Chapter 12 #2
“Nash is definitely a catch.” Saylor took the last sip from her bottle and set it down at her feet.
“And that could be perfect, since you aren’t looking for anything.
He’s definitely all about raising Cutler, so I think he likes to keep it casual when he does get out, from what I’ve known of him over the years. ”
“Have none of you heard the rule, don’t shit where you eat?” Ruby asked.
“I’ve heard it, but I can’t really wrap my head around the meaning,” Demi admitted, which was a call for more laughter.
“Agreed. It’s a stupid saying.” Peyton threw her hands in the air. “Plus, she can eat at home and go next door to take a shit.”
Hysterical laughter bellowed around us just as Nash walked back over with five beers between his fingers and one brow raised as he took us in. “You ladies are having way too much fun over here. Fireworks in fifteen minutes. Get ready for a great show.”
“Oh, we’re ready for a show, all right!” Peyton shouted as he walked away. “So we agree. She can shit wherever the hell she wants to. And as far as the eating part. I say, let the man work his magic between your thighs. Bon appétit, Nash Heart.”
Now it was Saylor’s turn to spew beer across her lap after she’d just taken a sip from the bottle that Nash had handed her.
I leaned forward. “The meaning of don’t shit where you eat is recommending that one doesn’t have a fling with their neighbor, who’s also the father of one of their patients.”
“Thank you,” Ruby said, flinging her thumb at Peyton. “I think this one took it a bit too literally.”
“Whatever. I know what it means; I just think it’s stupid.
You live next door. It would be so convenient for a late-night booty call.
And you’re Beefcake’s pediatrician; you aren’t the psychologist for a mob boss who just confessed to all the murders he’s committed.
Pediatricians are allowed to mess around with the father of their patients, especially if he’s a hot single dad. ”
“Ahhh… single dad romance is my absolute favorite,” Saylor said.
This conversation definitely had my mind racing. Obviously, I’d wanted to kiss him the other night.
But where would that lead?
We were neighbors.
Friendly neighbors.
I was his kid’s doctor.
I was moving in a few months.
I raised the beer to my lips and took a sip as they all waited for a response. “It’s too messy. Too complicated.”
“So you aren’t saying that you don’t want to do it? You’re saying it’s too…” Demi paused.
“Messy and complicated,” Saylor finished her words.
“Listen, I’d climb that man like a tree if he looked at me the way he looked at you when you were coming across the yard earlier.” Peyton’s voice was lacking humor now.
“Stop. You’re romanticizing things. He can’t stand me most of the time.”
“She’s not romanticizing this.” Demi leaned forward, and her gaze locked with mine. “She pointed it out, and we all turned and witnessed it.”
My heart raced at the thought. I’d noticed the way that he looked at me, and I knew the way I felt when he was around. But that didn’t mean we should act on it. “And how exactly does Nash Heart look at me?” My tone was all tease.
“Like he doesn’t care if it’s messy or complicated,” Ruby said. “And that’s not really his style. He’s aloof most of the time with women because his singular focus is Cutler. But his eyes were on you, and he smiled right when you stepped off your porch.”
“Nash doesn’t get excited about women. He has hookups, and then he goes back to his normal responsibilities,” Saylor said. “But something is different with you.”
“I’m just a newbie in town. I know how small towns work. I’ve got several brothers who love when a newbie comes to town. The shiny new toy. Trust me, it’ll wear off.”
“Don’t overthink it. You called off your engagement, right?” Peyton asked.
“Yes,” I said, unsure where she was taking this.
“Well, we all know the best way to get over a man is to get under a new one. And your neighbor is not only the hottest single guy in town—next to Hayes—but he’s also your neighbor. It couldn’t be more perfect.”
Thoughts of spending a night with Nash flooded my mind. Those toned abs I’d had a sneak peek of. Those muscular arms. The day-old scruff on his face. His wavy hair that I longed to run my fingers through.
Thick thighs.
Rough hands.
Did it just get hotter out here?
And then I remembered that I hadn’t been with anyone other than Collin. I’d never had a fling. I didn’t know how to separate sex from love.
I didn’t know if I was capable.
“Everything you said is true. He’s hot. He’s funny and nice and snarky all at the same time, and I like it. And God knows I haven’t had sex in so long, the lady parts are probably going to permanently close if I don’t do something about that soon.” I dangled the beer bottle from my fingers.
They all chuckled, yet I saw the empathy in their eyes as they looked at me.
“So, what’s the problem?” Ruby asked.
“I’m not a fling girl. I’ve never had one,” I admitted, feeling my cheeks flush. It was embarrassing, really. I’d only been with one man, and he hadn’t even been faithful to me.
“Well, hells to the yes. It’s the Fourth of freaking July. It’s a great time to try something new, and what better day for some fireworks of your own?”
And with those words, the sky lit up in bright reds and pinks and oranges.
Everyone cheered, and I glanced over to find Nash’s eyes on me.
And even though I felt the strongest pull toward this man, I knew I shouldn’t act on it.
My life was already a mess.
No sense adding fuel to the fire.