Ticket To Love Read online

  She smirked and said in a joking way, “Cut down that tree and you’ve got a deal.”

  Brad laughed. “It always comes back to that tree.”

  “That tree is a pain.”

  “Why chop down a perfectly healthy tree?”

  She would never admit he was right about that. It would be wrong. The tree was tall, thick, and growing every day. There wasn’t a real reason to get rid of it, other than she wanted it gone. Besides, it gave her a common ground with him when things got awkward, such as now, when her panties were growing moist just from looking at him.

  “How about this?” He licked his lips. “You sell me the piece of land the tree always makes a mess on. Problem solved.”

  “You’re kidding?” She leaned against the front of her car. Was he serious?

  “Not really. You’ll have nothing to complain about and we can finally be the friendly neighbors we should be.”

  Evelyn chewed on her bottom lip. “There’s still the dog.”

  He chuckled. “Yup, there is. I’m not getting rid of Bo. He’s a good dog, just needs to calm down some.”

  Well, then there was only one other option. “Put a fence up and you’ve got a deal about the tree and being friendly neighbors.”

  He sighed and rubbed his temple. “And we’re back to the fence.”

  “Why don’t you want one?” She really couldn’t grasp it. Didn’t people with dogs want a fenced-in yard? A place for the animal to run free and all that nonsense?

  “I just don’t want my yard boxed in.”

  Obviously they were never going to see eye to eye. There was no reason to keep discussing it. He didn’t want a fence; she didn’t want the tree.

  “I need a shower.” She held out her free hand for the shovel, but instead he took her hand and clasped it in his. “What are you doing?”

  He moistened his lips, his gaze locked on hers. “I don’t know, but I really want to kiss you again.”

  She wanted to kiss him too, but should she? “It’s not a good idea.”

  “I know, and it makes me want to do it that much more.”

  Her gaze fell to his lips. She should not be staring at them, parted and with a slight stubble above. Ready for her. The world would stop spinning once their mouths touched again, but kissing Brad, that wasn’t a good idea. He was her annoying, hot neighbor.

  He tugged her hand, bringing her body firmly against his. “You better say no quick. Otherwise I’m kissing you.”

  “No.”

  “You sure?” His blue eyes darkened with lust.

  “No.”

  Brad grinned.

  She couldn’t help being indecisive.

  Then Brad solved it for her, pressing his lips against hers, sending a wave of pleasurable tingles though her. She moaned in appreciation and deepened the kiss. When his tongue thrust in, meeting hers, she dropped the rake and held onto his shoulders.

  He released her hand then wrapped his hand around her waist, holding her tight against him. His erection pressed into her stomach. The shovel hit the ground with a bang, and his other arm was around her neck, tilting up her head.

  A shiver swept down her spine and landed right between her legs, her panties more moister than before. Oh, she wanted more than a kiss. A bed and sheets tangled around their hot, sweaty bodies sounded good right about now. Her fingers could roam around and trace the tattoo she’d gotten a peek of the other day. And the things he could do to her…

  Mmm…

  Damn it, how did he do this to her? She pushed him away, needing to get away from him before she did something she might regret. “I said no.”

  He stared, confused. “But you also said yes.”

  She shook her head. “The only words that came out were no.”

  He smirked. “How can someone get under my skin so much?”

  The feeling was mutual. “Why don’t you move?”

  He chuckled. “Move? I can hardly afford that place. You have the money. You move.”

  Did he know she was the lottery winner? Surely not. She hadn’t told a soul except for her grandmother. Heck, her best friends didn’t even know, and she actually trusted them. So there was no way Brad knew. He was just making a joke since she’d bought a car, right?

  “I don’t have money,” she blurted out.

  “Then I’d hate to see your credit card statement.”

  “Just go home.” She bent down to pick up the fallen rake and shovel.

  He shook his head and turned toward his house. “See ya around.”

