These are stories Alaska has NEVER published. They started as practice for short stories, and they need work. They need to be edited and revised. Maybe someday she’ll get around to it. Until then…ENJOY for free!

Now for the business side.

Apartment 808

That’s Mine series by Aideen

(Aideen is Alaska’s super sweet name she may NEVER publish under, lol.)

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Elijah

There was something about staring out of the window and seeing the city lit up in the near distance. It was what my teenage years had been made of: dreams of this life. Dreams of leaving my small farming town and making it in Chicago. I spent almost every waking moment preparing for this. First, volunteering at my local paper until I worked my way up as a paid employee. Billing, marketing, editing. I even did collections when companies were late or refused to pay. I did it all within the four years before I graduated, and all to fulfill this image I could so clearly see in my head. 

Get hired at one of the largest newspapers in the country. Check!

Be respected at said newspaper. Check!

Nice car. Double check! That had cost me a good chunk of my savings.

Apartment with a killer view. Not checked. Not yet, but it was time.

Meridian Heights was the nicest place to live outside of downtown. It gave the best views of the city. It had enough floors without being dramatically high. After all, I wasn’t compensating for size. And it had one apartment at the end of each floor that caused wars amongst the driven. I should know, I lost out to apartment eight-oh-eight once already. Damn Nancy Harris and Mr. Wallen’s obsession with big boobs. Luckily, she had gotten engaged and was moving with her fiancé to San Francisco which meant, it was time. Not only had I done an amazing job of convincing my landlord why I needed to move next door; I already had the majority of my place packed up. 

“Ruther. Rutherford.” I whistled, spying the ancient toy poodle on his throne alongside the windowsill, giving view to the glorious city. His little area had steps leading to the table his bed sat on. My small apartment didn’t have the floor to ceiling windows like apartment eight-oh-eight’s did, but soon we’d have our grand view. In about ten minutes to be exact. Long enough for me to head to the main floor and find good ‘ol Mr. Wallen. After all, it was the first of the month and I had already paid him the cash he requested last week. All I needed was my key. “Ruther, come eat. Don’t make me celebrate alone,” I said, pouring the dry food into his bowl. “It’s lamb, you’re favorite.”

At the yawn and stretch, I shook my head and grabbed my coffee. Ruther didn’t care about food, or even the excitement in my voice. In four large steps I was at my door. I didn’t make it another three steps after locking it when I came to a sudden stop. Voices. They were at the end of the hall, behind me. No one should have been at apartment eight-oh-eight. 

I turned, baffled. The man standing there looked just like Mr. Wallen, but a good thirty years younger. His shoulder length brunette hair was lighter than my own deep brown. Where mine was conservatively short and straight, his waved down his neck with more body and shine than a shampoo commercial. As for the woman, I couldn’t stop staring. Jesus, hot damn. I was sure my jaw had hit the floor. Whether it was from her beauty, curves, or the door she was standing at, I wasn’t quite sure. Had I thought mini-Wallen had nice hair? The woman’s silky, red length was what I-do’s were made of. It would be good to hold, pull…damn the things I could do to her. And that loose yet form-fitting black dress. What a cute little bow she had tied for the belt. It was perfect. Business yet bubbly. Somehow it accentuated her figure. Yeah, her body was dangerous for a man like me who had put career over dating. Could she be any more gorgeous? 

The thoughts died with me as I stopped on her left hand. No ring, but what were those damn keys she was holding, and why was she at the end of the hall?

“You must be Elijah Miller.” Her sweet voice softened with her smile, and she walked over, holding out her hand. “I’m Letty Echols. Mr. Wallen was just telling me about you.” Her expression wavered. “Well, not much. Just your name and that you lived here.”

My eyes darted between them as I squeezed my own keys to my palm. “Mr. Wallen, is it?” I glanced around her towards the one person who apparently missed the memo on whose apartment was where. “I’m sorry, I was just on my way to see him. The older Mr. Wallen. The landlord. Are you moving here?”

Letty’s happiness faded as her smile fell the smallest amount. Did I sound like a jerk? Have attitude? Yeah, maybe a little. The look she had said my question was obvious. She knew something was wrong, and I was doing nothing to hide it. Tension grew and she shifted at the uncomfortableness of it.

“I am. I’m going to be your new neighbor. I’ve just rented apartment eight-oh-eight.” 

“Really.” It wasn’t a question. Was I smiling? Did it appear as crazed as it felt? Eight-oh-eight? I couldn’t have heard that right. That apartment was mine. “I’m sorry.” I laughed, freeing the keys from my fist before I stabbed the damn things clean through my palm. “I thought you said apartment eight-oh-eight. I’m actually moving in there today. The real landlord, the older Mr. Wallen and I agreed to it last month. I’ve already paid the extra deposit and everything. Is it my apartment you were hoping to look in? Apartment eight-oh-seven? I’d be glad to show you around. I’m pretty much completely packed.” 

“Oh, boy. I’m sorry, we haven’t met. I’m Lincoln Wallen. Did you say deposit?” Concern crossed the man’s face as he closed the distance and held out his hand. At my pause, he sighed, continuing. “I’m afraid there’s no record of a deposit, Mr. Miller. My father kept very detailed records of the tenants and their accounts, and I went through everyone’s just this weekend.”

“Then perhaps you missed it. I don’t know about records, but I paid your father cash like he asked. Maybe he forgot to write it down. I assure you if you go ask him, he’ll tell you apartment eight-oh-eight is mine.”

Silence. 

Letty’s lips parted as her eyes flashed to Lincoln. I wasn’t sure if she was becoming defensive or panicked. Dark hair swayed through the lowering of Lincoln’s head, and the weight of a million worlds pushed against my shoulders. Dread. Anger. Caution. Was I becoming panicked too? So many emotions had me biting my tongue.

“My father passed away from prostate cancer last week, Mr. Miller. Monday, to be exact. He hasn’t been to treatment in months. We were surprised he lasted this long. We buried him over the weekend. In the event of his death, he wanted me to take over. That’s what I’m doing.”

Monday? The day I gave him my deposit? Words wouldn’t come at first. My throat practically closed as I tried to process what was happening. I had had no idea Mr. Wallen had cancer. He hadn’t even appeared sick, not that I saw him regularly. We talked and had conversations, but they weren’t always long ones. They were pleasant. He was a good man who did great at running this place. The building was privately owned, and he made it work. Now he was gone…and being replaced by this guy? How would that go? Would Lincoln sell out? Hike up rent prices? There was no telling his intentions. “I’m sorry for your loss. Your father and I go back a few years. It wasn’t until the last two that we really got to know each other. My condolences to you and your family.”

“Thank you.” Lincoln’s face tightened through his deep intake of breath. “It’s been a hard week, but sadly one we’ve been expecting. We’ll miss him.” 

“Yes.” I paused. “Mr. Wallen, I hate to argue about this right now, it’s just…I’m not sure what all of this means. I paid the deposit for apartment eight-oh-eight on Monday, before your father’s passing, and it wasn’t cheap. I’ve been waiting years to have that space. It’s bigger than mine. It has the better view.” A fucking spectacular one. “I’ll be more than happy to give my apartment to,” I paused, glancing over as the woman clutched to the strap of her purse.

“Letty,” she supplied again.

