Page 16 of Pink and Country

“Why are the handsome ones always taken?”

“C’mon, because they’re hot. Even if they’re psycho crazy, women love them because they’re a better accessory than any purse or posh shoes. And add to the hotness factor he’s a family man. No woman can resist a man like that. I’ll dream about him for the next month, I’m telling you. I bet there’s a set of killer abs underneath his shirt. He’s the whole package deal. With one glance he woke up my hibernating hormones. Now I’m all tingly. And giddy. Oh God.” A laugher left my mouth. “Damn, I’m objectifying my sexy neighbor. We shouldn’t talk about him that way—”

“Don’t shut me out, girl. It’s good for you to open up. I think you’re ready to get back out there. Don’t forget to send me a visual. Some pick-me-up fantasy for the dark days. By the way, we’re not objectifying him. We’re only assessing his exceptional features.” My friend burst into a fit of giggles, and I joined in, both of us sounding like schoolgirls obsessing over their first crush.

“What about Reed? I know you two were having a fuck marathon the other night when I called you, on my way here.”

“He wants me to move in with him.” Saunders let out a sigh.

“What’s wrong? You love him, right?”

“I do. And his house is nice and closer to your place which is a must.”

“Then what is it?”

“The idea of having one penis for the rest of my life scares the shit out of me.”

“Reed isn’t asking you to marry him, at least not yet, only to move in with him. Believe me, if he’s the one, you won’t even care he’s the last penis you ride.”

“You’re probably right. I told him I’d think about it.” Saunders drummed her fingernails on something, probably her desk. “Anyway, I need to go, I have a meeting in five. A new client looking for an Amazonian retreat. Keep me posted about your hot neighbor next door. And please send me a visual. My vibrator and I could really use it the nights Reed will piss me off.” I shook my head in disbelief, unable to stop smiling.

We promised to call each other the next day before hanging up.

With endless energy to burn, I ran to my bedroom and got dressed. “I need some fresh air,” I said to Bernice as we crossed paths in the staircase. Saunders told me a fence surrounded the lot, and there was no risk of facing a bear if I wandered around.

Dressed in a sleeveless navy puffy vest over a golden turtleneck sweater and black leggings, I slid my feet into my favorite sheepskin boots.

Once outside, I welcomed the crisp January air into my lungs.

My feet orgasmed at the sound of fallen leaves and pine needles crunching under my steps.

I never got to enjoy the full extent of all four seasons in Georgia. This, right here, felt amazing.

Oaks and pine trees surrounded the property. The cold breeze wavered their tops. The fresh air of the country tingled my cheeks. Whoever said the mountain air was addictive didn’t lie.

With my phone, I settled to take a panoramic shot. I rubbed my palms against my leggings, warming them up to avoid the slight tremors.

Moving slowly through three hundred sixty degrees, I captured the beauty surrounding me, the view taking my breath away.

“Hey you. What do you think you’re doing?”

A powerful masculine voice startled me from behind. I swiveled on my feet and came face to face with Handsome Neighbor. Damn it. Real close, he looked even more handsome. In a devastating way. My shaky heart plummeted down to my knotted stomach, and my breath quickened.

My nostrils wriggled at the faint scent of pine, cedarwood, and soap emerging from him. My neighbor even smelled delicious.

I swallowed hard and found my voice. “Are you talking to me?” I asked with a cocked brow, my thumb pointing to my chest.

This man meant business, no trace of friendliness on his face. Attractive and symmetric. Chiseled jaw—visible even under his scruff. High cheekbones. Straight nose. Full lips. He frowned, the worry lines deepening the storm in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m talking to you. There’s no one else around. Were you taking a picture of me?” His clipped tone aggravated me. I folded my arms over my chest.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Now, answer the question. Were you, yes or no, snapping a picture of me with your phone? That’s a simple question, you should be able to give me a straight answer.”

“I should’ve figured you’d be a prick. You can’t look this good and not be a dickhead.” His eyes flared before he squinted and threw daggers at me.

“Why can’t you just answer the damn question?”

“Wow, this is an enormous ego you have, mister. No wonder you need a house that big to contain it all.”