  God, she hated that man, and yet she didn’t. She tossed the rake and shovel into the garage then pressed the code on the outside of the garage for the door to go down. After placing the lid back onto the trash container, she turned to head back inside. When the sound of something running came toward her, she stopped.

  Spinning, she saw Bo heading straight for her trash can. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

  Brad followed, grabbing the dog by the collar. “You know, I don’t know what you put in there, but maybe you should consider keeping that garbage can in your garage.” He led the dog back toward his house.

  Eve sighed and enjoyed the view of his ass as he bent over and held the dog’s collar. That had been a close call, but he was right. After typing the code back in, the garage door opened, and she placed the garbage container inside. Now maybe she could finally get some peace from the neighborhood dogs, and her neighbor.

  Chapter Six

  “How about a bookstore?” Sara rubbed her belly and took deep breaths.

  Eve stared, worrying her friend was going to go into labor on her living room couch. “Everyone buys e-books nowadays.”

  “I still like to hold the book in my hands.”

  “Yeah, you and my grandmother. A majority of people want their books on their electronic device. It’s the instant gratification. So a bookstore is out of question. I want to make money.” When she’d invited her friends over that afternoon, Eve hadn’t realized that deciding on what kind of business she wanted to run was going to be so hard.

  “What do you like?” Carrie asked as she entered the room from the kitchen.

  Brad. Crap, where did that thought come from? “I’d love to have a fresh food stand in the farmers’ market. However, I’m not a farmer.”

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Sara twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. “It takes a lot of money, and you don’t seem like the business type of lady.”

  “I can’t see you standing outside all day selling fruit and veggies, either.” Carrie sat.

  Her friends had a point about standing outside in the heat all day, but she had the money part covered. And, she definitely didn’t want to get a boss like Mr. Jenkins again.

  “Why this sudden interest, anyway? It’s weird,” Sara said.

  Wasn’t the money some sort of gift? A time to do what she wanted and not answer to anyone? “I’m not getting any younger. Finding love isn’t happening, so I need to be in control somehow.”

  Sara groaned. “You try too hard, Eve. That’s your problem.”

  Wow, Sara is grouchy.

  Eve glanced at Carrie, who nodded as Sara continued to speak, “Sorry to be so blunt. But you want it to fall into your lap. When’s the last time you went on a date?”

  “I don’t necessarily expect it to happen,” Eve said. “They say love will just happen.”

  “That’s bullshit. Love doesn’t just happen. That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. You have to get out there. Open yourself up to the opposite sex. Not sit here all uptight waiting for him to just knock on your door.”

  “Sara, what’s gotten into you?”

  Her friend sighed. “Sorry. I’ve been bitchy lately. But still, you needed to hear that.”

  “Sara is just telling you like it is.” Carrie smiled weakly, as though she wanted to keep the peace.

  Eve crossed her arms and slouched into the cushion of her oversized love seat. She wasn’t stubborn
, and she didn’t expect a guy to just fall into her lap. Going out to a bar wasn’t her scene. She’d learned quickly, when men expected after one drink that she’d go to a hotel with them. She’d even tried hanging out in the produce department a time or two to see if Mr. Right might show up and they’d fall in love over cantaloupes. It was time she faced the fact that she just might be destined to be alone.

  Brad. With his broad shoulders and large biceps. He could definitely handle some melons.

  Why was he coming to mind? Sure, he’d kissed her until her toes curled, and he was easy on the eyes, but aside from that, they had nothing in common. Or did they? She’d yet to really get to know him, aside from complaining about something to him constantly.

  No, Brad was not the key to her happiness. Maybe her money was. At least with it, she could buy the future she wanted. If only she could figure out what that was.

  “Maybe a business isn’t for me.” She wanted to change the subject. “I’ll figure it all out soon. So, how is the baby?”

  “The eviction notice will be going out soon. I can’t do this much longer. I’m worn out.” On cue, Sara yawned.

