Loving My Neighbor (7 page)

“It’s not your fault, but fuck, it was a rough two days.”

“I’m sorry, but you sound happy, anyway.”

“That’s because she’s sitting right next to me in only a sheet.”

“About damn time, boy!” My uncle shouts from a distance. I look at Bunny and she’s scowling but is blushing as well.

“Well, excuse me.” I hang up and turn to her. “My maid is a bitchy woman who has worked for me two days a week. I just found out that my uncle and Ernestine are a thing now, and I couldn’t be happier for them. I get that your father has left a terrible taste in your mouth when it comes to men and women, but I’m never letting you go. And trust me…if he had something to do with the explosion, there will be hell to pay.”

Trent eased my mind about the maid, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be comfortable with a maid or nanny.

“I’m sorry I got all nutty about it.”

“Lily, I get it. I’m not going to ruin this between us, ever. When I say you’re mine, I mean it. Once the weather clears up, I’m going to a jeweler and getting you the fattest rock I can find. Then we’re going to Vegas with Uncle John and Ernie.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. I’ve waited a lifetime for someone who could make me feel alive, and you do that for me.”

“You do that for me, too,” I whisper and duck my head.

He tilts my head with his thumb and looks me in the eyes, melting the panties I’m not wearing. “Love, I promise that you’ll never have to hide your feelings from me.” He bends down and kisses me softly. The kiss turns from sweet to passionate in a second. He has me on my back on the bed and the sheet off of me before I can catch my breath. I’m heaving and smiling up at him. Before I know it, he’s sliding into me. We moan together with the feel of his possession.

“You belong to me,” he growls.

“You belong to me,” I challenge back at him with an arched brow.