“Yes. I’ll be more than happy to let Letty have my place. I’ll even help her move in.”

“That’s nice of you,” she rushed in, “but I’ve already paid and filled out the paperwork for apartment eight-oh-eight. I have the key.”

“You have my key. I already paid too, and before you. That apartment is rightfully mine.”

“How do we know?”

“Are you calling me a liar?” I straightened, my arms crossing over my chest.

“Of course not. I’m just stating facts. We don’t know if what you say happened. Besides, I chose this place for that specific apartment. The view is necessary for my work.”

“How? Are you a famous painter?” 

She paused, her full mouth parting. “No.”

“Renown writer meant to change the world?”

“Mr. Miller.” 

“Elijah,” I growled. “That apartment is the final check on my dream list. I need that place. Is it imperative you have the views I’ve been waiting years to obtain? Have you counted down the days? Paid a huge deposit, twice the amount of what it should have been? No,” I rushed out. “That’s me. I did that. You say you need this space; I say it’s rightfully mine.” I didn’t continue as her face fell; I turned back to the son. “Mr. Wallen, is it possible you missed the information in the records? There has to be a way for you to confirm my deal with your father.”

My new landlord gave a half shrug as he looked between me and Letty. Both our arms were crossed, now, and our heads were high…although mine was a good six inches taller than her five-feet-six-inch frame.

“I assure you Mr. Miller, I came across no record of a deposit for apartment eight-oh-eight. I was sure to look before I rented it out to Ms. Echols. You didn’t happen to get a receipt when you gave him the cash?”

I cursed under my breath, going back to squeeze against my damn keys. “No. It was Monday. I was running late to work. I told him I’d get it later and…I’ve been so busy. I—”

“I’m extremely sorry,” Lincoln said, cutting me off. “If you have no way to prove you gave the deposit, I have to honor Mrs. Echol’s leasing contract. There’s no way around it.”

Letty

Moving back to Chicago after my divorce was meant to be exciting, inspiring…fun. Getting into a heated exchange with my hot, new neighbor was anything but that. From his rigid, built frame to his narrowed light brown eyes, down to his tightly set square jaw; the man was determined. It was in every inch of his being. Elijah Miller really wanted my apartment. With as passionate as he was about it, I could almost feel myself caving in. I mean, did I really need all that space? Did I even deserve it? 

The question immediately made me angry. Damn right I did. I had spent too long getting walked over and degraded by my ex. It took me a year after leaving him to build myself up. It was the entire reason I chose the nicest place I could afford. The years of feeling unworthy were over. I deserved good things. The best! I was doing this for me. 

“Mr. Miller.” I softened my tone but couldn’t lower my arms. I held tight to my biceps, more trying not to waver on my stance than appear firm. “I’m sorry this has happened to you, I really am, but I want apartment eight-oh-eight. Like you, I have my reasons. I need it.”

“You need it. Of course you do. I hope you enjoy my view.”

He turned, stomping back to his door. I couldn’t help but think as my eyes lowered to his tight ass that I was enjoying the view just fine. I quickly cringed at the thought as the door slammed and the loud bang echoed through the narrow hall. Lincoln gave me a sympathetic look, shrugging. I knew there was nothing either of us could do. According to him, there was no proof of deposit. That meant one thing: apartment eight-oh-eight was legally mine. 

“I’m sorry about that. I should get back downstairs. Welcome to Meridian Heights, Letty.”

“Thank you.” 

My voice wavered with uncertainty. I wish I could have said more, but I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision. Tension with my neighbor was the last thing I needed. I moved here to escape that sort of drama. What if Elijah made my life a living hell? What if he couldn’t let it go? 

****

“What did I tell you? Everything is going to be fine. It was a misunderstanding, nothing more. You’re overreacting, Letty. I’m sure in a few days the man won’t even remember you snatched his apartment from him. Did you say he’d been waiting years?”

My eyes rolled as I stood before the floor to ceiling windows in the dark, staring at the beautiful city in the distance. Margery could usually snap me out of my moods, but just an hour ago I had passed Elijah in the hall. The complete dismissal was proof he wasn’t going to forgive me any time soon. Not that it should have matter, but for some reason it did. A week had almost gone by since I’d moved into apartment eight-oh-eight. Aside from some muffled barks I assumed came from his apartment, all I heard from him was silence. 

“Years. Yes. Poor guy. I feel like such a bitch. I shouldn’t. I mean, it’s not like I did it intentionally. Still…it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The guy could shoot daggers from his eyes with how angry he looks at me. If he looks at me at all.”

“I knew it. This guy is gorgeous, isn’t he? If he wasn’t hot, you wouldn’t care so much. You probably wouldn’t even have given it a second thought. Spill. I want all the details. We’ve talked three times and each time you’ve brought him up.”

“Because I feel bad.” I laughed. “You should have seen him. He was so upset and mad. He lost out on his deposit which apparently was a lot of money, Marg. I crushed his dreams. He said so himself.”

“But he would have lost the apartment and his dreams regardless if you hadn’t moved in. He had no proof. That’s on him, not you.”

“Still…”

“Stop changing the subject. What does Elijah look like? I want to hear everything.”

My eyes darted towards the wall that separated our apartment. I bit my lip, pulling against the collar of my t-shirt. Why the hell was I so affected by this guy? Just thinking about how fit his body was, his arms, his pec pressing against his slim fitting shirt, his ass! Fuck me. Was it common for a woman to imagine sinking her teeth in to such immaculate flesh? Round, tight, dammit! My face was heating up at the thought. And that wasn’t the only thing. The entire situation concerning my neighbor was so unnatural. So different for me.

“He’s hot.”

“I knew it! Don’t stop there. Come on, Letty. Details!”

My smile appeared as I turned from the city and headed to my sofa not far from his wall. My TV was off but that didn’t stop me from staring in its general direction…still in the fucking dark.

“He’s a little over six feet, I guess. He has short brown hair and brown eyes. But they’re light brown. Really light. They almost look like honey in a way but not quite golden. It’s hard to explain.

“They look like honey. That’s quite the description. You stared at them that long? Did you lean in enough to flash cleavage too? Did you get close enough to see if he was wearing cologne?”

“Marg.”

“Sorry, go on.”

“He’s dreamy. What do you want me to say? He has full lips, a defined jaw. He’s extremely fit. The guy probably lives in the gym. He’s way out of my league. Not that I stand a chance since I stole his place out from under him.”

“Enough of that. Back to the description. It was getting good. How’s the thighs? I’m a thigh person. It’s completely weird. Were they thick like tree trunks? Ooh! The ass. Could you see his ass?”

“Heavenly. You would have fainted or attacked him on sight.”

She gasped causing me to laugh. 

“This is what you’re going to do. You need something that brings the two of you together. Something…good. Something like food. Men like to eat. They’ll eat all day. They’ll eat anything.”

“Marg, focus.”

“Right. Make something sweet. I got it! You’ll make him a cake as a peace offering. I demand it. You have to mend this, Letty. I’m living through you. You need that ass. You need it so damn bad you can’t stand it. Right?”

Louder my laughter grew. Again, I glanced towards his wall. “A cake, huh? You think that will be enough?”

“For now. Just write something on it. Something that’ll make him smile. Something that will make him forgive you. Then, that ass!”

