I Love You, My Neighbour: Chapter 30
Movie night
Logan
“Kristy’s got some serious moves. She practically stole the show when we were at Shark Bait.”
“Yeah, I recall,” I grumble at Adam, irked by the memory of them dancing together.
“Ease up. Don’t turn into King Kong again. We sorted that out after you apologized for your attitude.”
“He’s got a point, Jacobs,” Kyle chimes in. “Drop it, alright? After all, you're the one who came asking for our help."
True enough. I had swung by Adam's place and requested Kyle and Jamie to join me there. Without divulging too many specifics about what's going on with Kristy, I solicited their ideas for activities I could engage in with her – pursuits that would demonstrate her intrinsic value. Following her emotional breakdown in my arms yesterday, I felt the need to take decisive action. The proposal of dancing has been the most compelling suggestion thus far. The girl has rhythm. I witnessed it at Shark Bait, and again when she was grooving to Gaga in my backyard. Perhaps we could enrol in some dance classes together, or just go dancing on weekends.
I've also decided to join her on her daily runs. We could bring along the dog. She's devotedly worked on her fitness, and I want to encourage her to persist. Not for my sake, but for her own. I desire for her self-perception to match her reality – not the distorted version she imagines.
The guys also tossed out a few more adventurous suggestions, like karaoke, abseiling, camping, bungee jumping, and skydiving. I'm unsure how much of a thrill-seeker my neighbour is, but I'm game for as much as she's willing to try. Ever since her self-esteem took a hit from the awful men she's dated, she's retreated into her work and domesticity. Is it surprising then that she fails to recognise her own worth beyond her culinary skills and job?
She needs a broader palette of experiences to draw upon – new skills and victories, and I intend to accompany her on these journeys, ensuring she has some fun and begins to view herself more positively.
“Alright, I think I’ve gathered enough suggestions,” I inform the guys. “Thanks for your help, but it’s been a long day and I could use some sleep.”
The guys chuckle. “Yeah, we bet.”
“Enough. I’m out of here.”
“Include us in those activities, too, Jacobs. We’d love to see the expression on Kristy’s face if you manage to convince her to go bungee jumping.”
“Will do.” I pick up my keys and give a one-handed wave. “See you guys.”
As soon as I get into the car, I dial Kristy to let her know I'm heading back.
“That was quick. What happened to guys’ night?” she queries.
“We wrapped things up swiftly. Is it okay if I drop by?”
“Yes, please do,” she requests, her voice laced with urgency.
The thread of desperation woven into her voice raises an alarm. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” she answers hesitantly.
“Kristy.”
“Jess stepped out and left Alfie here and-”
“I’ll be there in fifteen.”
“Don’t break any speed limits,” she advises. “I’ll be okay until you get here.”
“Jess was supposed to talk to him.”
“She did, I believe. He’s just quite flirtatious.”
“If he crosses any boundaries again, I won’t hesitate to teach him a lesson.”
“No, you can’t. Jess would never forgive me if you messed up his handsome face.”
“You think he’s attractive?” I ask, a low growl in my voice.
“He doesn’t hold a candle to you, Logan.”
Despite my certainty of her feelings for me, a spark of jealousy flares within me. However, the sincerity in her voice soothes me and extinguishes the fire.
“I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”
“I’ll see you then.”
I don't have to speed; the roads are relatively clear, enabling a swift journey to her place.
“Hey,” she greets as she opens the door for me.
Her hair falls in soft waves framing her face, her chest straining against her form-fitting t-shirt. Not wasting a moment, I scoop her up, pressing my lips fiercely against hers. She reciprocates with an eagerness that fuels a blaze within me, wrapping her legs around my waist and intertwining her fingers in my hair. I haven't seen her since she slipped out of my bed last night to visit Jess. It was our first night apart since we started seeing each other, and I found myself missing her intensely.
“I’m staying tonight,” I inform her amidst our heated kisses.
“Sounds good to me.”
Just as I'm about to whisk Kristy into the bedroom so I can become reacquainted with her body, a throat clears nearby. Damn it, we're not alone. She hastily untangles herself from me and descends to the floor, her cheeks flushing a deep rose.
“Jess arrived about five minutes ago.”
And so, our audience comprises two.
Jess flashes a broad grin. “Hi, Logan.”
“Jess. Nice to see you again.”
“The feeling's mutual. I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Alfie.”