“Damn right, I do.” He slams into me harder, reminding me that we’re one now. “Lily,” he sighs my name before kissing me. Just that little whisper of benediction sends me over and I’m coming hard.

~~~~

“Come on, Bunny. Let’s go shower.”

“Okay,” she sighs, getting up slowly. I watch her and notice she’s tender. Cooling my need to fuck her in the shower, I say, “Babe, take a shower in here, and I’ll take one in the guest bedroom down the hall.”

“You don’t want to take one with me?” she asks in a pout.

“Lily, you winced a moment ago. I’m not going to cause you any more pain. I’m going to worship your body tonight.”

“I’m only a little sore.”

I give her a smirk and nod. “I know, but I want you feeling good before I tear it up again.”

“Fine.” She waddles into the bathroom. Despite the fact that my dick is hard as hell again, I walk away and get my clothes ready.

After my shower, I head into the bedroom and she’s slipping on another one of my shirts.

“Fuck, I walked in here too soon,” I groan out, biting my lip.

She blushes. “Oops. I think I’m going to have to do some laundry.”

“Do you know how?” I’m curious because she grew up rich.

“I may have grown up wealthy, but my wicked step-mother didn’t want another maid to replace her, so I was forced to do everyone’s laundry and cook. Then when I went to school, I did it for myself.”

“Cool. I do some laundry when I have time, which is few and far between, so Ernie has done it for me.”

“She’s still your maid and dating your uncle?”

“No, he told me she was done here. I don’t know how long they’ve been dating, but when I called to ask about your father, that’s when I found out about their relationship.”

I look at her with wicked intentions, and she’s shaking her head at me.

“I’m just playing, Lily. I have a few calls to make, but I thought I’d ask if you wanted to call your Dad first?”

“Sure. It’s probably best to get it over with.” I know she doesn’t really care to talk to him, but I think she’s trying to be a good daughter, even though she despises him.

“You really don’t have to talk to him.”

“Okay. I’ve got no problem doing that. I’ve been wanting to tell him to go to hell, but he’s the devil so I know he wouldn’t care about going home. Besides, ignoring his existence pisses him off more.” I believe her. She’s not afraid of them, but like me, she’s done giving a fuck about pandering to others. That’s my girl.

“Good, so what do you want to do? Do you want to watch me work or something?” I offer.

“I’m going to read in the library if that’s okay.”

“Of course, it is. I’ll be in my office if you need me. Just give me a kiss before you go in there.” I pull her into my arms and bend her backwards to kiss her.

I lock my office door because I have to make a call to Duke, who sent me a text while I was in the shower.

“Hey, Duke. Do you have anything for me?”

“Yeah, I do. It’s not good, man. Ted Mason is in debt, big time.” 

“How bad?”

“Around five hundred thousand. It gets worse than that. Do you know that his first wife was gunned down in a prominent area of town in Phoenix?”

“Lily told me something like that. Do you think he’s involved?”

“Without a doubt. There’s a paper trail to a hitman named Jerry Kroll. He’s actually under investigation for another murder and I’m betting if we get him a deal with the DA in Arizona, he’ll roll on Mason.”

“But if there’s a paper trail, then how come Mason and Kroll haven’t been arrested yet?”

“That’s because the cops don’t have shit on my skills. There’s a hidden paper trail.” I know that Duke can hack into files and bank information that cops can’t legally dig into.”

“Okay, so what’s your game plan?”

“I’ll go down there and talk to the DA. See if I can bring up the investigation. With my PI license, I can imply that I’m investigating the death of Veronica Mason.”

“Thanks, Duke. Just send me the bill for any of the expenses. When can you leave?”

“After the holidays I can take some time.”

“Great. Really, it means a lot to me, Duke.”

After I hang up with him, I call my assistant.

“Dana, I’ve gone over the presentation that Wilcox gave. I want to go ahead with the project. When you get in the office tomorrow, gather the paperwork together for me.”

“Will do, boss.” She pauses, then adds, “Sir, I’m wondering if you plan on doing anything for the holidays.”

“Yes, I am. My fiancée and I will be spending time with my uncle and his fiancée.”

“You’re engaged?”

“Yes, I just got engaged today.”

“Um…well…congratulations,” she mutters. Her sincerity is as deep as Lily’s father. “Okay. Are you coming into the office tomorrow?”

“Yes, but I’ll only be there in the afternoon. In fact, I’m going to send an email out that allows everyone to take the morning off and come in when the roads clear a little more.”

“Is that everything you need?” she asks.

“Yes, it is. Have a good day.”

Dana hangs up with me. I want to feel bad for her, but I know she’s not in love with me. She’s after my money. I overheard her on the phone with someone else once, telling them that she hoped to score a ring from me. After that conversation, she amped up her ass-kissing.

Opening my laptop, I send out the email to my staff. Then I start to look for rings. I want to pick something unique for her. I see what I like and ask for it to be sent to the local Zales by tomorrow for sizing the following day.

Next, it’s time to look into possible causes for massive explosions. The web is not as friendly as it used to be. I’m guessing it’s because of all the nut jobs looking to make bombs. What I do know is that it had to be something that was well contained before exploding that caused her home to go up like that. Maybe Don will have some answers tomorrow. With all the snow, I doubt they’ll find out the cause.

Going back to my work, I’m typing away when Bunny knocks on my door. “Coming.”

“You locked the door on me. I thought you said I could watch you work?” she asks as she walks into my office, giving me a suspicious glare.

“I’m sorry, but I was working on a surprise for you.”

“You don’t need to do anything more for me. I just need some clothes. That’s about it.”

“Yeah, you do. Although I do like seeing you in my clothes, I can’t have you looking sexy like that in front of others.”

“Unless you plan to keep me locked away in your mansion.”

“That’s a possibility, but I do host a poker game once a month. Although, I think I’ll have to lock you away in the library on those nights.”

“Really, are you embarrassed to be with me?”

“Are you nuts? I don’t want to have to murder the chief and some of the other guys for looking at you.”

“Well, then, I guess you’re going to have to get me some clothes.”

“But not tonight,” I chuckle. Rushing her, I wrap an arm around her waist and one behind her head as I pin her to the door and slam my mouth onto hers. 

I pull back, only because I promised to give her pussy some time to heal a bit, but it’s difficult. Her lips are tender and her taste is sweet. I want more. Looking into her eyes, I whisper “mine” before I kiss her softly. Even though our kiss is slow, my heart is pounding out of my chest. This is the feeling I want for a lifetime.

This time, she grips my hair and tugs me away before looking in my eyes and moaning, “mine”, then takes a nibble out of my lower lip before kissing me deeply. I’m the one lost in the kiss and forgetting what I’ve promised, pressing my hard-on against her. By the time I remember, I already have her legs wrapped around my waist with her on her back.

She’s grinding her hips up into my cock and I push her shirt up because if I can’t fuck her pussy, I’m going to play with her sexy tits. I reveal the creamy flesh of her flat belly and lift the shirt slowly up letting the plain cotton fabric lightly graze her skin. Her peaks are hardened and a dusky pink, looking eager for my touch. Taking her nipple between my teeth, I bite down causing her to arch her back. Her hands move into my scalp and she presses my head down, demanding to be satisfied.

