Page 3 of Don't Fall For Your Grumpy Neighbor

She appears shocked. Like she can’t believe I just admitted to taking her decorations. “I can’t believe you. I want them back.” She holds out her hand like I could possibly fit all the decorations into her tiny palm.

I stare at her hand, and then glance over at my garbage cans. “Honestly, they look better in the trash.”

She stomps her little foot, and it’s cute. It makes me smile, but I tamp it down. “Those decorations cost a lot of money, you know.”

I shrug. When is this conversation going to end so I can get back to my coffee? “I’ll write you a check.” I’ve never been one for paying for Christmas decor, but if it gets her off my porch, I’ll pay anything. I just want to be left alone. My home is my sanctuary.

“I don’t want your money. I want my decorations back.” Her face turns red with anger, and it makes me smile. I’m finding I like riling her up. She glances around at my lawn. “You haven’t raked your leaves either?” She makes it sound like I committed a felony, “Shep, you could slip and fall, or someone else could. Ya know, Bill down the block has a leaf blower. I’m sure he’d be happy to help.”

I put my coffee down on the small table by the door, but I don’t get up. “My lawn’s fine, Felicity.”

She sighs and looks around some more. “Really?”

“Yeah.” I put my hands in the pockets of my jeans and sniff. “Really.”

“Ok,” she says, taking another step forward. “I’m gonna just get my decorations and get out of your way.”

I squirm in my chair. “Like hell you are.”

“Oh, what? You’re holding my decorations hostage now?”

I shove my hands further into my pocket. “Something like that.”

She huffs and puffs, and it must make me some sadistic fuck because I’m getting off on her agitation. “You know what you are?”

“What?”

“You’re a grinch. You’ve stolen all my decor just like a grinch.” Her voice is high, borderline panicked, and I stand from my chair.

“Calm down. Sit down, let me get you some coffee.” I give her as much of a smile as I can offer right now. “I’ll get you your decorations.” I can’t very well keep something she paid good money for.

“Fine.” She crosses her arms over her chest, and it pushes her tits together. Sure, she’s wearing a sweater and a jacket over that, but I’ve got a great imagination. And I’m definitely imagining what Felicity’s breasts look like underneath all the layers of clothing.

“I’ll be right back.” I head inside to get her some coffee.

Chapter 3

Felicity

I watch as Shep heads inside. I try not to notice the way his jeans fit him just right in the ass area. He may be covered up with his flannel and jeans, but I can tell he works out. I’ve seen him this past summer, sitting on his porch. Not working in his yard.

It’s like his brown eyes have a fire burning behind his irises, and his beard is perfectly trimmed. He’s definitely good-looking, not that I’m noticing.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out to answer it.

“Emmie, I’m standing on my neighbor’s porch right now, can this wait?” I tap my foot on the porch. I really hope he can’t hear me.

“Is that why you're whispering?” Emmie’s voice is way too loud. I turn the volume down on my phone.

“Yes, oh my god.” I turn my back to the door, like somehow that might help, “Why are you blowing up my phone?” This is the third time she’s called since I’ve been over here.

“Do you have a date for the party at work this weekend?” She’s practically squealing in my ear.

“No,” I whisper. “I just got left at the altar in September. I haven’t been dating, Emmie, you know this.”

“Everyone knows, that’s the problem.”

“What do you mean? Are people talking about me at work?”