I study the tall Italian, my gaze lingering over his somewhat delicate features. The band of tension across my chest that gripped me during my earlier call with Kristy begins to loosen. I outweigh him by at least twenty kilograms, and I’m confident if I needed to fight him, I could kick his arse.
"Nice to meet you," I manage to say, though the lie doesn't come easy. He seems none the wiser. I extend my hand for a firm shake, just enough to make him flinch.
The urge to warn him off Kristy is strong, but I hold back. The annoyed expression he wears as he sizes me up tells me he already knows not to cross any lines with Kristy.
"How about a movie?" Jess proposes.
Kristy looks at me, a flurry of emotions evident in her eyes; fear and excitement, mirroring my own inner conflict. It's clear that we both have one thing on our minds: a bed. And sleep is not the intended activity.
Jess chuckles lightly. "I see you two can't keep your hands off each other. But we haven't had a movie night in ages, K. Think of it as a double date. It's been a while since we've done that."
Kristy gives me a worried glance. I can't tell if she's apprehensive about my take on the plan, or if she's concerned about me spending time with her and Jess, possibly comparing them and leaning towards Jess.
This uncertainty propels my decision to stay. Despite the urge to whisk Kristy to bed and my desire to keep her away from Alfie, I want her to realize she has nothing to fear from Jess and me. To genuinely reassure her, I need to spend time with them, showing Kristy that I'm so into her, I can hardly think about anyone or anything else.
"I'm up for it. As long as it doesn't run too late," I say.
Jess nods, looking pleased, and beckons us to follow her into the lounge. I see a flicker of disappointment on Kristy's face at my decision, and it twists my heart. I hate to see her upset, but she needs to face this fear directly.
I wrap my arm around her waist and draw her close, whispering into her ear, "For the record, I'm going to spend the entire movie fantasizing about what I'm going to do to you when we're alone."
Her shudder sends a thrill through me, and I reluctantly let her go, a smirk playing on my lips at her slightly shaky legs. Instead of having her sit beside me during the movie, I place her in my lap so she can feel my arousal. We take full advantage of the limited privacy we have, caressing and kissing each other, stoking my desire for her. She reciprocates with equal passion, moving in my lap in a way that tempts me to forget about our audience.
As soon as the movie ends, we both pretend to be tired and head to the bedroom. Our coupling is frantic and wild, a pleasure beyond anything I've ever experienced.
"That was incredible," she sighs once she regains her breath.
We roll over in her bed until we're face to face. I run my thumb gently over her cheek, saying, “It's always that way when I'm with you.”
Her gaze, initially intense and vibrant, suddenly flickers away, as if it's too overwhelming.
“Hey.” I guide her attention back to me. “We've been grinding non-stop for a few years now. Maybe it's high time we let loose, try some crazy stuff, and actually have some fun.”
“Crazy stuff like what?”
“Not sure.” My fingertip begins to trace random patterns on her skin. “How about bungee jumping?”
“No way! That's not fun, it's terrifying!”
Her horrified look tickles me, causing me to chuckle. “Okay, scratch the jumping. For now. But I thought about getting out of the city on weekends, maybe camping or something. I'd like you to come with me.”
“Why?” she probes, a touch of suspicion in her voice.
“I've noticed I don't really do anything for fun, hardly go out. Now, I feel like I’m ready for a change.”
The reality is, I am ready to start living again. It's funny, honestly. I brought up the idea thinking it would be a great experience for Kristy. But now, it seems it's not just her who'd benefit. I'm itching to reclaim the joys I've set aside in my rush to keep my head above water. And I want to share these moments with Kristy.
I see understanding and warmth in her eyes as we lock gazes. “Okay.”
A wave of relief washes over me. “I was also considering dance lessons. What do you say? Want to learn some moves with me?”
“Dance lessons? You want to take dance lessons with me? Really?”
“Absolutely serious. What's your verdict?”
After studying me for a moment longer, she squeals in excitement, wrapping her arms around me. “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!”
I laugh out loud. A bystander would think I'd just popped the question.
The mere thought would've made me sweat a few days ago, but not anymore. Things are changing. I am changing.
Holding each other, she gazes deeply into my eyes. “You're the best,” she whispers. “I lo… I think you're amazing. I hope you know that.”
My heart pounds in my chest. She was about to say she loves me. I know it. But she held back, unsure of my feelings and afraid to spook me.
In that moment, I hope against hope that one day she'll feel secure enough to say those words.
And when that day comes, I'll be ready to say it back.
Why don’t you say it first bro? 🧐