Accidental Neighbor by Sharon Woods

Chapter 11

Jennifer

I’m lying back on my bed, scrolling through social media on my phone with the television on in the background. I’m not really paying attention to the show, but as I type on my phone, replying to a message, a loud bang makes me jump. My heart is frantically beating in my chest. I close the app on my phone and toss it beside me before glancing at the now black television screen.

I throw myself up off the bed and push the TV around, looking at the cords. I fiddle around with them. With no luck in fixing it, I step over to the bed, scoop the remote up, and press buttons on it. No luck with that either. I huff loudly. Shit. I really hope Dad can fix this; I can't afford another one.

“Dad,” I call out from my room. Even though the door is closed, he can usually hear me. After a minute, I still get nothing. I shout louder this time. “Daaaad.”

Again, I get no response. Throwing the remote down on the bed, I rip open my bedroom door and scan the house. I frown. The house is empty. Mom and Dad are nowhere to be found; they must have gone out. But just to be sure, I walk outside to the backyard to check the washing line and yard. Nothing. Where are they?

I wander back inside and move toward the front door to check the cars parked in the drive.

I pull open the door and both Megan and Mom’s cars are gone. Dad's is parked next to mine. I close the door behind me, keeping it unlocked. I wander out and stand frozen on the path. My flat gaze lands on my dad helping Thomas with his tire on his car. I lick my lips at the sight of Thomas in a black t-shirt, his tanned arm muscles bulging with every movement.

My dad is hovering near him, and I can't see his mouth moving, but I can see his hand outstretched and pointing. Not exactly helping, just spectating. I can’t hear the words exchanged between them because I'm too far away. I take a step forward, and a loud snap is heard. Shit. Busted. I glance down at the twig I snapped in half with my foot. I glance back up, hoping I would get away with it. But I can see them both staring at me. Thomas is wearing a sexy smirk, while my dad's head is tilted. They’re probably trying to figure out what I'm doing out here.

Shit. What am I doing out here?

That’s right. My television is broken. I carefully walk over, taking a few breaths to slow my heartbeat down. It’s not working. The closer I get to them, the more it accelerates. Now that I am closer, I see that Thomas has a glisten of sweat across his forehead and a red flush on his cheeks. He’s obviously working hard. His appearance causes my sex to clench down hard, and I start to feel my body temperature rising. Remembering his hands on me, I roll my lips to stop myself from smiling and getting questioned by dad. Thomas’s eyes bore into mine as he swipes his hand across his forehead. He smudges grease on his skin, and I have to restrain myself from leaning forward and rubbing it off.

“Jennifer, what are you doing out here? Your mother went to the shops if you're after her.”

I shake my head. “No, Dad. I came looking for you. I want you to take a look at my TV. A loud noise came out of it and now the screen is all black.”

“Doesn’t sound good. I’ll finish helping Thomas, and then I will take a look at it.”

I nod. “Okay, thanks.”

I'm about to turn around when Thomas speaks.

“Paul, I’m fine. Check on Jennifer’s TV. I got this.” He flaps his hand in the direction of the tire.

“Are you sure?” my dad asks.

“Definitely, I have five minutes left, tops.”

“Okay, but I will be right back.” My dad pushes off the car and walks toward our house. My feet are glued to the spot. I know I should be following Dad inside, but my body doesn’t want to move. I feel a magnetic pull to Thomas. His eyebrow pops as if asking why I'm still here, and I feel a flush rising from my chest.

“What happened?” My voice comes out strained.

He swivels his head to the flat tire. “Looks like I drove over a screw. And I have never changed these tires before and they were a lot of work. Your dad came over to help.” His lips lift.

I’m pretty sure he wasn't helping, but I don't say that out loud. “Is it new?”

Confused, his brows furrow.

“The car is new?” I ask again, thrusting my chin in the direction of his car.

“Ah, sorry. Yes, it is."

I nod and watch as he finishes. When he stands, we stare at each other for a minute. My pulse erratically beats inside my chest, and I bite into my bottom lip.

I want to… Taking a step forward, inching closer into his personal space, I hear a sharp intake of breath, and then he leans down, inching his lips closer to mine. I stare at his mouth as my own tongue darts out to moisten my lips. I can't wait to taste him again. I close my eyes in preparation, his hot breath tickling my lips. My body is vibrating with desire.

The loud sound of my door slamming open has us freezing on the spot, and I step back, putting some distance between us.

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” Thomas drops down to finish the tire.

My mouth opens and closes but words can’t seem to escape. Dad is approaching, so I clear my throat and rush out, “I’m not. I want you.”

Dad reaches us, stopping our conversation. Goddammit.

I wanted him to kiss me so badly.

“All fixed, sweetheart. I don’t think you're meant to watch that many Disney movies in a row.” He winks at me.

My mouth pops open. How embarrassing.

Thomas is going to think I really am a young woman and not take me seriously. “I’m kidding. I'm just joking around,” my dad offers, reading my icy glare.

“Not funny,” I spit crankily because I am breathless and achy for Thomas.

With no other reason to be out here anymore, and knowing I won't be alone with Thomas any longer now that Dad’s back out here, I say goodbye and trek back inside and into my bedroom.