Page 12 of Like You Want It

CHAPTER THREE

CARLY

I’m bopping along to some choice nineties jams on my headphones two evenings later when I see who I can only assume is Susie through my front window. She’s getting out of her car, which she has to park on the street since there’s only one carport space.

The joys of Southern California living.

I yank out the headphones and practically jump over my couch to get to my front door, and then throw it open with perhaps a little bit too much enthusiasm.

Note to self: purchase some putty to fill up that new little dent.

“Hi!” I exclaim, giving her my friendliest new neighbor face. “Are you Susie?”

It isn’t until I see her startled look that I remember her brother told me she was really introverted.Shit.It’s hard to backtrack once you’ve practically broken a door trying to say hello to someone.

“Yeah?”

Her response comes out as a question, making me wonder if she’s not sure.

Okay then.

“Awesome! I’m Carly and I’m your neighbor.” I step closer and stick my hand out to shake since I figure she’s not a hugger. And not a non-hugger like Dina, who loves when I snuggle her into my bosom. But a real, legit, don’t touch me, non-hugger.

“Hi.”

It’s the only thing she says, her voice small, but she just stands there watching me. So much like her brother.

I drop my hand after a second so I don’t look like a crazy pants and for a second, I flash back to this episode ofPlanet Earthwhere an opossum freezes when it’s in danger, mainly because the stress causes it to go into shock.

Sorry Susie. Didn’t mean to do that.

“Want me to help with your bags?” I ask, eyeing the reusable grocery sacks she’s carrying that look full of fruit and veg. I take a step forward.

“NoI’mokaythanksbye,” she rushes out, then skedaddles up the stairs at lightning speed.

Alright.

So this family really isn’t a fan of First Impression Carly.

I step back in through my doorway and close the door, then look around my living room with a frown firmly etched on my face.

I don’t like this feeling. Thiseveryone hates Carlything going on. And yeah, okay, I know it isn’t really everyone, but I’m feeling a little wounded by the actions of my new neighbors.

Or, neighbor. Singular.

Fin doesn’t live here.

Thank god.

Though he would have provided some delicious eye candy for me to take a look at while I was doing the dishes and staring out my window.

I picture him again in my mind. Those firm muscles. The strong jaw.

Yeah, it’s way better that he doesn’t live here. The last thing I need is a guy like him, looking all gorgeous and broody and being really rude, with what I’m sure is a massive harem of ladies coming and going at all hours.

It really was insane how long he had sex though. Like, totally crazy. When I told him I’d heard the bed frame knocking until the wee hours of the morning, I hadn’t been joking. I guess working really hard on your body does something for your stamina, that’s for sure.

I roll my eyes.