“No, no. Please enjoy it. I’ll have to make you more.” Sharing my treats with someone fills the longing absence in my life. Even if it’s just a friendship, I have every intention of continuing this relationship. Even if it’s by bribery.
“That’s not a good idea. If you promise me more, I’m not sure this will last to sundown. And if you continue to bake for me, I’m going to end up having trouble keeping up with you on our runs.” He rubs his muscular stomach as if he has an ounce of fat there. “But I wouldn’t say no to more.”
“Then it’s settled,” I say with a smile.
He eyes the bread desirously for a moment, then wraps it up. “I’m saving the rest for later. Let’s get your car.”
He washed our plates quickly, then walks to his garage. I follow behind taking in his house. Passing the den, I see countless Legos assembled. Some are even ones I’ve bought my shoveler.
If I were to make my perfect guy, I think he’d have to be a tad nerdy. Doing Legos and puzzles with me would be fun. I can’t help but picture Bash by my side helping me with the one currently taking over my table.
He opens my door for me, and I slide inside. The entire ride there is filled with easy conversation. It feels so natural between us. And when I bring up my many reptilian friends, Bash doesn’t recoil like most people. In fact, he perks up. Then spends the rest of the ride trying to impress me with facts about the animals.
I’m disappointed when we finally reach my car, not ready for our connection to end. But when he pulls up next to my car and parks his, I begrudgingly step out of the vehicle.
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.” I tell him again as I open my car door. He walks around his car and stands at my door.
“Anytime. If you ever need anything, you can always come to me.” His voice holds promise, and I can tell he means it.
“Can I have your number?” Horrified by my boldness, I try to backtrack. “In case I ever need you.” And somehow, I make it worse.
Instead of being off-put by my demand, he relaxes against my door and smiles. He motions for my phone, which I hand to him. I hold my breath as his fingers dance across my screen, and when he returns it to me,Bash (Neighbor)is saved and has been texted my number.
“Goodbye, Lizzy. I had a wonderful morning with you. And thank you for the bread.” Bash starts to turn away, but of course, I can’t let him go just yet.
“Let’s go on a run together. I mean, if you’re free. It doesn’t have to be today.” I hold my breath, bracing for rejection.
“Today’s a long run. I’d be honored to accompany you by your side today instead of behind. Text me when you’d like to go. I’ll come to your house when you’re ready.” He’s leaning against his car, the personification of excitement, his matching mine.
“Will do.” Before I can say anything else to embarrass myself, I shut my door and start my car. The entire drive home is spent trying to decide what to wear on our run, how to do my hair, and other silly anxieties.
Chapter 16
Sebastian
My silent phone taunts me as I glare at it, demanding it ping with a text from Lizzy letting me know she’s ready to run. I’ve been ready for hours. The first thing I did after following her home was change into sweats. I was tempted to shower again, just so I could continue smelling fresh, but three showers in one day seemed extreme. Of course, I took one before she came over, and I’ll have to take another post-run.
My fingers twitch with the urge to text her first, but I don’t want to rush my angel. After all she’s done for me the past twenty-four hours, the last thing I would do is rush her.
The last quarter of bread calls to me. I wander over but settle for smelling the loaf. I’m saving the rest for after the run when she’s across town at the Coleman’s, and I’m here, away from her.
Resigned, I scoop up my phone and walk across the house to watch her from my office, when the cursed electronic finally pings.
Angel: I’m ready whenever you are!
I let out a sigh of relief as I pause halfway up the stairs to reply. I’m almost at my front door by the time it’s sent.
Me: I’m heading over now
She’s standing in her driveway, bent at the waist, touching her toes when I arrive. I slow to take in the view of her plump bottom waving in the air, beckoning me. My cock rises to attention, and I curse as I rearrange myself. I can’t scar her by being a horny man.
“Hey, ange– Lizzy,” I quickly correct myself. It’s too early for nicknames, right?
She pops up from her stretch and waves at me. “Hey, neighbor! I’m excited for our first run together. Well, you know what I mean.”
I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that she knew I was following her. That she knew it was me. I thought I had been so covert.
“Me too,” I add absent-mindedly when I catch her staring at me with her head cocked. My attention is seized by her stretches, her tantalizing body in its tight workout garments moving lithely, begging for my notice, for my touch.