Letting out a low growl I pull away from her breasts, undoing her thighs from their death grip around me. Roughly, I tug off the boxers and bend down to rub my nose in her mound, filling my nostrils with her honeyed heat.

Parting her thighs, I lift them onto my shoulders and look at her glistening lips. I lick them, loving her taste on my tongue. She’s panting hard, pressing my face into her pussy, begging and moaning for more. Her sighs only serve to heighten my need.

My dick is hard as nails and leaking in my jeans. I didn’t bother with any underwear, but I’m not going to sit in my leather desk chair bare-ass naked. Now I regret it because it’s blocking me from her. I focus on her, trying to forget my own search for release. I lick, kiss and suck on her core while slipping both thumbs to the bottom of her entrance and pressing down. It sends a jolt of sensation through her and she cries out, immediately coming for me. Pussy pulses against my mouth, making me off-load a bit of my pre-cum in my pants. Once she’s done riding my face, I slam her ass onto the sofa, making her smile eagerly wondering what’s next, but I don’t have anything left in my mind to tell her. As quickly as I can, I undo my jeans, whipping out my cock and growl, “Bunny, I need your mouth right now.”

Without missing a beat, she pushes back and sits against the arm of the sofa, gives me a wink and wags her finger, summoning me. I look at that desirous gaze, closing my eyes as I absorb the feeling that I get to keep her forever. I crawl up her, my cock inches from her mouth and rub the wet tip against her breasts. She lifts her hand and I think it’s to grab my dick, but she takes her fingers and wipes away my juice, then sucks them off.

“Don’t tease me, woman.”

“Says the man who plays with my food and refuses to feed it to me. I guess I’ll have to serve myself,” she snarls with an affected pout, then swats my arm out of the way as she takes my dick out of my hand and gives it a stroke before sucking it deep between her lips. I push my hips forward, pumping my cock into her willing mouth. She hums around me and I know it won’t be long. Leaning over, I place my hands on the armrest and look down at her as she lays her head back and starts teasing the tip. Her eyes meet mine and I see that she’s enjoying this almost as much as I am. She slips it back into her mouth, sucking hard.

“Fuck, Lily, I’m going to come,” I gruntingly say. Pulling out, I paint her breasts and come on her chest. Using her hands, she smears it all over, almost like branding herself with my seed. Her eyes never leave mine as she raises her fingers to her mouth and slowly sucks and licks them clean.

“Babe, come on, wake up and get your sweet ass in the shower.” I slap her ass. It jiggles and I groan because it’s fucking sexy as hell.

“You know we haven’t taken a shower together yet,” she says suggestively. She has no idea how tempting the idea is to me, but I know we won’t be making it to the office on time if we do.

I explain that to her, hoping she’ll get into the shower before I change my mind. “I know, but I have to go to work today and we need to get you some clothes.”

“Oh, okay,” she remarks and jumps out of the bed in a rush. Her naked body bouncing as she moves.

Suddenly, I have the urge to say fuck it and stay home again. “You don’t have to hurry, Bunny.”

“I know, but I don’t want to keep you waiting. It’s already seven-thirty.”

“We have time. I’m going to make us some breakfast.”

I’m just about to walk out of the room when she says, “Man, seriously. You know how to spoil a woman.”

I walk back up to her, grab her chin and state the absolute truth.

“You’re the only woman I’ll ever spoil.”

“What if we have a daughter one day? You’re not going to spoil her?”

“She’ll never be a woman to me. She’s going to be my little girl— always.” I lean forward and snatch a quick kiss and a nice grope of her round ass. Then flee the room before I’m tempted to forget work.

Breakfast is scrambled egg wraps, so cooking and cleanup are easy. She’s dressed in a pair of joggers, her tank that she had on that day and a hoodie of mine. Grabbing one of my coats, I wrap her up in it and give her a pair of Ernie’s rain boots that stay in the mud room in the back of the house. They’re a little big on her, but it’s better than them being small.

“I’m sorry, Bunny, but that’s all we have in the house. We’re hitting up whatever clothing and shoe stores that are open.”

“It’s gonna have to do. I can’t go outside without shoes.”

We get into town but there’s nothing open. So we drive toward the expressway and the area of malls. A bargain basement store is the only place open. I feel like an ass because she comes from money, which means she’s not accustomed to wearing cheaper clothes and shoes. I hope that she’s okay with it.

“Stop giving me that look. I’m not upset about buying clothes from a discount clothing store. Do you see what I’m wearing? I look like a hobo. By the way, I’ve shopped at bargain department stores more often than you can imagine. I grew up with money but once I left for college, I was forced to live off my mother’s life insurance that was given to me when I reached seventeen.”

“I’m not knocking the place, but I’m a millionaire and buying my fiancée clothes at a store known for the lowest prices.”

“It’s cool. I just want something that will look good on me.”

“I think you look great in my clothes.”

“We’ve been over this, though. I can’t walk around in public in your clothes.”

“Let’s hurry then and get you some clothes.”

An hour later and we’re leaving the store with twenty bags of clothes, shoes, and coats. She looks so cute, and now I don’t want to take her into the office.

“Why are you frowning? Do I look too plain?”

“Bunny, you look so damn hot.”

“Then why do you look miserable?”

“Because not only do I have to go to work, but I have to take your sexy ass with me.”

“I could always find something else to do while you work.”

“No, you can’t. I’m not ready to let you go anywhere without me.”

“I’m not worried.”

“Listen, I’ll be worried, so just give it some time before you run off on me.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Woman. I’m trying to be polite, but what I’m telling you is, you aren’t going anywhere without me.”

“You can’t keep me locked away.”

“Try me, Lily.”

“You shouldn’t challenge me, Trent. I’ve been known to defy.”

“I’ve been considered the evil beast that lives on the hill. Don’t make it true.”

“You’re already validating the name.”

“Get in the damn truck, Lily.”

“No.”

“I don’t have all day. Get your ass in the truck.”

“You’re an asshole.”

I don’t even know why we’re fighting. I’m looking out for her and she’s being a spoiled, damn brat.

Once we’re in the truck, I turn it on but don’t put it into drive. I turn to her and see she’s focusing on the window. I grip her chin lightly to get her to look at me. “Lily, I’m not going to lock you away. Not that the idea doesn’t sound really exciting, but that’s not what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to keep you safe. I don’t want anything to happen to you; you mean so much to me. I’m sorry if you feel smothered by my feelings.”

“I’m not smothered by them. They scare me.”

“I promise I’ll never do anything to hurt you. I’ve never raised my hand to a woman before.”

“I’m not afraid of you beating my ass. I’m scared that you could take all this away from me at any time. You make me feel special and wanted, and I haven’t felt that way in forever. I’ve always longed to be important to someone. These past few days have been amazing with you, and if you decide you don’t want me anymore, well, it will break me.”

“Fuck, Bunny. Don’t ever think like that. I’m not letting you go. Ever. I’m more likely to lock your ass up with our kids in our home before I’d let you leave me.”

