Forbidden Desires: The Neighbour Next Door

Silent Flames: The Neighbour's Temptation

The rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall marked the passing of time as Ethan sat at the kitchen table, going over Chloe's algebra homework with her. It had become part of his new routine—a few hours after work, helping Chloe catch up in school. At first, it had seemed innocent enough, but lately, there was something about the way Chloe looked at him that made him feel... observed. Her green eyes followed his every move, and sometimes he caught her staring a little too long.

Chloe, now sitting across from him, seemed focused on the equations, but her glances told another story. She leaned forward, biting her lower lip as she asked, "So, Mr. Matthews—I mean, Ethan—how did you get so good at math? You make it look so easy."

Ethan shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "I guess it's always just made sense to me. Once you break it down, it's not that complicated."

Chloe smiled, her eyes lingering on him. "Well, you make it seem less scary. I wish more teachers were like you."

Ethan cleared his throat, feeling a slight tension in the air that wasn't entirely comfortable. "Glad I can help," he replied, his voice steady, though his mind was distracted. Chloe was just a kid, barely more than a teenager, and he didn't want to entertain whatever thoughts might be swirling in her head. His focus needed to be elsewhere. On Isabelle.

"Alright, I think we've made some good progress today," Ethan said, closing the textbook and leaning back in his chair. "You're getting the hang of this."

Chloe's smile widened as she stretched her arms over her head. "Thanks, Ethan. You're a lifesaver."

He stood up and walked her to the door. "Anytime. If you need more help, you know where to find me."

Isabelle appeared at the top of the stairs as they wrapped up, her radiant smile lighting up the room. "How's it going, you two? Chloe, are you surviving algebra?"

Chloe laughed. "Barely. But Ethan's a great tutor. I think I might pass this time."

Isabelle chuckled and gave Ethan a warm look. "Thanks again for helping her out. I appreciate it."

"No problem," Ethan replied. "You guys doing alright otherwise?"

Isabelle nodded. "Yeah, we're settling in. But actually, I was wondering—how about dinner tonight? As a thank you for all your help?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of what was unspoken between them. The tension from the other day had never really gone away, and there was something about the idea of being alone with Isabelle again that made his pulse quicken. But before he could think too much about it, he nodded. "Sure. Dinner sounds nice."

Dinner at Isabelle's was a simple but elegant affair. She'd made a roasted chicken with vegetables, and the smell filled the house with a warm, inviting aroma. Ethan arrived promptly, wine in hand, and Chloe greeted him at the door, looking more relaxed than usual. She had been doing better in school, thanks to their tutoring sessions, and her confidence was growing.

As they sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily. Chloe talked about her new school, her struggles, and her recent wins, while Isabelle chimed in with stories about their move and how they were adjusting to the neighbourhood.

"I have to say," Isabelle said, smiling across the table at Ethan, "it's been nice having such helpful neighbours. You've been a real lifesaver with Chloe."

Ethan met her gaze, feeling that familiar spark between them. "Just doing what I can. It's been nice getting to know both of you."

After dinner, Chloe excused herself to the entertainment room to play video games, leaving Isabelle and Ethan to clear the table. They worked side by side, scrubbing dishes in the small kitchen, their hands occasionally brushing against each other as they moved between the sink and the counter.

"I hope this isn't too much trouble," Isabelle said, her voice soft as she wiped a dish. "You've been so helpful, and I don't want to take advantage of your time."

Ethan shook his head, feeling a slight thrum of energy in the air. "Not at all. I enjoy helping out. Besides, you and Chloe make good company."

Isabelle smiled, but there was something more behind it—something deeper. She turned to face him, leaning against the counter. "I'm glad you think so. It's been... nice having you around."

Ethan stopped what he was doing, the weight of her words settling in the space between them. The sound of Chloe's laughter from the next room filled the background, but at that moment, it was just him and Isabelle. The room seemed smaller, more intimate.

He took a step closer, his eyes locked on hers. "You've been on my mind," he admitted, his voice low, barely above a whisper.

Isabelle's breath hitched, but she didn't back away. Instead, she held his gaze, her lips parting slightly as she whispered, "You've been on mine too."

That was all the invitation Ethan needed. In one swift motion, he closed the space between them, his lips finding hers with a heat that surprised them both. Isabelle didn't resist. Instead, she melted into the kiss, her hands gripping the edge of the counter as if to steady herself.

The kiss deepened the tension that had been building for days finally breaking free. Ethan's hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer, while Isabelle's fingers threaded through his hair, their bodies pressed together in the small kitchen. It was electric, intoxicating, and for a moment, all sense of right and wrong faded into the background.

Just as quickly as it began, they broke apart, both breathing heavily. Isabelle looked at him, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and desire. "We can't... Chloe's just in the other room."

Ethan nodded, still catching his breath. "I know. Later?"

Isabelle hesitated for only a second before nodding. "After Chloe goes to bed. Come back later tonight."

A thrill shot through Ethan as he nodded in agreement, the excitement of their secret making his pulse race. "I'll be here."

Later that night, after Chloe had turned in for the night, Ethan slipped quietly out of his house and made his way back to Isabelle's. The house was dark, save for a single light in the living room. Isabelle was waiting for him by the door, her eyes filled with anticipation as she let him in.

No words were spoken as she led him upstairs to her bedroom, the silence between them heavy with expectation. The tension from earlier had returned, more potent than ever, and as they entered the room. Ethan took in the sight of Isabelle standing there, her lips parted, her eyes filled with desire. Then, without another word, he closed the door behind them.