Page 18 of Definitely Not a Thing

Looking stupid.

“OhGod,” I groaned, and then… fuck it, cried harder, because quite literally,what the fuck was my life.

A joke, Ames.

“Shit,” I heard him mutter, and my neck snapped up, glaring at him through my tears.

“Yeah, no kidding,” I sobbed, scrubbing hands over my wet face. “Not exactly my proudest moment here.”

He nodded. “This is a lot,” he said, coming to crouch beside me, so close his clean, woody scent filled my nose. “What that nigga say to you? You want me to fuck him up? I don’t mind, seriously. Ibeenneeding to get some aggression out.”

I shook my head, taking a deep breath to try to calm myself. “No. I don’t want that.”

“Yeah, he probably ain’t pissed you off enough yet. Anything else I can do?”

“No.” I wiped my eyes. “I’m good,” I declared, pulling myself to a stand.

“Aiight. Well, I found your pink tool set and put the bed frame together for you while you were talking to ol’ boy.”

“Really? Wow,” I muttered. “Thank you – that thing has driven me nuts every time I’ve had to deal with it.”

“It was nothing. I’m good at beds.”

My face went hot, and I frowned. “Wait… what did you just say?”

He smirked. “I said I’m goodatbeds – like, building them. But what you thought I said…” he smirked, giving me slow once-over that made my face hot. “That is also true. Can I take this?” he asked, pointing to the last of the food for the movers.

“Yeah,” I sighed. “Knock yourself out.”

“Thanks,” he said, closing the container, preparing to scoop it up before he stopped and looked at me. “Aye… Do you want to…?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Do I want to…what?” I asked, confused.

He shrugged. “You know… try out that bed frame?”

“Nigga… are you trying to fuck me?!” I asked, scandalized by the questionandthe fact that my thighs clenched at the prospect.

Very whorish, Amelia.

Equal Oppurtunity.

“I’m offering!” he defended. “You look good, I look good. You’re sad – I’m willing to be used as a distraction from that. I’m just trying to be a good neighbor! I’m very,verygood at it.”

“You have done enough –more than,” I snapped. “Thank you. You can go.”

He chuckled. “Fair enough. I can still take this, right?”

“Take them sandwiches and get the fuck on!” I hissed.

“You don’t have to yell, damn,” he said, tucking the tray under his arm, and grabbing a few water bottles too. “Can you get the door for me?”

I blew out a sigh. “Yes. Come on,” I said, and started for itimmediately.

Cause…what the actual fuck.

I flung my door open for him, directing him out. He didn’t linger inside, but in the hall, he did hit me with another grin. “If you change your mind… that second offer stands too.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’ll keep it under consideration.”