~~~~

I hear his words and absorb them. He’s too good to be true. I’ve been living alone with just a few friends and I’ve come to enjoy that. But ever since I knocked on his door, I have felt a longing for love that I didn’t know I needed. His eyes stare at me so intently and I feel the pull. Our faces move closer in slow motion; our lips connect, his strong mouth softens for me and he kisses me with all his heart. Because I need reassurance, I undo two of his buttons while we kiss and slide my hand to his chest to feel the pounding of his heart. It’s racing just as fast as mine. He moves his head back to get a look at me. I don’t know what he’s looking for, but I know I’ve found what I need in him.

Keeping my hand on his chest, I whisper, “I love you.”

The look in his eyes change. It intensifies and I can see that he’s ready to say it back, but just as he’s about to, there’s a pounding on my window. Both of us jump. I turn around to see the cop that was at the hospital.

Trent lowers the window and asks, “What’s up, Don?”

“Nothing. I just happened to be at the Dunkin right there and saw your truck. Are you going to be in your office today?”

“Yeah, we’re about to head over there.”

“Can I meet with you later— privately?” I see the message that passes between them, but I don’t know what it’s about.

“Sure thing. What time works for you?”

“I have to go check in at the station, then I can stop by.”

“Okay.”

“Hello, Miss Mason. I hope you’re feeling better. I see Trent seems different.” The chief’s tone is almost flirtatious, then he winks at me. I get what he’s up to. He’s teasing and tormenting Trent. 

I giggle and reply with a friendly smile. “I am. Thank you, Chief.” I’m not flirting because I don’t want Trent to do that to me, but it doesn’t seem to matter him.

“You’ve got a beautiful smile,” Don remarks.

I hear a low growl come from Trent before he tells the chief in an extremely gruff tone, “I’ll see you later.”

We drive away and the moment we had before is gone. He grabs my hand and holds it the whole way to the office. The touch is simple, but pleasure shoots through my body.

“We’re here.” I feel sad because I thought he would say that he loved me, too. Everything about him says he loves me, but he just dropped the subject. I’m starting to think I’ve made a mistake.

