The Girl Next Door

Unsure how to extract myself from this uncomfortable situation, I lift the flute to my lips and guzzle down the champagne before wiggling the stem. “If you’ll excuse me, I need a refill.”

“Someone’s thirsty,” Ari chuckles. “Would you like me to get you another?”

I slip easily from his hold. “No, thanks.” And then I’m off, sliding through the crowd with a relieved breath.

When I was a kid, I used to think Beck was Ari’s mini me. They both have the same dark wavy hair, bright green eyes, and athletic build. Now that they are older, the differences are more perceptible. The breadth of Beck’s shoulders is a little broader, his chest is a smidge wider, his arms bigger and more muscular.

There is such a strong family resemblance that it would seem natural to be attracted to both. But I’m not. When Ari had pressed me close, I’d felt nothing. My pulse didn’t skitter. The muscles in my belly didn’t contract. My core didn’t flood with arousal.

It’s a disconcerting realization.

Needing a breath of fresh air, I hand my flute to a passing waiter. Instead of grabbing another drink, I rush from the tent. As much as I want to avoid Beck for the rest of the evening, I realize my time is running out. He won’t allow me to evade him indefinitely. One thing I realize about my next-door neighbor is that when he wants something, the guy goes after it with a single-minded determination.

And what he wants right now, is me.

Chapter Twenty

Mia

So far this evening, I’ve been able to evade Beck’s evil clutches.

Barely.

He’s spent all of his time stalking me through the party like I’m prey. It’s exhausting to get embroiled in conversations as I keep a cautious eye out for him. The guest count has swelled and a lot of them are family or close friends, so Beck has been dragged into countless exchanges.

His frustration is palpable.

It’s kind of amusing.

If my luck continues to hold until the end of the night, I’ll be able to slip away without him laying hands on me.

By now, the party is in full swing. The quartet has been replaced by a DJ and everyone is on the dance floor busting a move. Even Archie and Caroline are out there enjoying themselves. I search the crowd until my focus settles on Mom and Dad.

Shocker—Dad has his phone in his hand and is staring down at it. His thumbs are moving over the screen like crazy. Mom stands a few feet away with a hollow look in her eyes as she lifts the champagne to her mouth and finishes the glass.

Pursing my lips, I shake my head.

What is wrong with him?

Why can’t Dad take a few hours away from work like he promised? I’m tempted to march over and grab the phone from his hands. Maybe then he would smarten up and pay attention to his wife.

As I take a step toward them, my feet grind to a halt when Beck sidles up to my mother with a fresh glass of champagne.

Like she needs that.

They converse before her gaze sweeps over the surrounding area. I quickly duck behind a potted plant, watching as she shrugs and shakes her head.

Damn. That was a close one.

“Who are we hiding from?” a voice whispers in my ear.

I yelp and jump in surprise. Thank goodness I’m not holding a drink. It would be all over the front of me.

I spin around and glare at Ari before smacking his arm. “What are you doing sneaking up on me like that? You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

He crouches next to me and uses one hand to part the floppy plant leaves before staring through them. “You didn’t tell me who we’re hiding from. Is it Mark from accounting?”

“Oh God,” I groan, “is he here?”

“Yup. I had an incredibly tedious conversation about the gross profits of the firm and what overhead could be cut if we’re looking to improve it. Here are my thoughts on the matter—his position should be the first to go.”

His comment brings a smile to my lips.

“Don’t worry, if you’re avoiding Mark, God’s gift to the accounting world, he’s,” his words drop off before he says with a shitload of humor dancing in his voice, “oh, I see who has you cowering in the corner.”

“I am not cowering!” When I poker up to my full height, the top of my head knocks into Ari’s chin and he staggers back a step before grabbing his jaw.

“Ow! Damn girl, that hurt!”

I cover my mouth with both hands and suck in a sharp breath. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to do that!”

He swipes his tongue across his teeth and winces. “I think you might have chipped a tooth.”

“No!” I groan, embarrassed to have caused such damage.

He straightens and drops his hands. “Just kidding.”