The Man Next Door

Chapter VI

Soon it was Friday and after texting with Nate pretty much every day since meeting, we made plans to go out tomorrow afternoon. We would have gone tonight, but Jen organised a family birthday party so he couldn't miss out. It was probably for the best anyway, as I felt pretty tired coming back home from work. I was about to unlock the apartment's door when I heard the door next to me open, "hey" a shirtless Liam said, "hi" I replied while trying my best not to give away the fact that I was checking him out, "another package came for you" he explained and I mentally rolled my eyes in response, "thank you" I replied while walking up to him. Expecting him to hand it to me, I stood outside his door, but, "come in" he instructed while walking into his apartment, "ok then" I thought to myself while following him and closing the door behind me.

The care package was on the kitchen's counter and thankfully it wasn't as big as the last one. As I was about to pick it up so that I could leave, "would you like something to drink?" He asked while pouring himself a cup of coffee from the machine, "no thank you" I replied, my heart starting to race as he made his way towards me. He stood in front of me, a few inches away from our bodies touching and after looking into each other's eyes for a couple of seconds, he sat down at the bar stool behind him and took a sip of coffee, "can I ask you something?" He hesitantly asked, "yeah of course" I replied curious to know what was on his mind, "you don't have to answer if you don't want to but, why don't you like receiving packages from your parents?" he carefully asked, "you might not understand" I hesitantly said, "try me" he replied with a reassuring smile.

While picking at the label on the package, "my dad owns a company so my family is what people would consider rich, and I know my parents want to give me the world because they didn't have much growing up, but I like to earn things for myself and until I moved here I didn't have any independence, that's why I wish they would listen and believe me when I tell them I can take care of myself" I explained hoping he would understand. In response, he gave me a nod, encouraging me to continue, "I don't like telling people about this or who my parents are because in the past people have taken advantage of that and they only showed interest in me for my family's money" I confessed still feeling hurt by it, "unrelatable first world problems, I know" I quickly said with a laugh, but he shook his head.

He grabbed my hand in his and pulled me towards him, so that I was standing in between his legs. With my heart racing, "I grew up in foster homes so I can't relate, but I understand not being able to trust people and their intentions must have been difficult, I'm sorry" he said while looking down, "I know we don't know each other well, but I get the feeling you're a sweet and amazing person, anybody who doesn't see that doesn't deserve you in their life" he said while pulling me even closer. My hands automatically rested on his shoulders as he held onto my waist, sending shivers down my spine. He looked at me with an intense look, one I had seen before. I bit my lip, feeling enticed by his shirtless body. I found myself slowly leaning forward while he lifted his head, our lips inches away from touching.

"If I'm so amazing, why was the first time a mistake and why sleep with so many other girls?" my brain thought, suddenly remembering how the last time went. Not wanting to be rejected once again, I pulled away. Taking a step back, "thank you for hearing me out, and for what you said" I hesitantly said, "any time" he replied with a smile, trying to mask his disappointment. After exchanging a look, "I better go, thank you for this" I said while picking the package up, "no worries" he replied after standing back up. Leading the way, he held the door open for me, "bye" I said with a small smile, "see you around" he said before I walked away. Hearing the sound of the door closing behind me, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

Nate García, 27 years old - Xavier Serrano

I really didn't understand Liam, "what is he playing at?" I asked myself feeling frustrated. I would be lying if I said I didn't want to have sex with him. There was this raw physical connection between us and every time he was even close to me, my heart started to race while my body craved his touch. But I didn't appreciate being messed around so, pushing those thoughts aside, I got ready for my date when Saturday afternoon finally came.

Outfit: the below dress, white trainers
Hair: wavy, baby blue clips on each side (90's style)

Nate's POV

After parking the car around the corner I made my way towards the gate entrance, "your prince has arrived" I announced at the buzzer, making Annabeth laugh, "I'll be down in a minute" she said and I couldn't help but smile. I felt excited, especially after all the good things drunk Aunt Jen said about her, "super nice girl, caring, polite and hard working unlike some bitches in there, you have my blessing" I mentally recalled.

My attention was redirected to the gate when I heard a buzzing noise, "wow" I thought to myself, seeing Annabeth looking breathtaking in a dress which hugged her curves all in the right places, "hey cupcake, looking good" I said as soon as she walked up to me, "thank you, nice shirt" she replied with a smile, after checking me out. Noticing her expression change while looking past me, I turned around to find a bearded tattooed macho man walking towards us.

"Hey" he said to her, "hey" she replied with a small smile, "Nate, this is my neighbour Liam" she introduced him, "nice to meet you" I politely said while holding my hand out to shake his. I had the feeling he was trying to intimidate me as he gripped my hand rather tightly. Luckily, "have a nice weekend" she said, bringing the brief interaction to an end, "thanks, you too" he replied with a small smile, still ignoring me. Not liking the way he was looking at her, I placed my hand in hers and I mentally did a mini victory dance when she reciprocated without hesitation. Anger evident on his face, he looked like he wanted to punch me, but ignoring that we waved goodbye and walked away.

Annabeth's POV

Enjoying the feeling of my hand in his, "how was your aunt's party?" I asked as we made our way to his car, "not bad, always a pleasure seeing my drunk uncle dance like this" he said before letting go of my hand and busting some weird moves while pulling a face, "oh God, looks like Chandler from Friends, but worst" I said in between laughs, "right?!" he replied laughing along. My heart skipped a beat when he placed his hand back in mine, "almost there" he said with a reassuring smile, "I don't mind the walk" I replied giving his hand a gentle squeeze, making him grin.

"Oh, watching her move, I was lost in the rhythms
And she pulled me close by the look in her eyes
Don't know her name but I know that I need her
She said "Boy, you won't be lonely tonight"

She said "Ooh, ooh, ooh"
Kiss me like your ex is in the room
Don't you be afraid of something new
If you play it right, you can be that someone
Yeah, that someone who
Won't leave me lonely tonight

Caliente, te pongo caliente (mmm)
No te de miedo vivir algo diferente (eh, eh)
Las ganas no se equivocan (equivocan)
Pon tu lengua en mi boca (eh)
Vive la vida loca, loca, loca, mmm

Toda la noche bailando contigo
Suave y salvaje como un animal (eh)
Yo sé que te gusta pero esto es prohibido
Yo me voy contigo, dame la señal
~X - Jonas Brothers ft Karol G~

As he drove us to a mystery location, we were having a great time singing along to the radio, "your Spanish is quite good" he said impressed, "why thank you" I proudly replied, "tienes una sonrisa muy hermosa" he said pleasantly surprising me. I didn't know I found Spanish sexy until he spoke, "uh?" I replied in a daze, making him chuckle. Giving me a brief look, "you have a lovely smile" he explained before redirecting his attention back on the road. Feeling charmed, I placed my hand on his thigh making his body tense up, "you're very sweet, thank you" I said before we shared a smile. Pulling into a car park, "we're here" he announced with a grin.