Next Door Temptation

By Julia Imari

When you're a single and sleep-deprived guy, you'll likely see a mermaid in your pool.

There are a lot of things Grant Emery wants to do on his two-week break: sleep and more sleep. Getting friendly with the sexy neighbor isn't one of them, not when he caught her swimming in his pool without his permission. Oh sure, Paige Robinson is hot, with her toned, mile-long legs. She makes his mind race and his heart pulse. But she's up to something … because she's incredibly nice, incredibly generous. Succumbing to her temptation will only derail a much needed break from his complex job.

Paige has many reasons not to trust the charming Grant. First, he has a secret job. Second, he kissed her—just the day after they first met! Oh, and he intends to disrupt the sale of her house. But she will not let anything stop her from making sure the property gets on the market—even if it means playing extra nice with the secretive, charismatic and oh-so-sinfully handsome neighbor.

Next Door Temptation is a funny, sweet and sexy with a dash of suspense standalone contemporary romance novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PaulJulia Press
• Release date: May 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386635154

Book preview

Chapter One

THE SUN SCORCHED the New England suburbs that Saturday morning. The beginning of August had promised and delivered more sweat than any other month. For Paige Robinson, it was difficult at best to remain outside in her yard. Luckily, the boxwood shrubs she had purchased could stand the heat, while waiting to be planted along the side of the property. Hopefully she could get them into the ground later today, perhaps in the early evening when the temperature became tolerable.

Leaning back in the weathered plastic chair set on the deck covered by a tired canvas awning, she propped her legs on the guard rail, trying to catch what little breeze passed by. Going inside to keep cool wasn’t an option. It was too stifling. This small frame house needed new air-conditioners, since the ones that came with it only discharged hot air.

While trying to cool her sweaty skin, Paige was keeping an eye on her Yorkie, Dillon. Although she hadn’t heard any news about a fox or coyote snatching and munching on any neighbors’ pets, she didn’t want to take Dillon's safety for granted. He was her fierce guard dog.

Last week, a white van had parked in front of the house. A man came out and identified himself as an electrician from a company she didn’t recognize. He had a soft voice for a man and too pretty a face to be an electrician. He had woman’s eyes, too. Wasn’t a journeyman usually kind of messy in appearance? With grease or dirt smeared on hands and shirt? Stop being too analytical, Paige.

There was no company name on the vehicle. The electrician had offered to inspect the house to make sure the electrical system was in order. Paige couldn’t answer him because Dillon was growling and barking furiously. He snarled and bared his teeth at the man. When the white of Dillon's eyes appeared, Paige knew the dog meant business. She thanked the man and told him that everything was fine. Only when he drove away did Dillon stop barking. Turning back to the dog, Paige's chest expanded with pride. He was truly a guard dog—despite his tiny size.

The pooch was rolling on the grass and sneezing or wheezing at the same time. The backyard was clean, but without any fences or walls to separate it from the neighbors. Only trees of different sizes were planted along the property lines. I’m going to change all that.

Paige craned her neck toward the big mansion next door. The neighbor had been away for a couple of days now. She was glad. From her early, general investigation of the owner, the person seemed polite and preferred to be left alone. But he always seemed to be in a hurry to do something. Actually, all the residents on the street acted that way.

Except Paige.

When her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer eight months ago, Paige slowed down her hectic lifestyle to take care of her own nasty headaches. They had already been bothering her off and on for the past year. She took a sabbatical from the real estate business, and within two months the annoying headaches miraculously lessened and eventually went away completely. Amazing.

Paige and her colleague Lori, also in real estate, had attended a lot of property auctions up until a few months ago. Many houses seized by the banks due to foreclosure got bid really high. This house was in one of these property auctions and the furniture and contents came with it. Since she had been dabbling in antiques on the side, she spotted an opportunity. Without hesitation she upped her bid. And she won! She was ecstatic. She packed her stuff and didn’t renew the lease on her apartment in Beacon Hill so she could move away and take up living in this semi-rural area called Chesterville.

But not for long.

Her mom’s new and experimental cancer treatment had been recently announced by her physician and it was expensive. It wasn't covered by insurance. Her dad was devastated. So was Aunt Beverly, her mom’s twin sister. Paige didn’t have time to share her shock at the news with Lori immediately, as she sprang into action to help.

She would sell the house to raise the much needed funds. First, she would fix everything, including the yard, then put it back on the market and hopefully pocket a profit. Based on her past experience in real estate, the house would likely sell within a month. If the right buyer comes along. She understood how tough it was to find that buyer in such a short period of time, but her successful experience in the marketing side of real estate, plus being a motivated seller, would carry her through. She was sure of it. Plus, the old furniture, despite its worn condition, was worth more than the house. That was her rough estimate.

Dillon barked and Paige’s mind jerked back to the present moment. She took her feet off the rail and sat up straight. Leaning in closer to the rail, she asked, What’s that, Dill? Did you see a squirrel?

