Virgin Next Door Read online

  EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2020 Sam Crescent

  ISBN: 978-0-3695-0170-7

  Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

  Editor: Audrey Bobak

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  VIRGIN NEXT DOOR

  Sam Crescent

  Copyright © 2020

  Chapter One

  “And that’s why we moved here and I know my daddy is very excited. He can’t buy me a pony yet but maybe one day. He did promise he’d buy me a pony and I would really like one. I spend all year being good but I know a pony has to come with like special care so I get it, I do. Do you think I should have a pony?” Katie asked.

  Ann Adams glanced over at her neighbor’s daughter. Katie Bruce had been coming to her house for random visits ever since she moved in a couple of months ago.

  “Do you think you’re ready for a pony?” Ann asked.

  She didn’t know her neighbor’s plight, or his situation. Only the few run-on conversations she had with his daughter. Ann adored the young girl. Katie was a sweet kid, only five, and they’d moved here from the city. No sign of a mom. In fact, Katie never even spoke about her mother. There was nothing.

  As Katie swam the length of the pool, Ann kept an eye on her.

  The young girl had appeared in her bathing suit, and Ann knew without even asking that she’d been watching her from the bedroom window. Their houses were close together. The day she moved in, so had her neighbor, Eli Bruce.

  Tall, sexy, but not handsome in a classic way. From what she saw, he had a stern expression. Thick arms though. The kind that would make a woman feel safe, protected, warm. Damn it, she didn’t want to spend her time thinking about those arms, but they were already on her mind.

  Every single time she saw him, he stood, arms folded, glare in place, wearing a tight shirt and jeans.

  He did look mouthwatering. In an older, more mature kind of way. She didn’t have a clue how old he was, and the truth was, she didn’t care. Age was just a number.

  “But ponies are cute,” Katie said.

  Ann laughed. “I know, but you forget you have to care for them, don’t you? Clean up after them, muck their stalls out, feed them, make sure they’re happy.”

  “I could do it.”

  “Well, how about a dog? I bet a dog would work.”

  “I don’t want a dog.”

  She chuckled. “I love dogs. When I can, I’m going to adopt one.”

  “You are?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can I come and pet it? What if it’s vicious and wants to bite me?”

  She adored this kid. “No, it won’t bite you, I promise.” She didn’t believe dogs had it in them to bite anyone.

  “I don’t want a biter.”

  “You won’t get a biter.” Again, another promise.

  The sound of a man clearing his throat drew her attention toward the fence, which was tall, but seeing as he was over six feet, he looked over it easily.

  “Daddy,” Katie said, squealing in excitement. “I can swim, Daddy, look, look.”

  “I can see that, sweetie. I tried to knock on the door,” Eli said, looking at her.

  “Oh, yeah, one second. I didn’t hear you. Katie, out of the pool until I return,” Ann said.

  Without arguing, Katie paddled to the edge of the pool with her and ran to where their drinks were waiting.

  After grabbing a towel, Ann ran it down her body, drying her legs before going for her hair as she walked out to the front door.

  Mr. Sexy was already there, arms folded. “You didn’t have to take her,” he said.

  She stepped back to let him inside. “I don’t mind.”

  “She’s got to learn she’s not always welcome.”

  “I get that, but I honestly don’t mind. She’s a cute kid.”

  “Who really needs to learn boundaries.”

  Ann pressed her lips together. This conversation wasn’t a new one. “I don’t like … sending her away. She’s a lovely kid, Eli.”

  He turned his gaze on her. “Yes, and when you decide to live it up with parties and boyfriends, believe me, she’s going to feel the sting.”

  She glared at him. “I’m not going to do that.”

  “Please, you’re young. What, straight out of college?”

  “And you think every single woman who is out of college should be living it up? Screwing around?” It was on the tip of her tongue to say fucking, but she didn’t. The last thing she wanted was for Katie to hear.

  “Yes, you should. Every person who doesn’t have responsibilities should have fun.”

  “I don’t mind Katie coming around.”

  “I’m the one who is going to deal with the cleanup when you get a life.”

  “Hey, Daddy, did you know Ann is going to get a doggy? I can’t wait for her to get a doggy. It’s not going to be one that bites though. She promised. I love going swimming. Come on, Daddy. She’s going to be grilling later. We love to grill.”

  “Darlin’, I think it’s time we left Ann alone.”

  “But she said it was no trouble. I asked, didn’t I, Ann?” Katie gave her those cute eyes.

  “I don’t mind. I’m grilling later and I’ve got more than I can eat.” She was going to use the food she was grilling for a couple of days, but it was no big deal. She’d always shopped on a budget, and living in this beautiful house, she was more than happy to ration everything in her life.

  She had a mortgage in a beautiful neighborhood, a pool, and a steady job. No complaints from her. All she needed to do was economize. Again, no big deal. She loved being thrifty.

  Stepping around Eli, she headed back out to the pool. There was no way they would be able to continue their conversation with Katie close by to hear it.

