Love Thy Neighbour (Friend-Zoned 2)

Now I’m pissed. I reply heatedly, “First things first, dickwad, he didn’t spend the night. Secondly, whatever sexcapades I plan to take on are none of your fucking business. Thirdly, I wasn’t going to see him tonight so we could watch the baking show together, but now you can eat a dick. ” I finish on a nod, and move to stand but he catches my hand and pulls me back into the booth to sit.

He looks confused as he says, “Hey, now. I didn’t mean to sound rude. I was just making conversation. ”

Scoffing, I reply, “Yeah, right. You’re acting like I owe you an explanation or some shit, Ash. ”

Frowning, he murmurs, “You’re right. Sorry, pretty girl. It won’t happen again. ”

I love when he calls me pretty girl. The rat bastard.

I look into his eyes. He looks upset at himself and genuinely sorry. I sigh and roll my eyes heavenward. “Okay. Good. ”

Warmth on my hand draws my gaze. I haven’t even realized he’s still holding my hand from when he pulled me back into the booth. His thumb softly rubs the back of my hand. When he sees me look down, he drops my hand like it’s hot and clears his throat. “So, we still watching TV tonight or did I just make things weird?”

Try as I might, I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face. “You are weird, Ash. A fucking weirdo. But yes, we’re still on tonight. ”

My grin transfers to his face. “Okay. See you later on. ” Just as I slide out of the booth he says quietly, “Sorry about the weird thing. ” He looks uncomfortable, almost embarrassed, as he continues, “I don’t really know how else to be. ”

My heart breaks for him. I want him to explain why he is the way he is, but even I know it’s too early in our friendship to ask him to explain himself. Suddenly, I feel protective of him. I look him right in the eyes and respond firmly, “I love that you’re weird. It makes you unique. I’ve never met anyone like you before, and I’m proud to have you as my friend, Ash. ”

Leaving him in shock, I turn on my heel and head back to wo

rk, face flushing as red as a neon sign.

***

I watch her ass sway as she strides away. Because she doesn’t walk ever, it’s not that simple with Nat.

She strides. She creeps. She stalks. She glides.

She’s like a fucking animal. An animal I want to tame. Every move she makes is calculated.

She’s a walking wet dream. Sassy as hell.

Have I seen her trip or be clumsy? Hell yes. And I laughed my ass off. Not that I’d ever tell her that. She’d kick my ass. I watch Safira’s over the CCTV most of the day. Even though I’m meant to be watching the store, I spend most of the time watching Nat.

What she said just a minute ago lingers. “I’m proud to have you as my friend, Ash. ”

I don’t hear that much. Proud. That word doesn’t usually get associated with me. It just doesn’t fit. Nik’s dad, Ilia, was the first person who ever told me he was proud of me. Nat is the second. In all my life.

I’d love to say it didn’t affect me, but fuck, I’m puffing out my chest like a bullfrog. If I were to walk right now, I know it’d be a strut.

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 fucking some other guy makes me wanna go apeshit. I fucking 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 fuck.

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.