“You’re worse than a guy. As much as I want his ass, I don’t think he’s going to give it to me.”

“So, you do want it!”

“Marg, fine, I wouldn’t mind a piece of his ass. It’s a nice one just like every other inch of his body that I could see.”

“This thought makes me happy.” She paused. “You have a piece of his ass, and he can have of piece of your cake. Ha! Cake, you get it? That’s what we used to call—”

“I remember,” I said, cutting her off. “I’ll bake for him. Maybe by some miracle he’ll at least stop glaring. I’d rather he ignores me like he did today instead of giving me the evil eye like he did the day before.”

“Maybe the guy was having a bad day. We have no idea what was on his mind when he glared at you.”

“Yeah I do. He was thinking about how I was living his dream.”

“How is that living going, by the way? Do you like the apartment?”

I sighed. “It’s perfect. It really is.” A bark. Then another. I looked over, my brow creasing as I cocked my head towards the wall. “I think he has a dog. I hear something.”

“You can hear into his apartment?”

“Maybe? Hold on.” I stood, moving in closer until I was right against the barrier that separated us. I put my ear against the cool surface, listening. A good minute went by. Two. I pulled back. “I don’t hear it anymore. Maybe it’s coming from somewhere else.”

“It could be. Can we get back to the ass part?”

My head dropped back at the laugh. “No. We’re done talking about Elijah’s very hot ass. I’ve got to get to work. I’m illustrating this children’s book for Darcy Lovett and I’m on a deadline. With my first day at the magazine coming up, I really want to knock out as much of the illustrations that I can before I start work.”

“Gotcha. I need to go figure out dinner anyway. You do you, boo. You know I love you. Call me sometime tomorrow. I want to hear more about cake and ass. I want the whole scoop. Down to what you write on it and everything.”

“How about I do better and text you a picture?”

“Yes! Send it over when you finish. Now get to work. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I hung up, shaking my head as I headed for my desk. Marg always found a way to cheer me up, and her suggestion was perfect. I’d win Elijah over. Cake, beer. Whatever it was I needed to do to bring peace. I wasn’t someone who could let this slide. For too long I drowned in emotions I didn’t want to feel. I couldn’t fix my wreck of a marriage, but I could try to mend this unfortunate misunderstanding with Elijah. Even if he never talked to me, at least he would know my apology was genuine. 

Elijah

Of all days, this day. Of all times, now. What a shit day, and an even shittier ride home. I sat two hours in a meeting that was pointless.  My car got a flat on the way home. People were bitchier than normal in the lobby, and all I wanted to do was come home and shower off this fuckshow energy, and what do I get? A cake in front of my door…from her. A round, eight-inch chocolate surprise just waiting to be devoured as if it knew, she knew, there was no better time than now to give it. 

Your dreamcrusher is sorry. Truce?

Truce. Hmph. I unlocked my door, dumping my keys and wallet on the table as I pulled off the plastic clear lid to the Tupperware. Real. This cake was made, not bought. Double hmph. I wasn’t so ready to forgive her yet. A week wasn’t nearly enough time to forgive and forget. She had my view. My damn apartment. 

I grabbed a fork, digging through the two layers of red velvet cake. The moment I placed it in my mouth, my eyes rolled back and I collapsed to the chair, chewing. Nope. I definitely wasn’t forgiving her yet. Not even if she thought I had a nice ass. 

Should I tell her about the paper-thin walls? Nah. I had too much fun listening to her spill everything to her friend. She’d learn in time. I sure as hell had to. Not that it had taken long since Nancy Harris loved blaring her radio at five in the morning as she took a shower before work. Thank God Letty didn’t do that. I really couldn’t hear much from her at all. Only when she was close to my wall, which didn’t seem often. Only that one night, and not even for long. I probably wouldn’t have even heard her if I hadn’t been laying on the couch reading Dylan Jenning’s, Ten tricks to Succeed in Everything you Do.

So far, it hadn’t paid off for shit. Still no glorious view.

Taking another bite of the cake, I closed my eyes, content to chew. Who needed dinner when you had an entire freshly baked cake? Should I go by and say thanks? My eyes opened and I looked at Rutherford. And see our window? The one we’d probably never have? Nope. Not on his life. She was gorgeous though. Traitor. Maybe I should just write her a thank you note. Should I even do that?

I stabbed the fork in, taking a bite and stuffing it so full I prayed it would block every single thought in my head. It didn’t. I saw those curves. Those long lashes and light eyes that took me in. The way she licked her lips every time I approached. Why the hell did she have to be so damn sexy? 

 “Ruther, how was your day? Did you enjoy your walk?”

The bark was short as he pranced down the small stairs and headed towards me. Just as he got to the end of the sofa, he turned and jumped onto the cushion, dismissing me completely. Weren’t dogs supposed to be loyal? At your feet all the time? I let out a breath as mine stood, stuck his ass towards me, and collapsed in a ball.

“Shit day, too? Must me in the air.”

Another bark. This time, he looked over his shoulder towards me, making a reluctant sound as he bounced down and sat at my feet. It was obvious it was the last thing he wanted to do. I reached down, stroking my hand down the curly white hair on his back. As he moved to put his hand under my palm, I smiled, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease the rest of the way. The cake really had helped. I never got gifts, and most people I came across in my profession were too cutthroat to apologize about shit. I wouldn’t think about how refreshing her sweetness was. Or…maybe that’s exactly what I was doing.

“Should we go say thank you?” I lifted to stand, turning to grab a plate to put the cake on. After I washed the Tupperware, I placed it in the strainer letting it dry. My question was never answered, and it was probably for the best. What did Rutherford know? The only female he’d been near was Dalia from down the hall, and only once. It was when I went to my parents. Mrs. Johnson was nice enough to watch Rutherford, but what did my dog do? He knocked hers up. Why the older woman didn’t have Delia fixed was beyond me, but they had three puppies from their weekend rendezvous, and what did I get: a dog who had more game than I did. I still wouldn’t let him live it down. Complete fucking stud.

Click, click. Ruther’s ears perked up at my sound, and he made a whine as I headed for the room. I loosened the tie, pulling it over my head as I tossed it on the bed. I had my shirt halfway unbuttoned and my belt undone when I felt myself grow still. There was something…something…different. Off. A sound. 

I squinted, looking around my room before my eyes connected with the wall. Letty’s room would be right here. After all, her apartment mirrored mine, and I’d heard my fair share of Nancy when her fiancé was over. But this…

Closer, I stepped in, my lips stretching back at the side as realization dawned. The hum. It took me a minute, but there was no mistaken that sound. Letty was being a very, very naughty girl and just the thought had my cock hardening. I glanced at Rutherford, rolling my sleeve up my forearms. Once I had my belt refastened, my feet were already carrying me back to the kitchen. 

Payback was a bitch, and I was about to get mine. Having fun, Letty? Let us see just how good of a job that vibrator was doing. 

I snatched the Tupperware, not even bothering to lock my door as I surged towards her door like a man on a mission. I didn’t even know what the hell I was doing. I was in some primal dick mode, pun probably intended because it was the only head I was thinking with at the moment. 

Bang! 

Bang! 

Bang!

