Obsessed with The Girl Next Door, page 1
OBSESSED WITH THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
SUGAR & SILK
CASSIE CASSELL
Copyright © 2024 by Cassie Cassell
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
CONTENTS
Summary
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Also by Cassie Cassell
About the Author
SUMMARY
Emma
I’m house-sitting at my friend’s mansion.
Keeping an eye on her dog and her dad and taking advantage of that awesome pool is a piece of cake.
What is way harder is not throwing myself at her hot next-door neighbor.
He’s kept it cordial with me before, but now, when I’m lounging poolside, I have my one chance to make a splash and get his attention—in the sexiest way possible…
Malcolm
After having my heart broken, I should stay single for a while. Wait for the right girl.
She’s certainly not the much younger woman who’s watching my friend’s house.
Emma is gorgeous, funny, and impulsive. When I see her in those skimpy bikinis in the backyard, I should be a better man and look away.
But looking away is impossible.
1
Emma
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Hazel asks as she double-checks her tote bag.
She’s about to drive to meet her fiancé, travel industry extraordinaire Archer Cromwell, at the airport where they’ll embark to Costa Rica. They’ve spearheaded a collab project between his company, Cromwell Travel, and Sugar & Silk, the infamous sugar baby agency. This is the first trip, and they’ll arrive there a few days early to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“Are you kidding me? I’ll have this big ass mansion all to myself,” I say, gesturing to the ample living room.
Hazel and Archer moved here about two months ago, and it seems like they’ve lived here forever. The house is fully furnished, scattered with enough personal objects to make it homey but also clean and tidy.
Hazel holds the handle of her bag and looks at me. “Well, don’t forget that my dad is still in the guest house next door, and there’s Moonshine. So not exactly all to yourself,” she reminds me.
“Yes, that’s exactly what I meant.” I wave her off.
I can’t screw this up.
I’ve been couch surfing for about a month because the last guy I dated was my landlord, who turned out to be a total jerk, and long story short, I was kicked out without a place to live. I didn’t want to impose on Hazel—she’s a good friend, but she’s not family. Besides, she moved into this awesome property in Dallas recently after Archer, her then-boss, proposed to her—a month or so after they began dating.
I’d hate to add stress to her already chaotic life. So this house-sitting opportunity came in handy. Once I’m done here, I’ll be my friend Laura’s new roommate. Perfect timing. “Don’t worry. Have a great time, girl, we’ll be fine. I promise.”
She sighs. “Thanks so much.”
“Thank you. This side gig is all I needed,” I say. I mean it. A week and a half in this luxurious home will be the perfect retreat.
When I had my hours cut as a receptionist at Cromwell Travel, I rejoiced. I could finally use the free time to work on some of my designs. My dream of being a wedding gown designer would finally see the light of day—except my manager ended up liking the new hire too much and gave me the boot. I can’t fault her. I wasn’t exactly employee of the month. So, I’m now unemployed and trapped in this limbo life.
“I trust you,” Hazel says and gives me a hug.
She’s certainly paying me way above average for house-sitting, but I’m not complaining. “Go have fun and wild sex in Costa Rica.” Hell, if I were engaged to a man like Archer, I certainly would. He’s sex on a fucking stick.
“Will do. I already talked to Dad and told him everything. Moonshine will stay with him, and if you wouldn’t mind checking on him once in a while. He likes company. I also let Malcolm know we’d be leaving in case there’s an emergency.”
I nod. “Sure.” Being the emergency contact for her retired dad and a cute labradoodle will be a piece of cake. I’ll also be in somewhat close proximity to Malcolm, the next-door neighbor.
I sigh. Malcolm.
He’s the epitome of walking testosterone. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a hot bod for days. And his face—flirty brown eyes, the cutest cleft on his chin, and lines that were carved by an accomplished artist. The man is lethally handsome. Also vastly successful as an entrepreneur who made sound decisions and invested in products and companies that earned him millions.
I met him once at the engagement party. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, but he showed no interest in me besides being cordial.
I get it. He can have anyone he wants. Why would he waste his time with an unemployed twenty-two-year-old? Besides, until a few months ago, he was dating a successful CEO. A woman in her forties, like him.
“Oh shit, I better go,” Hazel says. “Car is out front.”
“Bon voyage,” I say with a dramatic flair.
I close the door after her and look around the impressive foyer leading to the living room. She’ll be gone for a week and a half. All I have to do is enjoy my time, get some sketches done, and stay out of trouble. Easy.
2
Malcolm
She’s at it again.
For the past day and a half, I’ve been watching her. Not because I want to, well, not at first anyway.
My home office has a large window facing the backyard of the house next door. Sometimes, I look into my neighbor’s property. Not snoop, but I hear a sound, and my gaze wanders from my screen and out the window.
Now, the reason is quite different. It’s her. I see the lithe body of a twenty-something redhead. I’ve met her before.
