“Why not? It seems like the neighborly thing to do.”
Jude grunted.
That made the smile on the other man’s face widen. “I’m Liam. Your new neighbor. I bought this house.”
“I’m aware,” Jude replied flatly.
“Now this is where you tell me your name,” Liam told him.
Jude rolled his eyes. “Jude.”
“Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Jude,” Liam said. “And now you say the same back.”
“What if it’s not nice to meet you?” Jude asked.
Liam grinned. “Tell me that it’s nice to meet me anyway. That’s what neighbors do.”
“My last neighbors rented out this house and I didn’t have to talk to anyone else,” Jude told him. “I like that kind of neighbor.”
“Well too bad,” Liam replied. That damn smile back at full force. “I love it here and won’t be going anywhere.”
“Just my luck,” Jude replied.
Liam shook his head. “You have no idea how lucky you are. I’m quiet and mind my own business. You could have worse neighbors than me.”
Jude lifted a brow. Minded his own business? Then why was Jude forced to talk to him?
“I work from home, so if you need anything just knock on the door. Or holler. Whatever,” Liam offered.
“I won’t need anything,” Jude assured him.
“Sure,” Liam replied. “Have it your way.”
Jude went to walk around his neighbor but caught the scent of coconut and vanilla. Even without meaning to, he breathed in that aroma. He wasn’t sure if it was deodorant, cologne, or what but Jude approved. Fuck him! This man was totally fucking with Jude’s head.
“You okay, neighbor?” Liam asked.
“Fine,” he bit out. He stomped forward, not giving himself the chance to turn around and find some other reason to continue talking to his new neighbor. He kept walking until he could storm inside his house and slam the door behind him.
Jude wanted to open and slam it again but that would be childish. Instead, he headed into the kitchen for a glass of water. Maybe two. He shouldn’t be reacting this way. Not because of some guy that he didn’t know.
Filling a tall glass with ice and water, Jude downed every drop then refilled it. He took a deep breath before looking down at his cock. He was half hard. That hadn’t happened in a very long time.
He didn’t go looking for hookups or someone to take to bed. If Jude wanted to get off, his right hand did the job for him. And he always, always, thought about Sam when he stroked his dick.
It felt like betrayal.
Cold fury filled him.
How dare his neighbor make Jude feel like he was betraying his partner. Sam had been everything that Jude could ever want in a partner. Sam was perfect. From his messy brown hair to his chocolate eyes that would melt when Jude called him a good boy.
They had met when Sam had been assigned to Jude’s team.
The first time that Sam had walked, really, ran into the meeting room, Jude had nearly swallowed his tongue. Instead of the neatly pressed young solider Jude had expected, he’d got Sam. Messy, always running late, forgetful Sam. Jude had taken one look at Sam and known that boy had needed a keeper.
Jude had mentally volunteered for the job right then and there.
Sam had taken to their lifestyle like a duck to water.