My knocks were just as hard as my cock. I didn’t want to merely disturb her. I wanted to jumpstart her body like she’d jumpstarted mine. Pay her back not only for taking my apartment, but for igniting a lust I had no control over. 

Bang!

The door flew open, and I wasn’t sure who was more surprised, me or Letty? She stood there in a black silk robe, her red hair in wild waves around her shoulders. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were heavily-lidded. My mouth opened but words wouldn’t come as I lifted the Tupperware.

“Elijah. Oh…you got my cake.”

“I did. Thank you. It was very good. I mean, I didn’t eat it all just yet, but I thought you’d want your container back.”

“Thanks.” She took it. “I just wanted…I mean.” She tightened the robe with her free hand, forcing a smile as she seemed to try to slow the pants that were escaping at random moments. She almost looked to be trembling. Had she been close to coming? How wet was she? Fuck, I had to stop myself before I did something stupid. Hadn’t I already come over here? Did I want to come inside her too? What happened to writing her a note instead?

“Did you want to come in?”

In you. Dammit! “And see my stolen view? Nah. Maybe another time. I need to head back.”

Letty’s lips twisted. She was trying to figure out if I was joking or not. My tone hadn’t been harsh, but it wasn’t light either. 

“I’m just teasing you,” I said, forcing a smile. 

“Oh,” she laughed. “But I’m guessing only a little. I know you’re still upset. I really am sorry how things happened.”

“It happened. It’s over.”

Her brows drew in as her head cocked slightly to the side. Well, shit, she had to have detected my bitterness then. I let out a groan, laughing. 

“I may still be a little upset. It’ll pass. It was nice of you to make me a cake. You didn’t have to do that. I don’t usually react in such ways, but it’s been a long month.”

“It’s fine, really. I understand. And I didn’t mind at all. I wasn’t even sure you’d eat it, but I wanted you to know I was genuine in my apology.”

“I appreciate it.” I drew in my fist, using my thumb to point back towards my door. “I should go, I really need to go feed my dog dinner.”

Letty’s mouth parted and her face tinted even more as the seconds went by. “So, you do have a dog. I heard.” She stopped, clearing her throat. “I thought maybe I heard barking, but I wasn’t sure.”

My smile grew bigger than it had in as long as I could remember. Something about it had her swallowing hard.

“His name is Rutherford. I’ll tell him you said hello.” 

I turned, taking a few steps before I stopped, looking over my shoulder. Letty was standing in her doorway, holding to it with whitening fingers from how hard she was gripping. Her eyes shot up from my ass, and she gave a quick wave before nearly slamming the barrier shut. It took everything I had not to laugh, but I didn’t want her to know just how thin our walls were yet. Soon…but not today.

Letty

There were some things you never lived down: accidental slips in front of a crowd, passing gas in an elevator. I never had to worry about those. No. What I relived in my head, I’d never get over. Damn Elijah and that smile. Not the one he’d given me at the door, but the one he’d thrown my way when he’d caught me staring at his ass. His ass! 

Never in my life had I done something so bold. I wasn’t even much of an ass person yet there was something about Elijah’s that just did it for me. And now he knew! Could we go back to the days where he ignored me? Glared at me? Now it was that smile. That damn secret mask that said, I know you want me. To make it worse, we both knew I didn’t stand a chance. Sigh. How was it to be so good looking that you could make that face and walk in that sort of confidence? I wouldn’t know. I was still trying to find my groove. My sexiness. 

I thought I was getting close. Hell, before Elijah nearly broke down my door like the authorities, I was so close to imagining that I could have my pick of men in my fantasy room. Not that any of them appealed to me but him. And then there he was, at my door with his shirt halfway undone and those damn tight business slacks. Those things should have been illegal. Had I thought his ass looked good before in jeans, they didn’t hold a candle to it in all their charcoal grey glory. Bite. Yes. I wanted to just sink my teeth in and teach him a lesson. He shouldn’t smile like that. He shouldn’t be so good looking. It made the rest of us feel like sloths. Not that sloths weren’t cute. Still…they didn’t have those round, delectable—gah!

Ring.

Ring.

“Where have you been,” I burst out, pacing the length of my living room as Margery laughed. 

“Calm down, I didn’t get much service on the island. I could read your texts but it wouldn’t let me respond. I’m literally walking through the airport now. I’m dying at your situation. I can’t stop laughing. Start at the beginning. Cake to ass. Let’s hear it.”

I let out a sound feeling heat flood back into my cheeks. That smile. It was going to haunt me.

“Well, you saw the cake I’m assuming.”

“I did, Dreamcrusher. You did good. I’m proud. Did he like it?”

“He said he did. We were talking pretty good until he said he had to feed Rutherford.”

“Rutherford?”

“His dog. It’s the barking I heard.”

“You can hear his dog? Can you hear him?”

I stopped pacing, staring at the wall. “I haven’t yet. Well, there was once I thought I heard people talking. It might have been a television but I’m not sure.”

“So, you can hear into his apartment.”

I was silent so long Marg called my name. My mind was spinning. Could he hear me? Step by step, I moved further from our adjoining wall. All I could see was that smile. That telling…

“You don’t think he can hear me, do you? I mean.” I stopped. 

“I doubt it, Letty. If you’re only hearing something on occasion it doesn’t sound too promising. People are naturally loud, aren’t they? If you could hear so easily, you’d hear him doing all sorts of stuff. You, yourself, said you really haven’t heard much. I wouldn’t worry about it. Unless…Do you think maybe he can hear you?”

“I don’t know. Maybe not. It just, when he left my apartment, he took a few steps and he stopped. It’s like he either felt my eyes on him or he knew I was looking at his ass. The smile he had when he caught me, it’s like he knew what I was going to be doing before he even turned around.

“Shit. Shit,” she squealed, laughing. “This could be a blessing in disguise.”

“A blessing! Have you lost your mind? I was humiliated. You know me, I don’t usually act that way. I have no idea what got into me.”

“Me either, but I know what you do want in you.”

Again, I made a groaning sound. 

“Don’t stress, babe, think about this. The man was smiling. And you said not just any smile. I think he liked that you were checking out his ass. I think you should use this to your advantage.”

“How?”

“How were you dressed when he came to your door?”

More heat. Fuck, I was going to catch on fire! “A robe. I was…I wasn’t dressed.”

“Because you were in the shower or you were naked, masturbating?

“Marg! Don’t say that at the airport. Someone might here you.” I frowned. “Does it matter?”

“It does if he can hear you!”

My eyes flared wide. “No. You don’t think? No. No way. Oh my God, could this get any worse?”

“Worse? This is great. Fantastic. Now you can kill two birds with one stone.”

“What do you mean?”

That mischievous laugh I knew all too well echoed through the phone. “I want you to give it a few days. Try to see him as much as you can. If at all possible, strike up conversations. Get to know him so you feel more comfortable. Dress sexy. Wear makeup. Flirt for fuck’s sake. Literally. I mean that. Now, when the time is right, you’re going to do whatever you did the night he came over. Be loud, but not overly so. We want to know if he can hear you, that’s it. If he comes back over, we know. And if he comes back over, we also know why.”

“We do? Why?”

“Letty. Isn’t it obvious?”

“No.” My head jerked towards our adjoining wall. “Wait. No, he wouldn’t.” I held tighter to my phone. “He doesn’t want me like that. Does he?”

