Tempting the Guy Next Door: Guy Next Door, #3

By Kali Hart

Kelly

I've had a crush on my brother's best friend since I was a teenager.
But he's always treated me like a kid sister.
I haven't seen Liam in years.
When I desperately need a place to stay, my brother arranges for me to stay in Liam's guest cottage.
Having just gotten out of a bad relationship, the last thing I should do is tempt Liam.
But I want to make sure he realizes the kid from years ago is all grown up now.

Liam

Kelly's always been like a little sister to me.
But I haven't seen her in years.
When she arrives on my doorstep, she's all grown up and every bit an irresistible woman.
I'm supposed to be keeping her safe while my buddy is out of town.
Not giving into temptation to make her mine.

Sweet & steamy short story insta-love romance with an older blue collar hero and younger curvy woman with an HEA. NO cliffhangers. NO cheating.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie M. Wallick
• Release date: Sep 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9798223289678

Book preview

1

KELLY

You still have this? My bestie Claire asks, holding up a pink, feather boa in curious mortification. She remembers the night just as well as I do.

We burst out in laughter, because what else can you do when a situation is as serious as this one? Tonight, I might bawl my eyes out. But for now, I’m sticking with the whole laughter is the best medicine idea.

Toss it in the burn barrel, I instruct. By burn barrel, I mean trash can. My brother made me promise not to burn my ex’s house down, but he did agree to let me have one small fire in the backyard after I was packed up. The stupid boa, from the costume party where I met Nathan, is definitely getting lit on fire.

You sure we can’t burn some of Nathan’s things too? Claire pouts.

As good as that would make us both feel, no we can’t. My brother is a detective, and he’s been very clear about how I have to handle this situation. He knows I’m impulsive, and made me swear half a dozen times I won’t do anything that might cause problems later. I know, Aiden took all the fun out of this.

Whatever it takes to make sure the dipshit pays. Claire scoots on over and squeezes me in a side hug. You know I’m all-in.

Last night is a nightmare I wish I could forget. How did I get it all so wrong? I let out a heavy sigh, realizing how many stupid things I’ve done in the past, Nathan-filled year and a half. That’s it. No more. I grab the boa from Claire’s hand and slam it into the burn barrel. One less thing to pack.

You trusted someone with your heart. There’s nothing wrong with taking that chance.

Yeah, not doing that again anytime soon. The truth is, I knew Nathan and I were over a good six months ago. But he had ways of convincing me not to leave every time I tried. When I finally confronted him about the cheating, he didn’t like that.

The asshole is in jail now.

But his rich mommy will no doubt have him out on bail before sundown. I plan to be long gone before that happens. She’s never liked me, but she’ll like me a whole lot less now that I might’ve ruined her son’s spotless reputation. Totally fucked up thinking, but that’s how twisted the woman is.

Are you okay, Kelly? Claire asks, her smile compassionate and genuine.

Not really, I admit, tossing pictures into the trash can. But I will be.

You’ll be safe at Liam’s, right?

The mere mention of Liam’s name sends shivers all throughout my body—the good kind. I haven’t seen my brother’s best friend in years, but I’ve no doubt he’s still hot enough to melt my panties. Maybe hotter. Yeah, I’ll be safe.

I’m sorry I have to go out of town. Claire pops up off the bed and heads straight