  Eve smiled. Sara was a gorgeous pregnant woman. She glowed. Her brown hair was long and thick, her nails also. Her skin was clear, and she’d barely gained any weight. How Sara had managed that, Eve wasn’t sure. Her friend appeared to be the same size, except for the giant, basketball shape coming from her stomach. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “Me too. Speaking of which, I’ve got to use the restroom.” Sara pushed herself up and excused herself from the living room.

  “Don’t let her get to you. She’s extremely moody,” Carrie said.

  Eve laid her head against the cushion and sighed. She wanted to do something helpful—maybe anonymously for her friend. All this money that no one knew she had. She was set for life. Her grandmother’s words of saving some for her great-grandchildren sent a twinge of sadness through Eve. If she never married or had kids, who would get all this money when she left this world?

  God, life could be so damn depressing sometimes.

  ***

  Brad sat on his back porch, drinking a glass of sweet tea and enjoying the unusually warm fall day. His work week had been long, and he was glad it was Friday evening.

  Eve had been on his mind all week. They’d kissed twice now, and those two tastes weren’t enough. He was ready for more. He wanted her in his bed—or hers, it really didn’t matter—to get lost in her. Of course, he had to be a gentleman and take things slow.

  He supposed he needed to make sure she was interested in him first. The way she had let her soft lips play with his, he was pretty sure she did like him. She just wanted to play hard to get.

  A giggle interrupted his thoughts. He glanced toward her place to see her standing there with a man. Who the hell is that?

  Brad did his best not to stare, but Eve smiled at the guy as she tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. She was flirting. Jealousy raced through his veins, and he clenched his fists. Just for the hell of it, he should let Bo off his lead and let him interrupt whatever was going on over there.

  Then Brad noticed the guy had a clipboard in hand. So maybe this wasn’t a date. He still didn’t like the way she looked at the guy, though. The only way to see what the heck was going on was to go over there.

  But then he’d look like some weird neighbor.

  Eve might need his help, though. Maybe the guy was pressuring her to buy something she didn’t want.

  That solved it, he was going over there. After setting his glass on the patio table, he headed toward her. She didn’t notice him at first, but when she reached out and touched the other man’s arm, Brad thought about tackling the guy.

  What the hell? Brad had never been so damn jealous. All he’d done was kiss her. Why did he feel so protective suddenly?

  “Need help?” he asked as he approached.

  Eve’s smiled faded.

  Crap.

  “Hey, Brad.”

  The other guy turned and glanced at him, giving him a nod.

  “I’m her neighbor,” Brad clarified. “Wanted to make sure everything was okay.” And that you don’t get the wrong ideas about my woman.

  “It’s fine. Rick is my new landscaper, and we’re talking design.”

  Landscaper? Eve had lived so conservatively all these years and now out of nowhere, she was spending money left and right it seemed. Was it possible she’d won the lottery? The recent winner was still a mystery.

  “Landscaper, huh?” Brad looked around at the overgrown lawn in need of some serious TLC. “What are you having done?”

  “I’ve always wanted one of those backyards you see in magazines, with bushes, a little pond, and flowers. Rick is helping me decide what can be done with this yard.”

  Good for Rick. “Can I talk to you a minute?”

  “Sure.” Eve just stood there, still next to Rick.

  “Just you and me.”

  Eve hesitated, but then good ol’ Rick stepped in. “I’ve got to head out, anyway. I’ll draw up some plans, and then you and I can get together and look them over. Maybe over dinner one night this week?”

  Was he asking her out?

  She smiled sweetly at Rick, and Brad wanted to wrap his hands around the guy’s neck and strangle him. “Okay. Sounds like a plan.”

  Had she just accepted a date?

  Brad’s blood boiled as he walked toward the front of the house. Once Rick was out of sight, Brad looked at Eve. He wasn’t sure what had come over him, but he could only explain it as some caveman instinct. He took her hand and dragged her up the deck steps, then through her back door.