Emma something. She’s fun and bubbly and all that shit.
But I’m careful. I dated Erin for a year and thought we were a strong couple. We both have successful careers, are in our forties, and have wealthy bank accounts. I brought up the subject of marriage, and she went cold. She wasn’t interested in marriage. She enjoyed our partnership and wanted to continue that way—with each of us living in our own homes without changes.
That destroyed me. I was heartbroken because I loved her, but I also knew I couldn’t continue with that relationship without it evolving and growing for the rest of my life. Unlike my father, who married many times, I want to do it once. Make it count. And I thought Erin was my endgame.
So, I told my friends some lame ass excuse, pretended it wasn’t a big deal, and moved on.
I hear Emma dive into the pool, making a big splash. The dog, a labradoodle named Moonshine, barks excitedly. I don’t know where the old man is, but I assume he’s in his guest house to keep from having a heart attack—which I’m sure would happen due to Emma’s skimpy bikini.
She wears a different one today. Seems like in a day and a half, every time she goes to the pool, her swimwear shrinks.
She started with a one-piece suit yesterday. This morning, she wore a cherry red two-piece. And now, I see a little white and yellow polka dot number barely concealing her body. Desire stirs in my groin in the most inconvenient way possible.
If she looks my way, she’ll see me.
I shuffle in the chair and pretend to be working. But only a few moments later, my gaze strays to that pool again. Our properties are spacious, with acres spread out in between, located in an established affluent neighborhood outside Dallas. But my home office has a window facing the pool. Never mind the several trees between us, the view is clear.
Emma swims a few laps, emerges, and walks to the chaise lounge chair.
She stretches her limbs like an overindulged kitty cat. One who likes to scratch.
That’s my cue. I should lower the blinds, leave the room, and do something else. It’s not like I don’t have shit to do. I didn’t get to where I am by being lazy. Since I graduated with my business degree, I’ve worked relentlessly to make my own money despite my parents’ good financial standing. I wanted to be independent and wealthy since by the time I graduated, my father was already on his third marriage. It’s a miracle he kept any of his money considering he has four divorces under his belt as of today.
But I don’t move. Can’t move. I watch in awe as she removes the top of her swimsuit, sets it aside, and lies there.
Air is sucked from my lungs.
She’s topless. What the fuck?
Moisture evaporates from my throat. A smile pulls at her lips, but my gaze quickly travels down her neck to her bare chest. She has full tits with rosy nipples. Her skin is as smooth as velvet. I’ve never touched her, but I know it, feel it.
When I look up at her again, her gaze collides with mine. Her smile broadens, and she doesn’t break the stare.
I swallow the lump of sexual frustration in my throat.
Damn. She’s not playing around.
I grab my cell and look for her name. Emma Sutton. Hazel gave it to me in case there was any type of emergency. Well, I consider her parading her epic tits a big emergency—and my cock agrees.
I shoot her a text. You’re topless.
I watch her read it and chuckle. I got hot.
So am I. I can see that. I just don’t want the rest of the world to see it, too.
Why? Feeling possessive?
Security cameras. We use the same company. You’re making some ppl happy today. I lie. Only Archer would have access to the footage, and while I doubt he’d worry about it while away, the idea of anyone seeing her nakedness bothers me more than it should.
She pulls a towel over her chest, fumbling, and soon her top is magically on again. Thanks for the heads up.
Anytime.
I sigh. Problem averted.
3
Emma
I thread my fingers together and suck in my breath as I cross the backyard.
Earlier today, Malcolm said that the security team would see me half-naked. I’m such an idiot. I was brazen enough to remove my bikini top to tease him. I knew Rick had gone for a nap, and there was no way he’d see me. I would never have done it if that were the case.
On an idiotic impulse, I forgot about the cameras.
But now, insecurities lurk inside me like black smoke.
Hazel trusted me, halfheartedly, if I’m being honest, to watch her home and family. How messed up would it be if her security team warned her that there was a naked woman in her backyard? Would they tell her? I don’t know how the filthy rich get briefed about the news.
Hazel only asked me to house-sit because Skylar, the girl she usually uses for these tasks, wasn’t available.
Damn.
I hear Moonshine panting, which means she’s not alone. I find Rick, a sweet man in his mid-sixties, walking in the garden in front of his guest house—that’s the official name, but it’s much nicer than anywhere I’ve ever lived. Bigger.
“Hey Rick, how are you doing?”
“Good. About to eat and watch Big Bang Theory.”
I smile. He loves his Big Bang Theory re-runs. We ate lunch together today, so I don’t feel bad about ditching him for dinner. It’s not like I’m his nurse, anyway. Thankfully, his health is good after some scares, and he’s independent.
Rick is more self-sufficient than Hazel believes. I know she means well, but I understand his wanting a bit of independence. That’s how I felt when I left my hometown in North Texas. Having three older brothers didn’t help.
“Cool. I’ll go for a walk and make a sandwich later.”