  There was no boyfriend or party life for her. During college, she’d learned her lesson. Working on a scholarship, she had nearly been kicked out for her failing grades. Yep, one too many parties, bad scores, and she nearly threw her entire life away. No more. Waking up one day with a tattoo across the base of her back and a killer headache, she’d decided no more.

  Parties were fun and great but for her, they didn’t make friends.

  Katie ran after her, chasing her and taking her hand.

  At first, she was going to pull her hand away but that kind of rejection could hurt for a child. She was so freaking torn, wanting to do the right thing.

  Biting her lip, she looked toward Eli, who shrugged.

  Taking that as a yes, she walked out with Katie, and they were back in the pool. One of the rules she’d made with Katie was under no circumstances was she to swim alone. Whenever she was in her yard alone, no pool. So far, the kid had done as she’d asked.

  Eli entered her backyard and took a seat in one of the chairs.

  Summer was ending and she knew she’d have to pack everything away in her little garden shed until spring. She loved the winter though, and had no problem with the storms or snow about to descend on them.

  “Daddy, look, look, I’m a butterfly.” Katie floated on her back and moved her arms up and down.

  He chuckled, the sound deep and throaty. She loved it but tried not to think of how sexy it really was.

  She floated up on her back, keeping Katie close to her. They held hands for a
short time.

  When her stomach started to growl, she knew it was time to get out of the water.

  “Hungry?” she asked, smiling at Katie.

  “Starved.”

  “Unless your dad wants to join you in the pool, go wash up, and I will get some food ready.” She turned to Eli and if she wasn’t mistaken, he’d been watching her.

  “She’s been in the pool long enough. She knows the rules. Go on, Katie. Go and get cleaned up. Your food will go cold otherwise.”

  Without arguing, Katie joined her as they walked out of the pool.

  After drying her body and hair again on the towel, she walked over to the grill and fired it up. All this time, she was aware of his gaze on her. She had to be mistaken because no guy had ever paid careful attention to her.

  When she stared at his reflection in the door, his gaze was on her, on her ass, and she nearly stumbled.

  Eli, her sexy neighbor, was checking out her ass.

  She hadn’t pulled on her shorts, so he saw every inch of her. She wasn’t slender. Her body was full, curvy, and many considered her overweight. Was she mistaking his look for disgust? No way.

  There was heat in his eyes.

  Did he want her?

  Was he angry at her?

  She didn’t really care because her arousal had already gone up a notch. There was no way for her to cover up now, not without him knowing what she knew.

  Damn it, no wonder she was still a freaking virgin after all this time. She had no idea what to do with a man’s attention.

  She’d be doomed to live her life alone.

  ****

  Eli knew he shouldn’t be looking at his neighbor’s curvy ass, but it was right there in front of him. There was simply no way not to look.

  Ann Adams had become the bane of his existence. His daughter seemed adamant in her search for friendship as she was always around her house.

  He didn’t move to this small, quiet little town for nothing. Katie needed structure, security, and he knew the big city would suck up most of his time.

  Being the owner of a large software company, he’d turned into a workaholic while many nannies had helped to raise Katie. He’d didn’t think there was anything wrong with a nanny taking care of a kid, but when said nanny wanted to fuck the father, or move on with her life, he dealt with the cleanup.

  Katie was an emotional child. She got attached too easily, and when people left, she always took it hard.

  Her feelings for Ann were growing. He saw it.

  Ann was a beautiful young woman. Single. Her whole life ahead of her. His little girl didn’t need to get attached to this woman. He’d kept his distance for a reason.

  She came back carrying two baking dishes with marinated food.

  He watched her back, wondering if her skin was as silky as he imagined. His cock betrayed him, more curious than he wanted to be.

  From the first moment he looked at Ann, he’d wanted her. With all that long, red hair designed to be spread out across his bed, or around his fist as he fucked her hard.

  Yep, he’d had many a lonely night with his hand for company, thinking of Ann instead. She was too young for him though. Twenty-three, he believed she was. He was forty.

  He knew the world and Ann was too young to know anything.

  She looked over her shoulder at him. “I’ve got a beer in the fridge if you want one. Go and help yourself.”

  He got to his feet, needing to do something to rid his mind of all the dirty things he wanted to do to her, and that ass.

  College was about exploring, and he couldn’t help but wonder what kind of things she was already used to.

  “Do you want one?”

  “Nah, I don’t drink. Katie mentioned what brand you like and I picked some up for you. I’ll have a soda.”

  He entered her house. It was a nice house, a good size, but he also knew she was clearly struggling for money. She had one sofa, which had been delivered by a thrift store. College was the best and worst experience. Years of amazing challenges, only to be met with a nice fat bill at the end of it.

  He sighed.

  His software company had taken off a couple of years after he graduated college. He’d paid off all of his debts and hadn’t looked back.

  Opening the fridge, he saw it wasn’t stocked. No doubt, she was budgeting.

  He made a note to pick up some groceries. Katie was an eater, and he didn’t want Ann going without because she fed his girl.

