To The Rude Guy in Apartment Five - J. S. Cooper Page 0,21

you,” I said with a smile.

“Yeah, do you remember when we watched The Nightmare on Elm Street?” He grinned as he grabbed two cups from a cupboard.

“How could I forget?” I shivered.

“You got so scared that your head was buried in my shoulder for half the movie.”

“Because it was scary.” I made a face. “I didn’t even want to watch that movie.”

“Well, you owed me.” He laughed. “You made me watch The Notebook.”

“That movie was great.”

“Yeah, it was great.” He rolled his eyes. “You cried through half the movie.”

“Because it was so sweet.”

“I wouldn’t say that it was sweet.” He pointed to his sugar canister. “How many teaspoons? Two still?”

“Yes, please.” I nodded. “I loved that movie.”

“I know you did. Those days were great.” He opened the fridge and grabbed some milk. “Even though you were like my annoying little sister, it was always fun when you came over.”

“Yeah, it was fun.” I nodded, hoping we were going to continue keeping the conversation light.

“I guess it was inevitable that you and Doug would start dating,” he said casually as the kettle beeped and he poured the hot water over the teabags. “I mean, it was just like one of your romantic movies, right? Girl meets boy in kindergarten. They become best friends. Boy moves next door to girl. Boy and girl fall in love. Boy and girl start dating.” He turned to me. “I also have Walkers shortbread cookies if you want them instead?”

“I’m fine with whatever.” I stood there, barely breathing. I was too busy staring at his butt. He had a perfect ass. I wondered if it felt as hard as it looked, and before I could stop myself, I reached forward and touched it.

“Like it?” Jagger said with a smile and a wink.

“No, yes, sorry, you, uh, had a fly on you and I wanted to brush it off,” I lied. Damn it! I never should have come here drunk.

“Thanks for watching out for me, Magnolia.” His voice was serious, as if he had no clue I’d been lying. “Why don’t you put your stuff down and take off your jacket? Make yourself comfortable.”

“Well, I’m not staying long.” I walked back and put my box on the table. And then, because I had nothing else to do, I slipped my jacket off as well.

“Do you want some boxers and a t-shirt?” he asked, taking in my navy blue work dress. “You might be more comfortable.”

“No, I’m okay.” I shook my head.

“If you’re sure you want to watch a movie in that?” He shrugged. “Doesn’t look like the most comfortable attire to wear on the couch.” He handed me a cup. “But what do I know?”

“Exactly. What do you know, Jagger Scott?” I said and took a sip of the tea. The warm liquid was familiar and sweet in my mouth, and I smiled. “Thank you, this is good.”

“Let’s go into the living room. I’ll fetch the cookies.”

I walked to the living room, slipped my heels off, and then sank onto the couch. My dress felt stiff as I settled back into the cushions. I leaned back and took a few more sips of tea.

“Here, I’ve brought you some options: digestives, shortbread, and gingersnaps.” Jagger lay the plate on the coffee table in front of me and settled into the couch next to me. “Wow, what a smile,” he said as I leaned over to grab a cookie. “I haven’t seen one of those in a while.”

“Thank you,” I said, ignoring his dig as I grabbed a gingersnap and dipped it into my tea. “This is yummy.”

“You always did love your tea.” He placed his cup on the table and grabbed the remote control. “Okay, what shall we watch?”

“I don’t know.” I shook my head and tried to ignore the fact that a practically naked Jagger was a mere few inches from me on the couch. I shifted so that I wasn’t so close to him and snuggled back into the armrest. “You can choose.”

“Really?” He sounded shocked as he leaned over and looked at me. His palm touched my forehead. “Are you okay? This isn’t the Magnolia I know and remember.”

“Don’t get used to it.” I grinned at him. “I’m being nice because of the tea.”

“Oh, really?” he said, still not moving back. “Are you sure that’s why you’re being nice?”

“Why else would I be nice?”

“Maybe you’re thanking me.” He smirked, now even closer to me. I could feel his thighs pressed up against mine.

“Thanking you for