Moonshine gets all excited at the trigger word—walk. I shake my head. I took her on an hour-long jog earlier in the trails behind the property, so she can’t guilt me this time.
I’m on a mission.
“Have fun.”
I wave and strut toward the lavish front garden, walking for a few minutes before I reach Malcolm’s doorstep.
My mom always says, “It’s okay to make a mistake as long as you learn a lesson.”
Well, here’s a big one.
I ring the doorbell, light anxiety simmering in my veins. When Malcolm opens the door, my apprehension reaches its peak. He wears gray sweatpants and a short-sleeved shirt of the same color. And fuck, he’s hot. When I met him at the party, he was this god-like figure, but now he’s close, giving me his undivided attention, and my body is in a delicious turmoil.
How did I ever think my tits would impress a man like this? He’s so—
“Is everything okay?” he asks.
I swallow the lump lodged in my throat, trying to string words together. I’m certainly not okay. “Can we talk?”
He opens the door wider, gesturing for me to come in. “Sure.”
I enter his home, basking in the décor. It’s modern and clean, with minimalist lines, but the lack of clutter doesn’t mean it’s a cold ambiance. Each accent piece adds character to the furniture, and beautiful artwork fills the textured walls. His entire home is so open and airy, filled with glass walls. The house of a man who has nothing to hide.
Malcolm takes me to his living room. With each step, my heart rate climbs one notch higher, and I’m sure if I don’t get my body stabilized soon, my heart will leap through my mouth. It’s already on its way up my throat.
“I wanted to ask you a favor,” I say.
“Sure.”
I sit on one of the sofas to keep my knees from buckling under me. “When I was topless earlier, you texted me about security cameras, and now I’m worried. Since you use the same company, can you fill me in?”
“What’s your fear?”
“That I’ll be a dozen men’s spank bank material.”
A dangerous smile curls his sexy lips. He picks a seat across from me. “I wholeheartedly understand. What do you want me to do about it?”
“Well, since you’re a client of said company, and you’re way richer and more influential than me, can you contact someone and explain?”
“Okay. So you want me to tell them what? That you accidentally lost your bikini top, paraded around, and shared your”—he clears his throat—“beauty with the world, and now you’ve changed your mind?”
“Wow. From the little I knew about you, I thought you were decent. I didn’t know you’d shame me.” I stand.
Malcolm stands and walks toward me, cocking his head. “You’re right. I didn’t mean to be a dick.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Let’s sit.”
We both sit again, next to each other now. Keeping a cool head is challenging when his scent swirls around me with every breath. A mix of citrus and woody aromas, with a dash of bergamot and other notes I can’t define. They work harmoniously to create the sexiest scent I’ve ever known.
“Listen, the images from those cameras go straight to the homeowner’s phone. Yes, we both pay a company in case there’s suspicious activity, but they usually focus their attention on outside entrance cameras.”
Is that supposed to calm me down? “Oh. So my friend’s soon-to-be husband saw my tits.”
He flashes me a reassuring smile. “Doubtfully. They’re in a different country and have a busy schedule. I don’t think that’s his top priority. Not your tits, I mean. Keeping the house safe.”
“Sure.” I blink a few times, intoxicated by his scent and smile. And a bit confused about what he told me. I guess I have to pray they’re busy and not checking cameras. That makes sense. “So why did you tell me I’d be other guys’ spank bank material?”
“I never said spank bank. But I implied it because I was trying to help.”
I frown. “How?”
He looks away. “Why did you remove your top?”
“I didn’t want tan lines.” I lie.
“Fair.”
I lean closer to him casually. “Did seeing me like that make you uncomfortable?” Or horny?
“Why did you look at me like that?”
I clear my throat. “Why did you look at me if you were so baffled?”
He shrugs. “Oh, I wasn’t baffled.”
“I’m sure you weren’t. At your age, you must have seen all kinds of stuff.”
His gaze slowly travels from my eyes to my mouth to my neck and lower. Much lower. Little thrills of awareness surge through me.
“I have,” he finally says.
“And done all kinds of stuff.” I know I shouldn’t keep teasing him, but I can’t help it. An easy, flirty energy bounces between us, and a warm glow fills my chest when he looks at me with those gorgeous brown eyes.
“That’s classified information.”
He’s fucking with me. Maybe it’s time I fucked with him too. Why not? “Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret. There’s a reason I took my top off and let you see me.”
“I’m all ears.”
I look around as if the walls can hear us, then lean closer to him. I pick a strand of my hair and curl it around my finger. “I was getting used to it… you know, the attention.”
Malcolm scoots back on the sofa. “What do you mean?”
I shouldn’t.
But he played with me—teased me about the security cameras. This is all in good fun, anyway. And I doubt he’ll care. But a sense of female pride grows inside me for pulling this off. If I pull it off. “I’m joining an adult content platform soon. And I have to start making content for my account,” I say and watch the color drain from his face.