  Beer and soda in hand, he walked back into the yard. Snapping the can open, he stepped up close to Ann.

  She was warm but he didn’t touch, even as he wanted to. She’d pulled her hair down over one shoulder, exposing the other.

  “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.”

  Katie came bundling out with a pair of shorts over her swimsuit. Her hair brushed and in a ponytail. He often wondered where her desire for a pony had come in.

  Stepping away from Ann, he took a seat, watching his little girl as she walked up to Ann.

  This was dangerous.

  Katie kept on talking and he couldn’t hear everything as a plane flew overhead. It was funny, though, as Ann started to laugh.

  She finished grilling the steaks, put them on a plate, and walked back to the table. “I’ve already made the salad. I’ll be back.”

  She left and he watched her walk.

  “Do you like her, Daddy?” Katie asked. “She’s really cool.”

  “I know.” He avoided the question about liking Ann. His little girl didn’t need to know how Ann appeared in his thoughts, regularly. All dirty.

  She came back to the table and sat down opposite him and Katie. “Help yourself. I hope you like everything.”

  Before he got a chance to, she was already cutting up Katie’s steak for her. He served them all some potato salad, followed by some crunchy coleslaw. The food was delicious. Katie often talked about Ann’s cooking but he’d never really gotten a taste.

  “I’m going to school soon,” Katie said with a pout.

  “I know, I remember you saying. Next week, right? Start of September?”

  “I don’t want to go.”

  “How come?” she asked.

  He watched her. Ann seemed genuinely curious about his little girl. She smiled at her, and damn it, he was charmed as well.

  Fuck.

  This was dangerous. Back in the city, he had a whole flock of women he could call up who knew the score, and who he fucked on a regular basis. This was supposed to be a fresh start for the both of them.

  “I don’t know. I don’t want to go. People will laugh at me.”

  “They will not,” Ann said. “You’ve got to give people a chance.”

  “Did you hate going to school?” Katie asked.

  “I was afraid but it was awesome. Honestly, I had so much fun. You’ll find a best friend, maybe two or three. It’ll be fun. Birthday parties as well. Learning is always fun. I love to learn.”

  His little girl smiled. “You think so?”

  “I know so. You’re a lovely girl, Katie. I would have totally been best friends with you, like we are now. If I could, I’d go to school with you. I’m a little old though now.” Ann turned to him, a smile on her lips. “If your dad is okay with it, afterward you can come and tell me all about it. I can make muffins for us to eat. Ice cream, milkshakes, muffins.”

  “Yes, Daddy, can I? Can I?”

  “I don’t see why not. So long as you give school a chance.” He hadn’t wanted to send her to boarding school. His life had changed one day, as he’d sat in a restaurant for a business meeting. Katie was with one of her nannies, and as he sat there, he’d looked across the restaurant to see a father and daughter eating dinner. Only, the little girl had been staring at her dad, looking close to tears while her father was on the phone. All throughout dinner, he’d sat on the phone. Each free moment, he’d been drawn to the couple and not once did the dad stop on his cell phone.

  It reminded him of h
imself and Katie. Even when he went home and they ate dinner at the table, Katie would talk but he’d only half listen. Seeing what he was doing in plain sight, he knew he had to make a change.

  This was the change he made.

  He still ran his company but he’d employed a manager to do the main running of the place, while he oversaw everything else, from his computer at home.

  It was taking some adjustment, but he was determined to make it work.

  “Then it’s a date,” Ann said.

  He watched and listened as Ann made arrangements with Katie. They were really getting along. After their meal, Katie ran into the living room, curling up on the sofa while Ann did the dishes.

  “You don’t have to do that,” she said as he started to dry.

  “You cooked. You should put your feet up, and relax. Dinner was lovely.”

  “Thank you.” She washed a couple more plates. “I want to apologize. I don’t mean to overstep any kind of boundary. I’m sure your wife—”

  “I’m not married.”

  “Oh, well, Katie’s mother—”

  “Is dead. We never married. In truth, we couldn’t stand each other. It was a one-night stand out of anger that turned into a pregnancy. Katie’s mother died in childbirth.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  Katie’s mother wasn’t a nice woman. They often ended up fucking after a long, drawn-out battle, and he’d hated himself afterward.

  He’d never wanted her to die, but she asked for him to take care of their little girl, no matter what. She even got a contract for him to sign, not that he needed any kind of legal requirement to take care of his flesh and blood.

  “Ann, I’m not a man who will be forced to do things he doesn’t want to do. You hanging out with my daughter is fine, but heed this warning, when you move on, there will be no chance of you coming back. My daughter is my first, only, and main priority, and that is how it will stay.”

  Chapter Two

  Ann hated her job and as she collapsed onto her sofa at nine o’clock on a Friday night, all she wanted to do was curl up, cry, and go to sleep. She’d taken a couple of classes in law during her time in college. She didn’t want to be a lawyer or even an accountant. Her real passion was in writing, as it should be.