Hardwood - K.M. Neuhold Page 0,31

with a smirk.

“Oh my gosh, was that some light flirting I detected? You’re getting there.”

“Just trying to keep up with the biggest flirt on the planet.”

“Guilty,” he agrees without shame. “I’ll see you on Halloween,” he says sneakily, and I don’t even bother to protest. We both know I’m going to come to Jack’s.

“Fine, but don’t expect a spectacular costume.”

“Deal,” he agrees. “I’ll pick you up.”

“Sounds good. See you later.”

I watch as he gets in his car and drives away. I stand at the door long after his taillights disappear, trying to work out why I’m always such a coward when it matters the most. I should tell Val the truth, and I should’ve kissed Watson earlier.

I pull out my phone and type out a text to him.

Everett: I wanted to kiss you earlier.

I delete it without sending and shake my head at myself. The next time I see him, I’m going to be brave, I promise myself. Next time.

Chapter 10

Watson

“This spandex isn’t doing me any favors,” I complain to Jordy, my phone on speaker, sitting on the bathroom sink as I check myself over in the mirror.

“I bet you look hot,” he assures me.

I hope Ev will think so. I almost groan out loud at that dumbass thought. We are friends, period. I don’t know why I can’t get that through my thick skull. Maybe because he sends the cutest texts and always seems so damn eager when I suggest we hang out.

He’s excited to have someone to talk to, that’s all. I slip my shoes on and crane my neck to check out my ass.

“Yeah, I look pretty good, actually,” I agree with Jordy.

“Maybe you’ll find some fun tonight,” he says, humor ringing in his voice. “God knows you could use it.”

“Look who’s talking,” I scoff, leaning over the sink to carefully apply my lipstick in the mirror. The annual Halloween party at Jack’s bar is epic and known by all as one of the best hookup nights of the year. I could find someone to go home with tonight. I should find someone to go home with tonight.

“I don’t want to get invested in anyone right before I move,” he reasons.

“I’m not talking about getting engaged; I’m talking about getting a blowjob,” I tease.

“Yeah, we’ll see,” he agrees halfheartedly. I’d call him on it, but then he might press me to find a hookup too, and I really don’t want to go there.

“Okay, I’m going to hang up because I need to go pick up Ev. I’ll see you and Mia there in a bit.”

“See you soon,” he says back, and we both hang up.

I’m not sure why I insisted on the two of us driving together, and I’m glad he didn’t question me on it, because I probably would’ve had to come up with a babbled excuse on the spot.

It’s a fairly warm night as I stand on his front porch, waiting for him to come to the door. There’s a little bit of a chill when the wind kicks up, but considering it’s late October, it’s downright balmy. Gotta love the unpredictable weather of a Midwest fall.

After a minute or so, his front door swings open, and I nearly swallow my tongue at the sight in front of me. He’s dressed in a hardhat, a pair of holey, worn jeans, sturdy looking work boots, and a toolbelt. That’s it. No shirt, his muscled, hairy chest on full display.

“You look…wow,” I mutter, my cock hardening and my mouth going dry as I stare shamelessly at him. I’m glad it’s dark out because spandex and an unexpected hard on are not the best combination.

“I wasn’t sure if it was lame to go out for Halloween dressed as a construction worker when that’s already my job, but I didn’t exactly have many other costume options on hand last minute.”

“It’s not lame,” I assure him, still unable to tear my eyes off of his dusky nipples, which happen to be pierced. Exactly how far over the friendship line would I be leaping if I leaned forward and tugged one of those silver barbells between my teeth?

“And you’re…” He takes in my costume with an amused grin, his eyes roaming from my red pumps up to my black spandex pants, and tight black top. The look is completed with a blonde wig. “You’re Sandy,” he finally guesses.

“Tell me about it, stud,” I say in my best Sandy impression.

He throws his head back and laughs. “I love it. You look amazing.”

“Thank