It’s only eleven in the morning and he tells me the staff will be here at noon. We walk through a quiet building and into an elevator. The entire time he’s holding my hand but doesn’t say a word.

Once the doors open, a woman is sitting at the front desk. She looks up at us then at our hands and is immediately annoyed.

“Dana, I didn’t know that you were coming in this early. I told everyone to come in around twelve-thirty.”

“You wanted those documents typed up for Wilcox’s presentation.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t need to come in early for it. Well, since you’re here, I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée. Dana, this is Lily.” Turning to me he says, “Bunny, this is my assistant, Dana Brown.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, even though I don’t mean it.

“Excuse us,” he says, dragging me to his office. Remembering something, he stops and turns back. “Dana, Don will be stopping by to talk to me. When he comes, make sure he’s not kept waiting.”

Once we’re in his office, he locks the door and pins me to it. “Don’t think I forgot about what happened in the truck.” I think he’s about to go off about my profession of love to him. “Lily... I’ve been in love with you since I drove by you two days before you knocked on my door.” I’m shocked to hear that and he reads my expression. “Yes, I saw you before you saw me that day. You have no idea how bad I wanted to drag you into the house that night and keep you tied to my bed.”

“I knew it. I felt it the moment I pulled up to your house. I needed to run before I caved to whatever you had in mind.”

“I wish you hadn’t.”

“Me, too.”

“Kiss me, my love.” I submit to his demand and brush my lips against his. I kiss him gently because I suddenly feel serene. We don’t change from that soft, tender display to our usual hungry and frenzied passion. Instead, we stop to look at each other between repeating our declarations.

“I love you, Lily. Marry me.”

I’m just about to give him my answer when there’s a knock at the door behind me. Trent lets out a low growl then asks, “Who is it?”

“Chief Riggings.”

“Impeccable timing,” Trent snarls, moving us so that he can open the door.

“Oh, was I interrupting something?” he teases.

“Lily, can you do me a favor and take a seat out there by Dana? There should be coffee and snacks. I won’t be long.”

“Don’t worry, Trent. It’s only the reception area. I’ll be fine.”

“Here, take my phone. It’ll keep you busy.”

“Sure.” He kisses me one more time before patting me on the ass and scooting me out the door.

“Bye, Chief.”

I catch Trent giving the Chief a stern glare as he closes the door behind me. I turn to the reception area to receive my own glare. Dana…hmm. I wonder what interest she has in Trent. It’s clear she’s not happy with me, but I know they’re not a couple. I believe him when he says he hasn’t been with anyone in six-plus years. Though, was she here six years ago? Jealousy courses through my body just at the possibility, but I have to remember he’s mine now.

“I see you’re not allowed to know private information.”

“Excuse me?” I give her my own attitude. I get what she’s insinuating, and I don’t appreciate it.

“I know all the private information I need to know. Not that it’s any of your business anyway.”

“It used to be my business.”

“When?”

“Before you showed up. Where did he find you? Working at the local Target?”

“Bitch, I’m about one second from jumping over that desk and whooping your ass. The only thing stopping me is the fact that he loves me, and you can’t compete with me.”

“That’s because you’re a gold digger.”

“Look who’s calling the kettle black, bitch. I come from money, honey. I don’t need Trent to buy me anything. He does it because he’s my man. Something he’ll never be for you.”

“That’s not what he was saying last week when we were working late in his office and on this desk.” I know she’s goading me, but I’m ready to throat punch this bitch for putting that image in my head. “I love that birthmark on his upper thigh.” That’s it. I’m over the desk with that skank’s hair in my hands. I slam her head against the desk.

I grasp that I just smashed her face in and guilt hits me. That is until she kicks me with her stiletto then hits me across the face with the stapler. Stunned, I stagger, but I punch her right in the tit. “You fucking whore!” she shouts and lunges at me. We both fall to the ground, knocking the objects on her desk to the floor.

I hear the door open and the pounding of feet as they rush to us. She’s still trying to attack me, pulling my hair, when Trent pulls her off me. I get up and see him with his arms around her and it’s too much for me to take. Doubt clouds my mind.

“Trent, no. I can’t marry you.” I run away as fast as I can and make it to the elevator before he can stop me. I watch him as the doors close and I see the resignation in his eyes.

~~~~~

“So thanks for interrupting another important moment today.”

“Sorry, Trent. Besides, these doors aren’t sound proof. Would you have preferred I waited and listened for the two of you to finish fucking before I knocked?”

“We weren’t going to have sex. I had just asked her to marry me.”