The pooch turned to look at her over his shoulder before resuming his yipping. Paige wiped the sweat off her forehead. Her sleeveless pink cotton tank top was soaked around the neck. Leave the squirrel alone, she said. The dog stopped barking and sniffed the air. A faint sound, a distress cry for help, came from the direction of the neighbor's yard. She pressed her chest against the handrail and listened intently. Dillon whined.

Paige went down the stairs to investigate. What is it? she asked the alerted dog. His ears perked and his tiny tail wagged. He glanced at her before charging forward. Within a few seconds Dillon was in the neighbor’s overgrown backyard. Dill! she called. You’re trespassing. Come back here.

Instead of obeying her command, Dillon sat there. His eyes were focused intently on something. Suddenly, the screaming sound pierced her ears. The sound of a baby bird calling for her mom! Without thinking, Paige slipped between the large oak trunks into the neighbor’s yard. Dillon ran toward the swimming pool and she rushed after the pooch.

Floating on the surface was a small black bird. Soaking wet wings spread on either side of its tiny body. The bird’s wings continued to flail about helplessly, but every movement made it weaker than before. Paige took off her flip-flops and slipped into the pool, trying not to create any ripples that might scare the baby bird. She scooped it from the water and the creature thrashed around in her hands, trying to escape. The fine hairs on her arms rose. She had never touched a feathered creature like this before, but she needed to get it out of the water. She put her fears behind her and climbed out with the bird in her palms. Before she could reach the grassy patch just outside of the pool area, the bird slid down onto the concrete. It squeaked, but didn’t try to fly away. Paige rubbed her arms as goose bumps spread over her body all the way up to her neck. It’s just a bird, for Heaven’s sake. Unless it’s a snake, stop acting squeamish.

Dillon came over to sniff the creature and the bird squeaked. Dill, you scared him, Paige said. The dog stepped back, licked his chops and looked at the bird with keen interest. Inspecting the poor baby bird, she decided she had to do something. First, you need a name. What if I name you Melvin? I’m not sure if you’re male or female, but I think you’re a male. See how strong and loud you are. Paige smiled, feeling ridiculous for talking to a bird. Second, you need to eat some worms or grubs. Dillon panted in agreement.

The baby bird relaxed, spreading his black wings. The black spots on his faded yellow underbelly feathers were soaked and stuck together, revealing his wrinkled skin and blue veins. When Dillon scooted closer, Melvin turned with his beak partially open. Okay, Melvin. I’m going to move you off this hot concrete. So, when your feathers and fur are dry, you’ll be free to fly away. She lifted the bird gingerly and put him in the shade of the nearby white birch tree next to her sandals. Dillon was eager to accompany the petrified bird.

Water dripped from her shirt and Paige looked down, realizing her shorts were sticking to her thighs. She looked around the yard. Then she zeroed in on the back door of the house. Nobody’s home. Everything was dead quiet. Not even the yard services dared to work on a hot day like this. She should head back to her house now that she’d rescued the bird. Sighing, she returned her gaze to the winking water.

The heat from the sun made swimming in the pool so tempting….

Well, since the neighbor wasn’t here, he wouldn’t know. After all, she would only take a couple of dips. Dill, guard Melvin. I’m going back into the pool for a minute.

With a growing excitement she strode back to the rectangular pool with an aqua bottom and slid right into the silky water. Ahhh … the heat of the day eased the moment her entire body came in contact with the cool, refreshing water. She paddled leisurely to reach the other end.

Two days ago, she’d seen the neighbor do some cleaning around the pool. But he didn’t swim in it afterward. What a waste to clean it spotless, and yet never use this beautiful oasis of crystal clear water. She turned on her back and allowed herself to float with an effortless, lazy backstroke. She closed her eyes, fantasizing about being in the Caribbean, surrounded by palm trees. The ocean in front of her was wide open with blue skies above. What a serene and calming view. Then she imagined herself driving a golf cart, dodging wild roosters, along the narrow streets to reach the local market. She saw herself sipping a delicious fruit punch and savoring a yummy seafood delicacy. Hmm … she smiled, wishing it would turn into reality.

She’d wanted to go to Belize for a vacation with her two good friends, Deedee and Hana and their boyfriends, but since she was the fifth wheel, she didn’t feel comfortable. This was about the same time her mom's new cancer treatment had been announced, and she had a valid excuse to stay behind. Maybe next time.

Paige dove to the bottom of the pool. The aqua color soothed her and she wanted to linger for as long as she could, but her chest began to hurt. She rose up to the surface to inhale a huge gulp of oxygen. Squatting on the concrete in front of her was a man with a pair of amused looking bloodshot, deep-blue eyes.

Paige wiped the water from her face. Blood drained down her upper body and her heart stopped beating. Oops.

The man stood. Well, well, he said, folding his arms over his broad chest. My friend Ethan should've warned me about his neighbor.