“Like I said, there’s only one way to find out. If he shows up during your feel-good party, he wants to join in. No if, ands, or buts about it, boo. He wants your goodies, and if you were smart, you’d let him have them until his hearts content. Oh! Do you have a mirror in your room?”

“On the dresser,” I said, breathlessly. 

“Make sure you have a view from your bed. Your not going to want to miss that ass as he pounds into you. Do it for all us horny women out there. Do it for me.”

“Ugh, I’m going to bed. You’re reading this all wrong. You should go to bed too when you get home. You’re obviously sleep deprived and delusional right now.”

“You could tear the band aid off and do it tonight. It’s late. There’s not many excuses he could use to be knocking at your door at this time.”

“Good night, Marg.”

“Think about it. Don’t be afraid to moan.” She laughed. “Night, Letty. If you do anything, I want to know. Talk to you later.”

“Night.” I hung up, placing my phone on my desk. No amount of biting my lip was going to tear me from the million questions that were repeating in my mind. 

Could he hear?

Did he hear? 

If so, what exactly had he heard? 

Possibly the ass part for sure, but had my vibrator triggered his sudden, door-pounding appearance? If so, why? His shirt had been halfway unbuttoned. That could have been from anything, though. He could have done that as soon as he walked through his front door. Then again…was his room up against mine? It was possible.

Before I could stop myself, I was heading closer to the wall that separated us. Each step, as light and soft as it was, felt like I was stomping through the floor. A booming alarm could have gone off for as exposed as I felt. I neared the white surface, lifting my hand to press against it. Was he even home right now? If I said something, would he hear me?

As if the heavens opened and an angel relayed my question to his dog, a bark filtered through, muffled from the separation. Muffled but there. And it was a pretty loud bark. 

My lids closed in half defeat. There was a hell of a good chance Elijah could hear, but did I really want to find out? To do so was admitting I had finally moved on from Justin and was brave enough to face something new—something as small as flirtation. My ex ruined me. He wasn’t physically abusive, but the damage the narcissist had done mentally decimated me. Of course, what Marg was hinting at didn’t involve a relationship. It was sex. Satisfaction. I could use some of that, but with my neighbor? And was I really okay with just a fling?

Maybe. Maybe not. It was something to think on. What I didn’t have to contemplate was Marg’s advise on the way I dressed. It was time to spice things up. Even if it was for myself. 

Elijah

I was more of a routine guy versus spontaneous. Maybe it was the way I’d been raised. My father had a small hardware store, and my mother had worked eight to five as the secretary for our small farming town. We did things by the book. There was always a time for everything. For breakfast, dinner. Even the shows we enjoyed as a family had their schedule. There was comfort knowing what was going to happen one minute to the next. So why over the last two weeks had I completely flip my own schedule upside-down to learn more about Letty’s? 

Creeper. That’s what I was becoming. A through-the-wall stalker. Who listened out for what their neighbor was doing? Who ate popcorn with their dog on their lap and treated someone else’s phone calls like it was the next episode of Days of Our Lives? And boy did that girl spend a lot of time on the phone. Marg. Penny. Some guy named Jose. From the sounds of it she drew things. So…not a painter…but an artist? I needed help. I had plunged right over the weirdo wall and was going full speed downstream on my douchebag canoe. 

I couldn’t even lay in bed at night and just read. Not with all that vibrating going on. Did I mention the moans? That woman was fucking killing me. As wrong as it was, I hadn’t gotten off this good in a long damn time. She came; I came. It was like…phone sex without the phone. One night I thought maybe she had heard me. The pause in her breathy little whimpers stopped and seconds later she was nearly screaming through her orgasm. Which of course had my entire body locking up through the waves of my release. 

Yeah. I could get used to this if I wasn’t so damn determined to have the real thing. I knew my thoughts shouldn’t even tease the temptations, but fuck, she was everywhere. Hot. Sexy. Tight fucking dressed hugging to her curves. Her hair had been curled a lot in waves, just bouncing along her back. It was torture when all I wanted was for her to be bouncing on my cock. How had the thief of apartment eight-oh-eight become the one woman who consumed my every-waking thoughts? 

I was so screwed, and not even the good kind of screwed.

“Of course. I sent it to your email just this morning.” Letty paused and Rutherford used my shoulder to jump onto the back of the sofa. He turned, knocking the side of my face with his ass as he headed for the spot just behind my neck where he liked to curl up. I tossed another piece of popcorn in my mouth content to listen to my daily dose of ‘what’s Letty up to tonight?’ Damn, I should just turn on my TV. I wouldn’t hear shit but my show if I just occupied myself. 

“You did? Good! I was hoping you’d all like them. I thought they went with the story perfectly. I could so clearly see it in my head. It’s such a wonderful children’s book.”

Book? A few seconds went by before my eyes lit up and I smiled. Illustrator. That’s what she was. She drew for books.

Yes, I started a few days ago.” A pause. “It’s going great. Traffic can be a pain, but I only work there part time so it’s not too bad. That’s right. Graphic Design.”

My mind raced. She worked somewhere else too? That was interesting. I usually got home close to six. Sometimes we ran into each other in the lobby or while checking our mail. Could we be on the same schedule? 

“Tomorrow, great. You too, Penny. I’ll keep a look out for your email.”

The quiet took over again and Rutherford barked, not quite content to settle down just yet. His ass hit the back of my head as he circled around, and he barked again. I laughed, my hand freezing from reaching back as Letty’s voice came in so clear I thought she was in my apartment.

“Rutherford, I hear you. Who’s a good dog? Are you there?”

Ruther jumped to his feet, angling his head up at the wall. He barked louder, scratching at the divider between us.

“I got some treats for you. Do you like snacks?”

Bark! Bark!

Letty giggled and within seconds there was knocking at my door. I threw Rutherford a look, narrowing my eyes. 

“You little scoundrel. I told you you have more game than me.”

I stood, lunging for my television to click it on before I jogged to the door. Letty’s smile was radiant as she lifted a small bag. 

“I hope you don’t mind, but I got your dog some treats. There’s the cutest little pet store down the road, and I couldn’t resist.”

“Oh.” I glanced behind me as if I hadn’t just heard their whole damn conversation. “That was really nice of you. He’d love them. Do you want to come in?”

She nodded, taking a few steps at my gesture. The moment she spotted Rutherford she didn’t wait; she took off right to my couch. Crinkling from the paper box sent Ruther into a frenzy as he jumped from the cushion, spinning at her feet. I knew those special little bags and so did my spoiled dog.

“Kippers, huh? Oh shit. You have no idea what you just did.”

She laughed as Ruther circled, sat, jumped. The barks only grew as she withdrew the tiny milkbone and something else. She crouched, lowering herself to him.

“Can you sit?”

He obeyed.

“Good boy, Rutherford.” She reached forward, attaching a small blue bow by his ear. “Handsome boy. Now we match. Can you shake?”

“Wait.” I stepped forward, pointing, but she continued on. 

“Excellent! You’re so smart and cute. You like your new gifts?”

“Letty.” I took a few steps shaking my head and still pointing. “He. He’s a boy.”

“I know that.” She looked over her shoulder at me, turning back to slide him the treat.”

“But…the bow. You can’t do that to him.”

