Getting off work later that night is bittersweet. The sweltering weather brought lots of customers, keeping me pleasantly occupied my entire shift. But it’s left me overheated and drained as I pull up to Creekwood. The tips stuffed in my bag help perk me up though, as does the smoothie—with spinach, lots of it—I stopped off for on my way home.
It’s been calm at the wash since Joe’s off for vacation. Luckily, I haven’t shared another shift with Amity since that dreadful day. I have a pretty good guess as to where those missing tips went but I don’t know what to do about it. Joe was Team Amity last I saw him and I doubt one flimsy accusation will change that.
Bag in one hand, smoothie in the other, my phone rings. When I peer down, it’s another UNKNOWN caller. This has been happening all week. I still haven’t answered any and they’ve yet to leave a message. Next door is silent and my door is locked just as Drew promised via text this afternoon. He was peppering me with questions during my break. I gave him enough information to pacify him while not exactly revealing anything either. If I want to prove how strong I am on my own then I can start with handling the three guys next door.
Walking into my apartment feels like walking over hot coals on a summer day. The stifling air hits me square in the face making me groan. I forgot to tell Drew to turn on the air conditioner before leaving. Damn it.
I rush over to the A/C, cranking it full blast then quickly change into my bikini. A towel over my shoulders, hair in a messy bun, and I’m off to the pool a few minutes later.
The water feels heavenly as I jump in. The sun now behind the building, gives my sunburn a necessary reprieve with the delicious shade.
I take my time swimming under the cool water trying to lower my body temp that feels dangerously high. Popping my head up after a lap, I catch sight of some people decked out in swimsuits entering through the gate. My meddlesome neighbors bring up the rear of the motley group and as soon as I see them I consider leaving. My earlier vow to be strong even when it comes to them springs to mind and I decide I’m not done yet. They can swim, or splash from the looks of some of their more dolled-up friends, around me.
One of their guests—one of their cute male guests—greets me from the ledge, so I make my way over to him. He introduces himself but before he can ask my name Beckett yells from across the pool, “Hey, neighbor girl! Working out some pent-up energy?”
The guy, Tony, looks at me with confusion so I ignore my tall neighbor to explain how we know each other. When he remarks how convenient that must be, it’s my turn to look confused.
“You’re beautiful. If you lived next to me, I’d find every excuse possible to knock at your door.”
“That’s nice and creepy all at the same time.” We both laugh. “Actually, I’m pretty private so even if they did come knocking, I’d just ignore it. So far it’s only been a couple loud parties though.”
“Lucky. Their parties are notorious. Living right next door, you can drink all you want then stumble home. No cab bill for you.”
I have yet to attend, let alone drink at one of their “notorious” parties, but I don’t care enough to correct Tony. Instead, I just nod, swishing my hands over the water.
He continues talking but I soon grow bored. He’s cute with a decent body and a great smile. I can’t help but notice he’s lacking something though. Tattoos maybe? I’ve never liked them before, but now…
Coty’s relaxing on the steps in the shallow end with a girl planted beside him. His head is cocked toward her, smiling at whatever she’s saying. She has a hand on his bicep, close to his chest. There’s a familiarity to her touch. She has beautiful black hair piled on top of her head with big hoop earrings framing her tan, delicate face.
Coty’s eyes drift over to mine, locking me in place as Tony drones on like white noise. My heart beats faster as the seconds pass. I cut the connection by glancing at Marc. He’s lounging at a nearby table with a somewhat feline quality. His shoulders draped loosely over the back of his chair, he yells something in Spanish at the girl beside Coty. I watch fascinated as she stands up, approaching him slowly with a teasing smirk playing at her full lips. Before Marc can react, she flings her hands at his face, sending streams of water all over him. He lunges for her instantly and she backtracks. Beckett intercepts her with one arm, then deposits her into the pool. When she reappears, she cusses at the cackling duo.
“Marc’s sister.”
I bring my attention back to Tony, raising both eyebrows.
“That’s Marc’s sister,” he tells me. “She’s off limits to all the guys but she’s got a thing for Coty. Always has.”
“Have they ever hooked up?” I hold my breath awaiting his answer.
Snorting, he says, “No, nobody crosses Marcos.”
“I thought he hated me when I first met them.”
“He doesn’t like most people. He’s ride-or-die for his close friends and family but that’s it. His family’s fucking loaded so he’s suspicious of everybody. Don’t take it personally.”
I consider what Tony just shared, looking Marc over again. He exudes such a fuck-the-world attitude with his sleeves of tattoos and general detached attitude that I never would’ve guessed he grew up rich. It’s not fair to judge but other than his custom BMW, he seems just like his roommates. I mean he shares an apartment with two other guys. Their apartment is definitely nicer than mine but not fancy by any means. There has to be a bigger story there. I tuck that tidbit away for later.
Tony surprises me by reaching out to brush my shoulder. I quickly push his hand away with the flick of a wrist and a scowl on my face.
“Sorry, you had-”
He’s cut off as I’m yanked forward by a hand on my ankle causing me to yelp. Coty surfaces right in front of me, gliding his body up mine as he stands, water cascading down his stormy face. He pins a hard stare at Tony, then grabs my waist, pulling me to the deep end. The movement is so fast I wrap my legs around him to keep from going under. He drags me from the middle of the pool to the ledge. I squeeze my knees around his torso when my center gets too close to his naked stomach, allowing me to hang a safe distance from his hard body. He spins us so I’m blocked from the others then puts his hand behind my back effectively saving my skin from the rough cement lip.