Paige paddled furiously to the opposite side of the pool from where he stood and hoisted herself out of the water in one motion. Covering her breasts with her arms, she said, I’m sorry. I thought nobody was home.

The man rolled his eyes as if he’d heard that answer before. Yawning, he stared at her. His amused expression had been replaced with a bored, seen that, done that type of look. Without waiting, Paige ran toward the oak trees and into her yard at lightning speed. Panting, she doubled over to calm her nerves and catch her breath. She had never been that scared in her life before. No, she wasn’t scared. She was just shocked and embarrassed. How long had he been sitting there watching her?

She trusted Dillon to guard Melvin and hoped the neighbor wouldn't discover them hidden in the shade of the white birch. After she took a shower, she'd go and retrieve them both.

***

GRANT EMERY THOUGHT he was hallucinating when he spied a two-legged mermaid leisurely swimming in his pool. Her eyes were closed, with a captivating smile painted on her face as she floated on the shimmering surface. He stood there, beside the house, mesmerized.

Then, this water nymph dove underwater for few seconds and came up to the surface. She stiffened once their gazes crossed, her short hair plastered to her temples. In an instant, she climbed out, apologized briefly, and bounded away. She slipped between the big trees and bushes into the next backyard. Now he was sure who she was. She was the neighbor next door all right. What gave her the right to swim in his pool without his permission?

She’d been mowing her side yard last week, wearing a straw sombrero. He hadn’t crossed over to her property to say hi and properly introduce himself. In fact, he hadn’t interacted with any of his neighbors yet, after having agreed to temporarily trade residences with his friend and business partner, Ethan. Now, with the trade underway, Ethan was staying at his penthouse condo in Back Bay and he in Ethan's house here in Chesterville.

From near the pool came a whining sound. Grant turned toward the noise. Under the canopy of the tree sat a little cat. Feeling curious, he stepped closer and the long-haired feline wagged its tail. Hair covered its eyes. And it panted. Squatting, he noticed a pair of slippers. And another small creature. What’s this? He poked the black thing and it squeaked. A baby bird. Its underbelly feathers were wet. He looked at the small cat beside it and realized it wasn’t a cat at all, but actually a tiny dog. He scratched the back of his head. A cat doesn't wag its tail.

I really need to get some sleep.

His job as an antique appraiser took him all over the country to many cities. Due to an appraisal he made of several pieces of exotic and valuable jewelry, a detective with the Boston Police Department had requested his assistance. While he had a lot of information about the jewelry in question, he could only help so much. Then things started to unravel. He was followed when he walked to the café to get his morning coffee. His Jaguar's tires had mysteriously been slashed, forcing him to take the subway to commute to his office in East Boston.

Come on, buddy, he scooped up the bird and grabbed the sandals with his other hand, let’s return you and these to your mistress. I don’t know what she did to you guys, but I hope she wasn't planning to drown both of you in the pool.

The dog's tiny pink tongue stuck out and the beast wagged its tail furiously. Don’t get too excited because I plan to ask your mistress a lot of questions. And you, too. The dog looked at him without blinking. He sighed when the pathetic face continued to stare at him expectantly. The tiny bird in his hand closed its beady dark eyes. It looked weak. Well, he wasn’t about to play saint and take care of the creature. He could barely take care of himself.

Grant strode across his yard and to the street—instead of sneaking into the neighbor’s backyard between the big trees. It wasn’t his style to do things like that. Unlike his neighbor. Hurry up, buddy. The dog trailed way behind. He had to slow his stride so the dog could catch up. Within a few minutes he was standing on the top landing outside of his neighbor’s front door, and rang the bell. Hearing footsteps, the dog scooted closer to the door and barked as if to make sure he wasn’t denied entry.

The heavy panel slid open and in front of him stood the same woman who had swum in his pool, staring at him with her large brown eyes. She was now in a dry, pink colored, slim-fitting T-shirt and short shorts, revealing her mile-long tanned legs.

Excuse me, but you left your dog, your bird and your sandals in my yard. He thrust the bird toward her and she paled. Stepping away, she opened the door wide.

Can you bring him into the kitchen? she asked, rubbing her arms. I made a box into a cage.

She had goose bumps all over her arms. Are you cold? he asked. The sun was melting his skin and here she was shivering? His malfunctioning brain tricked him into seeing something strange. Maybe she is a mermaid who belongs in the water and not on land. Where’s the kitchen?

She hurried down the hallway in bare feet. No wonder. Her sandals were still in his hands. Here. He put the sandals down near her feet once they were in the kitchen.

Thank you. She slipped her cute feet into the rubbery slippers. Her toenails were painted hot pink, nudging his awareness of her even higher. I’m not scared or anything, but I just feel squeamish when I see furry wild creatures, she added.

A bird has feathers. Not fur. Grant set the bird inside the box. He looks like he could use some food.