“What are you talking about? Rutherford likes it.”

“The hell he does.” I reached forward to take it off, jerking my hand back as my own damn dog growled at me.

“See. You hurt his feelings, Elijah. He likes the bow. Besides, he looks adorable. He knows that. Look how he’s standing taller.”

“But it’s a bow,” I snapped. “In his hair like a girl.”

“But he’s not a girl, and we all know that. It makes him feel good. Would you prefer me buy him a bowtie next time?”

I got quiet, not able to deny how he did seem to have an extra glow about him as he sat perfectly still at her feet. 

“Well, yes, a bowtie might be okay. Just…I mean, you don’t have to—”

“Nonsense. Look how happy it made him. A bowtie next time for you, Rutherford. And more treats.” She lowered slipping him another. The moment Rutherford had it in his mouth, he raced right to his throne at the window. 

“Perfect. He’s happy now. That makes me happy. 

“Yeah, I guess he does seem more peppy.” Probably because of the treats but what did I know?  A damn bow. Didn’t she have enough for herself? Now she was buying them for my dog? Maybe it was a little cute. “Thank you. Those exact treats are Ruther’s favorite.”

“He’s such a good dog. I see you out walking him sometimes.”

“You do?” 

I pretended not to know, but my joking tone didn’t escape her notice. I was very aware of every time she was nearby, and I was pretty sure she knew that too.

“Yes. You both look cute together.”

“You think I’m cute?”

Letty’s went to say something, lowering her head a bit as her cheeks darkened with the blush.

“No need to be embarrassed. I’ll let you in on a secret. You’re pretty cute yourself. Here, let me put that bag in my cabinet before Ruther realizes they’re not put up yet.”

The treats lifted towards me, but I knew nothing past the touch of her fingers as I went to take the bag. Our contact was electric, consuming. Where I was usually reserved, that was long gone as I pulled her body into mine. Light blue eyes went wide, and then I felt it. Letty softened and molded herself into me. Her fingers gripped to my shirt and the bag of dog treats hit the floor. 

“You listen to me, don’t you? I’ve heard you,” she said, breathlessly.

The pure need in her tone had my lips lowering to hers. Letty wasn’t asking because she needed an answer. We both already knew. Given the way she was pulling harder against my shirt, it was more than me who wanted this.

My hand flattened against her lower back, moving just to the curve of her ass. To say I hadn’t felt the fastening as I’d moved my way down would have been a lie. She was wearing a garter belt and stockings under that blue fitted dress and fuck if I didn’t want to see them.

“Do you like what you hear, Letty?”

“God, yes.”

Her tongue slid against mine as I pushed deep in her mouth. Lower, my hand slid until I was squeezing into one side of her ass, pulling her in to press into my hard cock. Her arms wrapped around my neck, and I barely felt myself spin us for my sofa. I crushed my body into hers, pinning her down as I felt her thighs lift at my hips. She was so hot as my hand settled on the lace lining at the top of her stocking. 

“Your dress. All these clothes lately…” I tugged against her lip, not able to resist one more taste of her mouth before I pulled back to speak. “Are they for me or is this how you usually dress. It seems different.” I pushed up the stretchy, tight material to her waist feel ing myself slow as I caught her ‘deer in the headlights’ look. Something about what I said had pulled her from our moment, and I was losing her fast. 

Letty squirmed underneath me, quickly righting the dress as I followed her to stand. 

“It’s for me. I mean, it’s new. I should go.”

“I like it,” I rushed out. Trying not to reach back towards her. “It looks good on you. Especially that color. It brings out your eyes.”

A slight smile appeared as she took a small step back, towards the door. I caught Rutherford out of the corner of my eyes, his head buried in the bag of treats. 

“Thank you. I’m trying. I…”

I’d remained standing still so I wouldn’t intimidate her but at her sudden distress, my instincts drove me closer. I walked over, reaching to bring her face back up to me. She lifted, but not before she inched back a little more. Damage. Heartbreak. Something was there, hiding behind the emotional wall she was quickly trying to put between us. 

We’d gotten this far, and I wasn’t going back to this bullshit grudge I was holding against her. I wanted Letty, and I was ready to learn exactly who the gorgeous woman was. 

“Come over here. Let me make you a drink. Let’s talk.”

“I really should—”

“I insist. I think it’s time we get to know each other…in person…outside of the bedroom. What do you say? Will you spend the evening with me?”

Letty

“Yeah, yeah, you were right.” I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the smile regardless Marg couldn’t see. “I’ve been waiting two weeks to tell you that.”

“I know. I’ve been so busy. I meant to get back sooner, but you know how it goes in some of my locations.”

“I know. You texted when you could, so I knew you were okay.”

“I’m good. Perfect. Tell me more about what’s going on. I was right. Now what?”

My lips pressed together. “I don’t know. I mean, we’ve had a few heavy make out sessions but nothing too far, so to speak. We talk a lot. I told him I had a messy past but didn’t go much into detail. He seemed okay with it. He told me about his parents and his crazy cousins who live in the swamplands of Louisiana. I’m actually looking forward to hearing more about that tonight. We’re having dinner here at my place. I’m freaking out a bit.”

“Ooh! Dinner, that’s exciting. Let me get this straight. The two of you have made out, but not gone all the way.”

“No. We’ve…” I lowered my voice walking to the far side of my apartment. “Touching, but through clothes. At least he’s done that to me.”

“This is getting good. So, you haven’t got a clue on the marriage gear.”

“The what?”

“Wedding kit?”

“Marg, what are you talking about?”

“His goods, Letty. You know, his master member, dinger, sword, leather-stretcher?”

“Eww!” I screamed, bursting out in laughter. “You mean his cock?”

“Same thing. You really need to get out more. Do you have any idea what he’s working with? Is it average, small? Please say it’s impressive.” 

“I have no idea,” I laughed. From what I can tell, I think it’s definitely bigger than average. I’m not sure. It’s so hard to say.”

“I’ll pray for you.”

“I think there’s bigger things to pray over. Tell me about you. Where are you this weekend? Anywhere good?”

Marg made a sound between a sigh and groan. She instructed classes on everything from time management to sexual harassment for the employees of a very high-class hotel chain. “I’m in Toledo. You know me, making my rounds. I’ll be in New York the day after tomorrow, and then Boston next week.”

“Any chance you’ll be heading to Chicago soon?”

“Not soon enough. After Boston I hop a plane for London and start my international tour. I may be able to swing by and see you before I leave, but only for an evening.”

“I’d like that if you can manage. Otherwise, it’ll be months before we see each other again.”

“True. You could always come to see me. I can get you a killer rate on a room.”

I laughed. “I may have to take you up on that.”

“I hope you do. So…aside from Romeo next door, how are you? Is everything going good with the new job?”

“I like it. Working for a magazine isn’t much different than a publisher. It’s more fast-paced, I guess, but it’s only part-time.”

“I’m glad you like it. I was worried it might be too overwhelming doing two jobs at once. Speaking of the illustration, what’s the new project you have going on? Wait! Let me guess. It’s….a tooth fairy who battles her way free of the fae, only to find herself replaced by a handsome male fairy who’s determined to take her place.”

“Not quite.”

“A strapping young Centaur shifter who’s secretly the knight in shining armor.”

