or upset.”

Ghost’s body tightens like a bow. “If that * said something to you….” He looks accusingly at me. “What the f*ck, Nat? I thought friends talk about this shit.”

I lie through an easy smile, “No. It’s not that. I just- I- I miss my sisters. That’s all.”

I look up into his face. He doesn’t look convinced, but lets it go with an equally fake smile.

Who are we trying to fool? This’ll never work out.

We were doomed before we even began.





Chapter Six

When good guys go bad





Last night with Nat was awkward as hell. It was weird because for the first time ever there was tension in the room with us while we watched TV, and I swear she smelt sex on me.

I called Tasha yesterday afternoon and asked her if she would come by. I needed to give my never-ending erection a break, and the only way I could think of was finding a release. As usual, she was more than happy to oblige.

So, sue me. I have needs as much as the next guy.

The funny thing was that even though my body was into it, my brain wasn’t. Even though it was Tasha sucking my cock, I imagined it was Nat. Then having to spend the evening with her, all sorts of pissy girl emotions went through me. I felt guilty, like I’d done something wrong. I kept reminding myself that Nat was dating a f*cking douchebag named Cole, and they’d got it on the day before, so why the f*ck couldn’t I?

“What the hell, man? You were pretty far away.” Max breaks my thoughts.

I sigh and lean back in my chair. “Hey, bro. What’s up?”

Max smirks his trademark smirk and I can’t help but grin right back. Something’s up.

He starts, “Well, I got a date on Thursday night. Was kinda hoping you’d watch Ceecee for me.”

My face falls.

Well, shit.

Incredulously, I choke out, “Me? I was your best f*cking option?”

Max winces but the truth comes out. “Everyone else is busy, man. And this chick…” He puts on his best I’m in love face. “Oh, this chick.”

Shaking my head at his dramatics, I ask, “That good, huh?”

Max rubs his hands together in a greedy way, eyes sparkling. He utters, “She better f*cking be.” He resorts to begging. “Please, man. I’ll owe you big time.”

My eyes roll and I remind him, “You owe me for the last five things I did for you too, remember?”

He shrugs as if there’s no issue and exclaims, “You know I’m good for it!”