Obsessed with the Girl Next Door (Sugar & Silk #8)
Chapter 1
1
E mma
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Hazel asks as she double-checks her tote bag.
She’s about to drive to meet her fiancé, travel industry extraordinaire Archer Cromwell, at the airport where they’ll embark to Costa Rica. They’ve spearheaded a collab project between his company, Cromwell Travel, and Sugar & Silk, the infamous sugar baby agency. This is the first trip, and they’ll arrive there a few days early to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“Are you kidding me? I’ll have this big ass mansion all to myself,” I say, gesturing to the ample living room.
Hazel and Archer moved here about two months ago, and it seems like they’ve lived here forever. The house is fully furnished, scattered with enough personal objects to make it homey but also clean and tidy.
Hazel holds the handle of her bag and looks at me. “Well, don’t forget that my dad is still in the guest house next door, and there’s Moonshine. So not exactly all to yourself,” she reminds me.
“Yes, that’s exactly what I meant.” I wave her off.
I can’t screw this up.
I’ve been couch surfing for about a month because the last guy I dated was my landlord, who turned out to be a total jerk, and long story short, I was kicked out without a place to live. I didn’t want to impose on Hazel—she’s a good friend, but she’s not family. Besides, she moved into this awesome property in Dallas recently after Archer, her then-boss, proposed to her—a month or so after they began dating.
I’d hate to add stress to her already chaotic life. So this house-sitting opportunity came in handy. Once I’m done here, I’ll be my friend Laura’s new roommate. Perfect timing. “Don’t worry. Have a great time, girl, we’ll be fine. I promise.”
She sighs. “Thanks so much.”
“Thank you. This side gig is all I needed,” I say. I mean it. A week and a half in this luxurious home will be the perfect retreat.
When I had my hours cut as a receptionist at Cromwell Travel, I rejoiced. I could finally use the free time to work on some of my designs. My dream of being a wedding gown designer would finally see the light of day—except my manager ended up liking the new hire too much and gave me the boot. I can’t fault her. I wasn’t exactly employee of the month. So, I’m now unemployed and trapped in this limbo life.
“I trust you,” Hazel says and gives me a hug.
She’s certainly paying me way above average for house-sitting, but I’m not complaining. “Go have fun and wild sex in Costa Rica.” Hell, if I were engaged to a man like Archer, I certainly would. He’s sex on a fucking stick.
“Will do. I already talked to Dad and told him everything. Moonshine will stay with him, and if you wouldn’t mind checking on him once in a while. He likes company. I also let Malcolm know we’d be leaving in case there’s an emergency.”
I nod. “Sure.” Being the emergency contact for her retired dad and a cute labradoodle will be a piece of cake. I’ll also be in somewhat close proximity to Malcolm, the next-door neighbor.
I sigh. Malcolm.
He’s the epitome of walking testosterone. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a hot bod for days. And his face—flirty brown eyes, the cutest cleft on his chin, and lines that were carved by an accomplished artist. The man is lethally handsome. Also vastly successful as an entrepreneur who made sound decisions and invested in products and companies that earned him millions.
I met him once at the engagement party. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, but he showed no interest in me besides being cordial.
I get it. He can have anyone he wants. Why would he waste his time with an unemployed twenty-two-year-old? Besides, until a few months ago, he was dating a successful CEO. A woman in her forties, like him.
“Oh shit, I better go,” Hazel says. “Car is out front.”
“Bon voyage,” I say with a dramatic flair.
I close the door after her and look around the impressive foyer leading to the living room. She’ll be gone for a week and a half. All I have to do is enjoy my time, get some sketches done, and stay out of trouble. Easy.