I laughed. “Now that would be fun to draw.”

“Tell me. I’m dying to know.”

“I’m drawing hippos in a desert.”

“Ooh. I’m liking this already.”

I giggled, grabbing my glass of wine. “It’s a cute book. This one will be fun.”

“Sounds like it. So.” At Marg’s tone dropping in pitch and her turning silent, something was coming. Good or bad, I was betting it wasn’t going to be pleasant. 

“Go ahead. You were going to say something but you stopped. What is it?”

“I got a call this morning. Well, that’s a lie. I got a voicemail this morning, and then I got another call about an hour ago.”

“Okay…” 

“It was from Justin. He’s at it again.”

“Justin!” The shock clashing with my anger had me yelling out before I could stop myself. I lowered my voice. “We’ve been divorced for over a year. What the hell did he want?”

Still Marg was holding back. 

“Tell me.”

“He’s back to what he was doing when you both separated. He wanted to know about you. He tried asking fifty million questions before I could even open my mouth.”

“You didn’t tell him where I was, did you?”

“Of course not, Letty. The guy is just coming off a breakup, so I’m sure it was nothing. Just whining and complaining on his part because she left him. I just thought you should know.”

“Thanks.” I twisted my mouth, not able to wipe the angry expression from my face. “Breakup. That was the best damn decision that woman made, whoever she was. She has no idea what she saved herself from.”

“Agreed. I told him to stop worrying about you and get some professional help. And I told him not to call me again. I can’t believe he had the nerve to even try. Idiot.”

“You know Justin. He only thinks about himself. Maybe block his number so he doesn’t try again. Once he goes through another breakup, he’ll be right back to dialing your number or someone else’s. He’ll make his rounds until he can sink his hooks into someone gullible enough to believe his lies. It won’t be us though. Hell no.”

Marg laughed. “Don’t worry. I blocked his ass instantly. If I never hear from that bastard again it’ll be too soon. May he rot in hell and suffer an endless loop of piranhas eating away his bang-stick.”

“Amen.”

****

Dim candlelight. The aroma of dinner still lingering. Nice, short, loose dress with my tiny, match bow to keep my bangs back. Silk panties. Silk bra. Sexy, natural makeup. Damn I looked good. So, what was wrong with Elijah? 

We sat at my oak two-seater table, finishing off the chicken pot pie I had spent hours prepping yesterday from scratch. Elijah looked dashing in his white button up and dark navy slacks. He wore no tie tonight and two of the top buttons were undone. His sleeves were rolled up again showing off his impressive, tanned forearms. If I wanted to be honest, his looks were on point, but he appeared a little distracted. He kept shifting in his chair. He couldn’t seem to sit still.

“Is everything okay?” Had I already asked that? “Is it the apartment?”

Light brown eyes lifted from his plate to sweep past the view and come back to me. “No, this place is perfect. The food is perfect. Everything’s great.”

“Are you sure? You seem a little…off.”

His jaw tightened as he glanced back to the view. When his slightly, narrowed stare returned to me there was such heat and anger mixed, I almost couldn’t catch my breath. 

“Who’s Justin?”

“Justin?”

He gave a sharp nod. “I heard you say his name earlier. I wasn’t trying to listen in, you just said it really loud.”

“Oh.” It was my turn to shift in my chair. “Justin’s my ex-husband. My friend informed me he’s calling her again, asking about me.”

“I see.” His shoulder rotated. “You told me a while back that you moved here from Minneapolis. That your past was…”

“Messy.” I supplied.

“Yes. Is he why you’re here?”

“Sort of. Yes. I moved to get away from him.”

“Did he hurt you?”

It took seconds for me to take in his question. Elijah wasn’t backing down. He was patiently waiting for my answer.

“That’s not easy to answer. Not physically, if that’s what you mean. More…degrading.”

“Go on.” 

My mouth opened and then closed. “I was never good enough. No one would ever love me. I had no real talent. Everything was my fault. Name calling. It was a nasty seven years of marriage. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but it didn’t take me long to find out. By the time I left, I barely even recognized myself. I’m still trying to pick up the pieces, I guess.”

He nodded slowly. “I’m glad you left. Does he know where you are?”

“No, and I don’t want him to.”

“Good.” Elijah scooted his chair back, pushing to stand. When he offered me his hand, I stood, not able to break eye contact at his intensity. “He better hope he never finds you or else he’ll have to deal with me. Come show me the view.”

Full lips brushed against mine, and I nearly moaned as Elijah’s large hand cupped to the back of my neck. The kiss was a tease, but the placement of his hand built me up even more. He didn’t remove it as he kept a firm hold to lead me to the window. The city lights grew closer as I fought to slow my racing heart. When we got inches away, Elijah stepped in behind me, moving his hold to flatten against my stomach.

No words.

No more threats against my ex. 

Just me, Elijah, and his…what had Marg called it, his wedding kit? Whatever it was, it was hard and pressing right into my back. Was I breathing heavy? God, I was, and I couldn’t stop. 

 “How long have you been divorced?”

I cleared my throat when no words would come. 

“Fifteen months.”

Fingers splayed, slipping down my dress the smallest amount. 

“Have you dated anyone in that time?”

My head shook as I forced myself to swallow. 

“No dates at all?”

“No. None.”

Lower, his hand traveled, eventually reaching the loose hem of my dress. For seconds Elijah traced it, caressing my bare thigh in the process. His own heavy breathing was now leveled with my ear, and I wasn’t sure how I wasn’t a puddle on the floor already. I was so turned on, I was trembling. Please don’t let my heel slip and make me faceplant into this glass.

“Elijah.”

Weak. My voice was nothing more than a whisper to the explosions happening within. Fingers were making a back-and-forth movement along my inner thigh and all it was going to take was him standing up straight for them to reach my panties. 

“Spread your legs for me. Hands on the glass, baby.”

“You want to do this here?”

Teeth nipped at my ear lobe. “Right here. Right now.”

My hands went out, but only because my knees were wobbling. I really did almost roll my ankle. I quickly stepped out of the shoes, obeying, but that just put his fingers level with my clit. Did he move them? No. Small circles made a pattern over silk that was growing wetter by the second. 

“Fuck, you smell good.”

Elijah buried is face in my neck, sliding his middle finger between my folds as he cupped the sensitive area and held still. In slow pulses, he began tapping his fingertip against my entrance, pushing deeper each time. A sound escaped me revealing just how desperate I felt. I wanted more. Needed more.

“Look towards the middle of the city. Do you see the tall building with almost every light on towards the top floor?”

Opening my eyes all the way was nearly impossible. I blinked hard, feeling them shoot open as Elijah’s finger dipped past the silk, easing inside me. My mouth opened and I sucked in a breath, seeing the building he spoke of. 

“I see it.”

The length buried in me, withdrawing halfway before surging even deeper. 

“I’m on the floor just below those lights. I sit there every day looking right at our building. Can you guess who I’m thinking about? Where my mind is?”

“Please.” 

My nails pushed into the glass as he shifted his shoulder and added another digit, stretching me wide.