“Let me down. You should know better than anyone how good of a swimmer I am.” I pop an eyebrow, daring him to argue.
He only shakes his head. “You’ll run.”
“Do you need something then?”
“I didn’t want you talking to him anymore.”
Oh, here we go. “Why not? Your friend seems cool.” Ish.
“I didn’t want his hands all over you.”
The roll of my eyes does nothing to faze him.
“Do you see yourself right now? You literally just manhandled me.”
He drops his gaze between us, dragging his eyes up my body until they hit mine. I clear my throat, fidgeting in his hold. “Go riding with us tomorrow.”
“No.”
“Why? You didn’t like riding with me?”
“You should take whatever flavor you were testing last night riding instead.”
“Jealousy looks good on you, babe. What about that prep-douche you had over, huh?”
Gripping his shoulders, I bring my face forward, shortening the distance between us. “And yet…here we are.” He growls when I sit back again.
“I know.” His frown returns. “Look, I’m sorry. For the second time. I want to make it up to you.”
“You don’t owe me anything. I told you I just want to be civil.”
He looks down at our compromising position.
I remove one of my legs but he shoots his hand back to grip my knee, wrapping it tighter around his waist. The jostling makes my arms slide around his strong shoulders.
“I want you to ride with me tomorrow.”
I bite the inside of my bottom lip. “I can’t.”
His eyes catch on my mouth while his hand leaves the wall. Before my back touches the edge though, he drags his hand slowly up my spine pushing my chest forward until our faces are mere inches apart. My nipples pebble beneath my top as my breath catches.
“I want you with me.”
His whisper is louder than the commotion going on outside the pool, hitting me right where it shouldn’t. Drops of water drip from his flattened hair, slowly traveling down his forehead. Watching them, I have the urge to catch the errant drops with my mouth, kissing them away before they reach his eyes. I lick my bottom lip on reflex.
A large splash to our left has him spinning to glare at the culprit. With him distracted, I slip out of his grasp, bracing my arms on the pool ledge and pushing out of the water before he can stop me.
I collect my belongings, ignoring his frustrated sigh as I dash out of the gate.
On shaky legs, I make it back to my balmy apartment and immediately jump in the shower. Somehow, I feel hotter now than I did after being in the blistering sun for hours on end. I turn the water to cold, then slump against the wall.
He’s pushing closer and closer. The more I try to block him the more he just keeps coming. He’s under the impression I’m with Drew one way or another and yet he still acts interested at every turn. Drew, Beckett, and now Tony, he doesn’t want anyone else playing with the new girl, like I’m some prize. What will he do when he discovers I’m closer to trash than treasure though? Throw me away like yesterday’s garbage? It’s what my mother’s been trying to do since I was born.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel something for Coty, too. He lured me in with that sexy body that he carries with such an easy swagger. His beautiful face lights up with such wonder while his coffee-like eyes hold the more concealed emotions. His affectionate gestures are slowly becoming my undoing. He’s absolutely hypnotizing. And him living right next door…could end badly. I just don’t know for who exactly.
* * *
The next morning, I find Beckett sitting just outside our apartments eating a doughnut. He offers one to me as I pass, so taking the step below him, I sit and weigh my options. This is the third time he’s tried to offer me food and I still owe him for that chocolate bar. When he insists it’ll just go to waste, I make an exception to enjoy the jelly-filled goodness I didn’t pay for while he sips his coffee.
“Work?”
Mouth busy chewing, I nod. “You?”
“I go in later. Marc and Coty had some paperwork so they left earlier.” I take a sip of water, watching him closely. “Where do you work anyway?”
I point to the logo on my shirt.
Laughing, he says, “I never even noticed. Do you like it there?”
I shrug. “I like the tips. Lots of drama lately though.”
After regaling me with some work stories of his own, my cell rings with another UNKNOWN caller and I ignore it just like the others, wishing they’d take the hint already.
“Lover boy?”
“Nope.” I shake my head, twisting my hair into a ballerina bun then adjust my visor over my eyes. With the temperature spiking again today, I’ll need my long hair off my body.
“What’s going on with Coty?”
“You tell me, he’s your boy.”
Beckett studies me for a minute, his crystal-clear blue eyes looking for something. Something I’m sure he won’t find.
“You need to be careful with him.”
I scoff. What the hell does that mean? “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m trying to keep as much distance as this six-foot hallway will allow. I live next door, that doesn’t mean I’m up for grabs. You guys need to be careful, how about that? Just because a woman is within reach doesn’t mean you have a right to touch.” I stand, descending the stairs in a huff.
“Angela.”
I stop, surprised he’s using my actual name and not his usual nickname for me.
“I mean it. I’ve never seen him like this. He’s all over the place ever since you showed up. If you are serious about that fucking nerd-twat, then you need to make that clear to Coty.”
Sarcasm laces my every syllable. “I’ll get right on that.”
Choosing between my stepbrother and a guy I barely know. Yeah, right.
“Are you two serious?”
I shake my head at his question, at this conversation, at the entire situation.
“I gotta go.”
“Just give him a chance then.”
“Bye, Beckett.”
