Loving My Neighbor(9)

“It’s Bobby. Can I help you?” he asks so sweetly, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.

“I’ve got this. Don’t worry. I’ve been managing on my own for several years now.”

“Miss…” He gives me the expectant look and if he weren't law enforcement, I would tell him to fuck himself, but instead I respond, “Lily Mason.”

“Miss Mason. I get that the men in the store were being overly flirtatious. That’s why I’m lending a hand. I already have a pretty girl that owns my heart. I promise they’re not like that all the time. They get competitive and act like fools.”

“Thanks. I could use a hand putting the groceries in the trunk.”

“Okay. You’ve moved into the house just outside town, right?”

“Yeah, my family, and I just moved in the other day.” He opens the back hatch door for me and I’m able to set down the bags without having to put them in the snow.

“Thanks, Bobby.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I feel him near me.

The officer makes the introduction to my haunting Beast like he’s known me forever instead of meeting two minutes before. Trent is his name. It fits him so well; he’s in a well-tailored suit and coat looking hot as hell. Yet no less dangerous than when I saw him with a skimpy towel that revealed his strong thighs. For some unexplained reason, I’ve become a complete flake around this man.

I cussed out my parents yesterday, but this man approaches and I feel like a weak little girl in need of his tender loving care. He sticks his hand out for me to shake and I notice he takes off his gloves. I tremble at the thought of our skin touching. He sees my sensual discomfort but only gives me a grin. Slipping like a goof on some ice, I land against his body. Damn, does he feel amazing. It’s so overwhelming; I’ve got to run. I make my excuses and again, he doesn’t give chase. With the way he got all territorial about me in front of the officer, I thought he’d have me pinned to my SUV unwilling to let me go until I succumb to his will.

I’m in a daze as I head back to the house. The ride takes longer because I have to stop before I have a wreck. All I can think about is how much I want to be in Trent’s arms. I get to the house and my father starts with me the instant he hears the door.

“Where the fuck did you go?” he shouts and gets in my face.

“I went shopping; just like I said I would.” I’m not in the mood for his outrage, but I knew when leaving this morning that I’d have to deal with his pent-up rage when I got back.

He’s standing in front of me so I can’t pass by him. Feeling more irritated by the moment, I take a step to the right and so does he. I swear the man is on drugs. “Bullshit. You went to look for a place to stay. Where are your bags if your ass went shopping?”

“No, I didn’t. I left the bags in the car.” My attitude is snotty because he’s got no reason to act like a prick. I haven’t done anything to him, but then again, my existence is a problem.

He stabs his finger in my chest. “Whatever. I don’t give a shit what you did unless it was getting into Trent’s bed.”

“Do you hear yourself?” I snap. My mind is reeling with his lack of respect or protection of his only daughter.

“Do you hear me? Are you going to seduce Trent Davenport?” His eyes are almost completely dilated as he yells at me.

“No.” This time, I manage to move around him and head toward the stairs.

“I’m going to give you until the end of today to change your mind,” he warns like it matters. By the end of the day, I’ll be gone.

I turn to face him, my eyes narrow in anger. “Get this— time isn’t going to change my mind. I won’t fuck Trent Davenport for your benefit.” I rush up the stairs before he can do anything to me because from the geeked out look on his face, I wouldn’t put it past him to hit me.

Once I close my door, I take a deep breath. I only brought the things I had in college with me. Most were clothes and mementos of my mother. For the next two hours, I pack everything up. The moment I can, I’m leaving the house and not coming back.

“Lily!” he shouts up the stairs just as I’m researching the nearby hotels.

I open my door and reply, “Yes?”

“We’re going to get something to eat. We’ll be back in a few hours.”

“Okay,” I mutter. I really couldn’t care less what they did.

They leave and I get ready to shower so I can split before they get back. I go into the bathroom and remember I have my favorite soap in the SUV. Putting some slippers on, I rush out of the house in just my pajama pants and tank top. I’m in and out of the back before I can freeze to death. Turning back to the house, I get a strange feeling I’m being watched. I move in a hurry because I’m freezing. Taking a few steps, I’m off my feet with the sound of a large boom. I can’t catch my breath, but then I see Trent calling out to me.