Best Friend Next Door (Love Next Door Book 2) *Rough Draft*

Chapter 33

The sun crept in through the clear flowing drapes his fingers crept under the covers with a soft magnetic pull. His heart dropped feeling the barren side of the bed. Once again that pull had come up empty. He lifted his head. against his heavy chest. Maybe it was time to stop reaching.

A scent teased his nostrils and a sizzle made his heart jump to life, and moments later when she appeared in his doorway he's had a heart attack. She wore a tight pair of jeans and a plain white shirt that hugged her coke bottle frame beautifully , her hair tousled over her dark sensual eyes.

"Come here, you?" He softly demanded reaching his arm.

She sashayed over to the bed and slipped under the cover with him. It was as if his broken half had slipped into place. Did she feel this too? If she did, she would never have left. She would want to superglue herself to his side. He nuzzled in her hair, once again savoring her curves, her warmth, her spirit not knowing when he would feel it again.

He didn't know what she's been cooking but he knew it wouldn't sustain him like her. Just her. She sweet, amazing, perfect Melanie Davison. He slid a arms around her waist and tugged her to his chest and his growing erection. Her head tilted toward him.

"I love you." He said softly his eyes widened in sincerity.

Her lips curved into a small smile. He didn't want put it on her to say it back. Maybe she did, he was almost sure she did, but did she as much as he did? Did she want what he wanted? He searched her deep brown eyes to find the truth, the end to this twisting road, that had left his heart broken and longing. He didn't want her to say it because he said it, he wanted her to say it, because it was the truth.

Her nose brushed against his cheek and he savored the feel, "Shaggy, you know how I feel about you."

He didn't. "I just love to hear you say it, sweetheart."

Her lips grazed his and her pushed his against hers without hesitation. "Stay." He unashamedly begged, "Don't leave." He kissed.

"Don't you have work?" She moaned.

"I'm sick." He started a trail of kisses down her neck, "I don't think I can go and infect everyone."

Her head cocked to the side as she nudged a strand of his hair from his forehead, "Shaggy."

"I am." He chuckled, "I can't go to school today."

There was a maternal softness in her eyes that made him feel warm.

"Stay and take care of me, Mel." He smiled.

Her lips gently pressed to his forehead, "If you're sick, I can't take you on a real date Shags."

His heart fell into his stomach. "A real date? Like one that I can actually kiss you in public."

She nodded and smiled, "Yeah, like that."

"I can kiss you goodnight, and call you mine."He brushed a curl behind her ear, "I don't hold back."

Her face grew serious, "Please don't hold back."

He kissed her.

"Get dressed." She pulled away.

He had something to look forward to. He was showered and dressed in no time flat. Melanie fixed him a plate of french toast and bacon. Even went so far to pack him a lunch. She's walked to the door with him and leaned against the door frame. He'd kissed her, but this was enough to bring him down to his knee. He wanted this, every way. Kisses in the morning, breakfast, kids.

"Have a good day." She said softly.

Marry me Mel? Make me the happiest man on the planet. Just be my wife. Put me out of my misery.

"See you tonight." She added.

Tonight. He'd almost forgot. The first of many. He was determined to show this woman that he was her soulmate. He was put here to be her husband.

"You better go," She said, "You're late." She ran her fingers along the color of his white Polo shirt.

He stole a last kiss and turned to his car. He watched her wave from the door and felt giddy as he waved back.

She'd watched him drive away. Conflicted, confused, and frustrated. She took the key Shags gave her and locked up his house and paced across the street. She caught Valerie just as she opened the door.

"Hey." Valerie said.

"Hey." Melanie responded. Not knowing what else to say.

Valerie's eyes drifted over to Shag's house and then back at her.

"Val, I--"

Valerie just gave her a weak smile, "No need to explain, Mel."

She took a breath as Valerie stepped aside, "Val," She turned around, "I know what Mr. Abe did was screwed up, and I am not trying to make excuses."

"Mel." Valerie forced, "I know you're going to speak for him..."

"Just hear me out. " She added, "You're going to give him shit, and you should. You really should because that was messed up, even for Mr. Abe." Her head fell, "Just don't keep him in the dog house for too long okay?"

Melanie turned in toward her house.

"Mel?"

Melanie turned.

"Do you love him?"

Melanie rolled her eyes, "Val, everybody knows..."

"Do you love him?"

"Of course I love him, Val." Melanie giggle feeling a burn in her eyes, "I've loved that boy since God knows when."

Her lips parted and she crossed her arms. "That's funny, the word didn't cave in on itself." She got serious as she walked toward her and held her.

Melanie just rolled her eyes and pushed her lips together, "I'll keep that in mind Valerie."

She darted in the house and tried to make sense of what Valerie was saying. Isaac was stubborn, frustrating, and faithful, but they were too different. He didn't need to be reminded that her stupid heart didn't understand that. She didn't need to remind him that there was something she wanted more. Though that didn't stop it from ripping her in half, she was ready to let him take the day off of work just to cuddle in his arms, and she wasn't even ready to turn down a job in California to be with him.

He'd probably drop his life for her. That terrified her.