“I can’t get you out of my head, Letty. I can’t focus. When I heard you say that name, I nearly flew off my couch.” Teeth sank into my neck. I gasped just as he started sucking against my skin. “I guess I was jealous. The thought of someone else touching you. Trying to have you.” Again he sucked, drawing out continuous sounds from me. “I can’t stand the thought. I want you so bad I can’t stand it. You’re different than anyone I’ve ever met. You’re brave, strong, beautiful. These bows,” he said, pushing down to slide it free. “They drive me crazy, but I can’t get over how unique and cute it is. You’re something else, and I like you. A lot. I’m hoping you like me too.”

Elijah

Maybe it wasn’t smart to admit my feelings for Letty so soon. After all, we’d only been talking now for a few weeks. And not all the time, but we had spent the last two weeks together nearly nonstop. And hell, we made out more in those two weeks than I had in my high school days. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other. That, combined with our talks, and the sight I had into her private life from what I could hear through the walls nearly nonstop, I just felt like I knew her. I was more comfortable with Letty than I was my own friends or coworkers. I could relax. Laugh. She cooked amazing food and brought my dog bowties and treats. Who else ever did that? No one. Not that I ever really let anyone close. With Letty I didn’t have to force or pretend, and that made all the difference. 

Withdrawing my fingers, I turned Letty to face me.

“If I’m going too fast for you—”

I could barely finish before her arms went back up. She wrapped them around my neck, pulling me down to kiss her. The wine was still sweet on her tongue, and she moaned as I sucked against it.

Actions were everything. Letty wanting this as much as me stirred something I hadn’t felt in a long time. Dominance. Possession. Protectiveness. It had been missing from me for so long, they were just as overwhelming as they were welcomed.

Lifting her in my arms, I carried her to the bedroom, stopping and smiling at the view.  I had a window. One small window. My entire wall wasn’t glass like hers. It was beautiful at night, just like I always imagined. Seeing it with her in my arms, something in me shifted. I glanced down to Letty, watching her smile as she stared up at me.

It all seemed surreal and too good to be true. This was the beginning of something. Something big. Something important. That was clear as I stood her up in the dim room and took off her dress. 

“Damn, you’re stunning.” I fingered the strap of her silk bra, making a path down her chest. When I got to the swell of her breast, Letty’s hand lifted to my own buttons. Her hard nipples pushed through the fabric, and I couldn’t help but rotate my thumb over the hard nub as she worked her way down my shirt. When she reached my belt, I jerked the material free from my pants and let her continue. The moment my shirt opened Letty’s jaw dropped. Her fingers dipped over the defined muscles and her eyes shot up to mine. 

Doubt. 

Apprehension.

Uneasiness.

Lust.

They all danced around her face. What I saw most was her sudden insecurities, which I planned to put a stop to immediately. Letty was beautiful inside and out. She mentioned her ex always telling her she wasn’t good enough. There was no way I was going to let that shithead’s bullshit steal our moment. 

“Close your eyes, baby. Right now, I want you to feel how much I want you.”

Letty’s lids fluttered closed. I reached around unhooking her bra, clenching my teeth as I took in her full breasts. Fuck, she was perfect. My cock ached and I lowered, circling her nipple with my tongue. Whether it was instinct or an invitation, her legs parted, and her fingers pushed into my short hair. Her desire had me sucking to her breast and pulling her body in closer.

I lowered my other hand, a sound rumbling through my throat at the wetness that met me. Lifting, I pulled her panties off and laid her on the bed. There was only one place I could think of being. One place that would make this night one I would never forget. I lowered, spreading her thighs wide. Letty was giving me that smoldering, passion-filled look again, and I knew I had her. No more worry. No more fear of what I thought of her. As I nibbled against her inner thigh towards her pussy, her breaths turned deeper.  

“I think this is the best view I’ve ever had.”

Letty cried out in pleasure as I sank my teeth in, sucking against the tender flesh. More, I inched closer, finally able to run my tongue up her folds. As I separated her, I could feel my eyes roll in delight from her taste. My tongue swirled over her entrance, moving to brush over her clit just before I sucked against her again.

“Elijah. Yes. Oh, yes.” Her hips arched, rocking as I pushed my tongue inside. 

The quick flick over the sensitive nerves was all it took to cause her body to twitch with need. I made my round, clit, entrance, tracing along the inside of her slit. Letty was moving good against me, going faster as she built up even more. The moment I slid my finger back inside her, her upper body lifted just a little and she cried out in spasms. I kept licking and sucking, tasting every bit of her cum that I could, even licking it from my fingers as she came down. 

As I positioned over her body, my eyes didn’t leave hers. My cock nudged into her entrance, waiting, seeing…Letty rotated, bringing the head of my cock just inside of her opening. My mouth pulled back at the edge, and I lowered, inching inside as she stretched tightly around me. 

“Fuck, you feel good. Spread wider for me, baby. Just like that.”

A small cry filled the room, and I withdrew, surging inside her even more. Nails bit into my back and I welcome the sting. My thrusts were getting faster. I was so close to being buried inside of her. When I felt myself push through uncharted territory, I nearly came on the spot. Letty screamed, going into spasms all over again. Faster, I fucked, hearing the slapping of our skin merge with her sweet little whimpers and sighs. Minutes flew by. Longer. But it wasn’t near long enough. I didn’t want to stop. I never wanted this to end. But it did, and all because of her sucking against my own neck. The pressure did me in, and my cock swelled, growing heavy inside her. I pushed as far as I could go, hearing my voice rumble as my cum began to fill her. 

Letty was no longer just my neighbor. She wasn’t even someone I wanted to casually date. Somehow in that moment she became more. A hope. Another dream to ad to my list.

“Holy fuck.”

I wrapped my arms around her, spinning us so that she could lay on me. The last thing I wanted to do was suffocate her. I was still inside of her. Still content to just stay like this forever. Letty even seemed like my body was her home. She snuggled in, resting her head in the crook of my neck. Our breaths eventually slowed, and I even felt myself begin to doze off. That’s when I heard it. Him. 

Woof. 

Woof.

Letty’s head lifted and she giggled as she sat up. Just the movement had my soft cock thickening inside of her again. She bit against her lip, lifting. I was half tempted to bring her back to me, but it had been a while since I took Ruther out. 

“Someone is calling you. I should jump in the shower anyway.” She paused as she stood at the edge of the bed. I hadn’t moved. I really didn’t want to. “You both can come back if you want. My key is on the counter if you want to take it to get back in.”

Was she asking me to sleep over? 

I did sit up then. Our eyes held as I read her. She liked me. Maybe just as much as I liked her. I sure as hell hoped so.

“Letty, just so you know, my intentions are as serious as it gets. I’m not here to play games. I don’t do one-night stands. Truthfully, I don’t date at all, but you’re the exception. You know that about me. I’ve mentioned it before. If we start this, you may not get rid of me. Spending the night is a big step. It moves us into dating territory. I’d very much like to date you officially. If you want…” 

Still, she took me in. She licked her lips, nodding, and taking a glance towards the city. 

“I think dating sounds perfect. Like I said, the key is on the counter. The apartment comes with a great view when you decide you want to stay. The tenant isn’t too bad looking, either, and I hear she makes pretty good food.”

“The best.”

Letty smiled at my enthusiasm. 

“Who knew. Apartment eight-oh-eight seems to have it all.”

“It sure does. With us together in it, there’s no other place I’d rather be.”

The End

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