  “What are you doing?” she demanded.

  Instead of talking, he pushed her against the wall inside her house and took her lips. He didn’t hold back. With greed and possession, he slid his tongue into her warm mouth. She moaned, meeting his desire with her own.

  Mine. Mine. Mine. Not Rick’s.

  Wrapping his hands around her neck, he tilted her face up a little more so he could slide his tongue in deeper. She wrapped her lips wrapped around it and sucked.

  Oh, fuck! His cock grew hard, begging to be released.

  He slid one hand down her body, rubbing her midsection before wrapping his arm around her waist and tugging her tightly against him. His erection pressed into her belly. God, it took nothing with her and he was ready for it all.

  Eve finally pushed him away and took several quick breaths as she gazed into his eyes. “What was that for?”

  “I can’t help it.”

  “You need to stop doing that.” Stepping back, she crossed her arms.

  She’d closed herself off to him. “Why?”

  “Because. You and I wouldn’t work.”

  Ouch! Here he’d thought they were onto something. Neighbors with a little something on the side. “We would work well. I think if we hit the sheets, we’d start a fire from a spark.”

  She grinned and shook her head. “Wrong. We fight all the time.”

  “We’d get to make up just as much.” He uncrossed her arms and put his around her again. He traced a circled on her lower back, but she didn’t embrace him in return.

  “I’m not getting any younger.”

  Women, they concentrated on how old they were way too much. “Neither am I. What’s that got to do with anything?”

  “Well, for one, I want to get married and have kids. I don’t have time for a fling. That’s what this would be, right?”

  Whoa. How did kissing suddenly go to married with kids? Releasing Eve, he stepped back and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know.”

  She crossed her arms again and took several steps away. “Well, I do know. There will never be anything serious between us.”

  Why not? Her words stung.

  “So we need to stop this. No more kissing,” she said.

  “Is Rick the man you’re going to marry?”

  She gasped. “I don’t know.�
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  Wow, maybe he’d been reading her wrong all along. Did she really just not like him? She didn’t kiss him as though she hated him.

  She kept a good few feet between them as she asked, “So, what did you want to speak to me about?”

  “Huh?”

  “You asked to talk to me. Then you went all barbaric and kissed me.”

  You kissed me, too. “Oh, yeah.” He took a deep breath. “Not to be in your business again, but with the way you’ve been spending money, I was curious. Did you win the lottery?”

  She stared at him, the color draining from her face before she chuckled. “I’ve just been good at saving all these years. Like I said, I’m not getting any younger. So why not spend some of the money I had hoped to use on my wedding?”

  Good cover, but the shocked expression she first wore before she smiled told him there was more to it. “Aren’t your parents supposed to pay for that?”

  She fidgeted, shifting from side to side. “My parents are dead.”

  “Oh.” He didn’t know what to say, but now he wished he hadn’t pushed her. How long had her parents been gone? As much as he wanted to know, he’d save the questions for a time she was in a better mood. “Then I get you would have had to save.”

  “You know, Brad, I don’t get why you’re so concerned about money—my money, to be exact. I need to get ready to go pick my grandmother up for an afternoon movie.”

  He nodded. “Okay. Yeah. See ya.”

  Feeling all kinds of mixed emotions, Brad left through the back door. Eve didn’t like him, or so she said, and she’d been saving money all these years for a wedding, and she was certain he wasn’t the man she’d marry. Why did he care if she didn’t want to marry him?

  Something still didn’t add up. When she so kindly told him she wasn’t interested in him, she’d sounded like she was holding out on hope for that wedding. So why spend the money now? How would she pay for the wedding?

  As he entered his house, he groaned. Why did he care? Like she said, he didn’t need to be so concerned with her. For some reason, Eve now consumed his thoughts day and night. If she had to choose between him and Rick on who to marry, he’d win hands down.