Free The Neighbor #3 (The Neighbor #3) by Claire Adams

was
serious about the no jammies rule. My jeans and sweater sat in a crumpled ball
in the corner of the room. I confidently marched around in the nude until it
was time to leave.
    I knew I had a nice figure, but, as any woman,
I would make small enhancements. I was no Kim Kardashian. In Ryder’s presence,
I felt perfect and proud of my body.
    “Next week, like every time I am without you,
will be tough. Are you planning to come to class?”
    “I will be there. You don’t think anyone in
class knows about our relationship do you?”
    “I don’t think so. We will just continue to be
careful, which is getting harder each time I see you.”
    “Call me.”
    “I will. Drive safe, my love.”
    I walked to my car. It was nearly impossible
to walk away from Ryder when all I wanted was to run into his arms. I got in my
car and drove back to campus. As I drove, the only thing on my mind was his
final words: my love .
    I relived my time with Ryder. I didn’t play
any music because my mood needed no enhancement.

 
    Chapter
Ten
    I rushed to class after a quick shower. There
was no Eric and Diane, which was a shame, because I had to tell him about the products I discovered. I pulled on some workout
clothes so I could hit the gym later in the day. The transition from being
Ryder’s lover to being Professor Curran’s student would be difficult. Since we
had sex and cleared up the honesty issues, things had become more serious.
Someone finding out about us seemed so much more
risky. Our hearts were on the line, along with Ryder’s job and my education.
The stakes were high and getting higher.
    Before leaving my room, I had a conversation
with Kelly.
    “Hey, Kel . Good morning and goodbye. We are rarely here
at the same time.”
    “I know. You seem to be gone every weekend,”
Kelly said.
    “Yeah. I have been moving at a frenetic pace.”
    “You must have been working-out a lot. You are
walking as if you may have overdone it a bit. It looks like you have taken up
horseback riding.”
    “Horseback riding? Sounds fun but I have not been riding a
horse.”
    I was still feeling the effects of my time
with Ryder. Riding his muscular body took its toll, but it was worth having a
hitch in my giddy up. I noticed something different in the air. There was
something missing, and it was Kelly’s breath. There was no offensive odor
emanating from her mouth. Shit, the girl didn’t even have morning breath. I was
pleasantly surprised.
    “We should plan on dinner some night this
week. We can take a run and go somewhere in town if you are up for it. I have a
lot to tell you about,” Kelly said.
    “Don’t tell me you are dropping out. Is Kansas
calling you home? Am I a horrible roommate?” I said.
    “No. Nothing like that at
all. I am loving this place. I have been
keeping myself occupied and I need some helpful hints.”
    “Sounds intriguing. What’s up?”
    “I don’t want to make you late. It is a long
story and it can wait until we have more time.” Kelly threw her pillow over her
head.
    “Okay, I’m going to hold you to our get
together later in the week. I am going to meet Max before class and I will have
to tolerate his obnoxious behavior once again.”
    “Later, Jenna. Tell Max I said hello.”
    I bounced out of Leach Hall. For the first
time in a long time, I felt carefree. Ryder and I were on an even keel. I was
feeling invincible.
    ****
    “Where were you Saturday night? You weren’t in
your room?” Max was waiting for me before class as always.
    “I was busy and I’m exhausted and I’m not in
the mood for you.”
    “Did lover boy make you clean his balls?” Max
laughed at his own joke.
    “Jokes don’t get much older than that,” I
said.
    “Sensitive this morning, aren’t we?”
    “Grab our seats behind your gal pal, Valerie.
I’m going to grab a drink of water.”
    I looked out the window near the water cooler.
I knew Ryder parked his car out back. I intended to give him a quick hello
before class. I