Wishing for the Girl Next Door (Piney Brook Wishes Book 3)

2. Evan

Mittens winds through my feet, smelling my shoes. I’m sure he can smell Karlee’s cat on me. “Hey buddy.” I lift him into my arms and kick off my sneakers before settling down on the couch. “Do you smell Peanut?” Mittens purrs loudly and rubs his face against mine before breaking free and settling in on the couch beside me. I laugh as he kneads the couch cushion with his black paws.

I reach for the remote and flip on the game.

Karlee. I wonder where she’s from. Some place where people only help each other out if they have ulterior motives. If her t-shirt is any sign, she went to school in Little Rock. If she’s into big city life, I’m not interested. There may be people in your business in a small town, but we look out for each other. My mom would have invited Karlee to sleep in my bed and put me on the couch if she knew the poor girl didn’t have any furniture.

Not my business. There’s a fine line for a guy between being neighborly and being creepy. I’m no creeper.

“Bottom of the ninth, and bases are loaded. Two outs.” The announcer’s voice pulls my attention back to the game. The Outlaws need this win. It’s been a rough start to the season. Line drive to first, and he’s out. Outlaws lose.

Not their game. Oh well. I head to my room to change. The first Sunday of every month is dinner and game night at my parents’ house. I grin as I slip a clean shirt over my head. I may give my parents a hard time about this tradition, but I love it. Well, most of it anyway.

Fifteen minutes later, I’m parked next to my sister’s minivan, where she’s getting the kids out of their seats. I get out of my truck and go help.

“Uncle Evan!” Brody shouts as I unbuckle his car seat. He’s three and looks just like his dad. Blonde hair and green eyes. He gets his excitement from his momma, though.

“Hey bud, you been good for your mom and dad today?” I ruffle his hair before I take him out of the seat and set him on the ground.

“Yep!” He grins and runs towards the front door. Mom must have heard us pull in because she’s standing in the doorway, arms wide open to catch Brody when he launches himself at her.

Tracey shakes her head and grabs the diaper bag, Emelia already on her hip. “He’s going to hurt someone one of these days.”

“Nah.” I grin and reach for the bag, taking it from her and closing the door to the van. “Mom’s used to it.”

I make it inside and set the diaper bag on the chair nestled in the corner near the door. Brody’s already tackling Dad on the floor. Emelia claps her hands and wiggles against Tracey until her feet hit the ground, and then she’s off, joining in the fun.

“Uncle Evan, I’m winning!” Brody shouts.

“Be careful little dude, you don’t want to hurt Grampy. He’s old.” I laugh and duck when dad throws a pillow at my head.

“Evan, leave your father alone.” Mom peeks around the corner, her finger pointed at me like she did when I was a kid.

I salute her and laugh. “Yes, ma’am.”

Tracey disappears into the kitchen with Mom, leaving Dad and me on kid duty. I may groan, but I love it. These kids are amazing.

“How’s work been?” Dad asks, interrupting my thoughts. He grunts and pushes up from the floor. I’m reminded he’s not as young as he once was. “Anything good come through the shop lately?”

He points to the couch and sits, patting the cushion next to him.

“Nah, just the same old stuff.” I lean back into the orange and brown flowered couch. I’m sure this couch is older than I am, but it’s still as comfortable as ever. “How’s retirement?”

“Busy.” Dad sighs. “I really thought it would be relaxing, but your mom’s got a honey-do list a mile long. I’m thinking she started this list the day we got married and just now got around to giving it to me.”

“Mom’s always kept you busy,” I say. “Brody, be careful. Emelia is smaller than you.” I shake my head and grab him by the back of the shirt as he races by. “You can’t karate chop your sister.”

“Why not?” He pouts. “The Turtles karate chop the bad guys, and Emelia’s the bad guy.”

“She’s too little to be the bad guy,” Dad says, his cheeks twitching as if he is holding back a smile. “How about you make her your sidekick? What was that girl’s name?”

Brody huffs and crosses his arms. “But I don’t want a sidekick.”

“I didn’t either when I was your age,” Tracey calls from the kitchen. “But she’s the only sibling you have. Be nice to her.”

“What?!” I gasp. “You mean I wasn’t always your favorite sibling?” I laugh. I’m her only sibling. Not too hard to win that battle.

“Not by a long shot,” she says, poking her head around the corner and smiling. “I wouldn’t trade you for the world now, but you were a pain in my behind when you were little.”

I shake my head and grab my chest. “You wound me!”

“Well, better get over it,” Mom says, walking into the living room wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Dinner’s done.”

Once Tracey washes the kids’ hands, and everyone’s settled at the table, I bow my head and Dad says grace. When he’s about done, I lean forward to sneak a breadstick.

“Ouch!” I snatch my hand back from the serving tray, rubbing the sting from mom’s sharp slap away.

“Evan Christopher. You know better,” Mom admonishes, shaking her head and glaring at me. “No wonder you don’t have a girlfriend.”

Dad chuckles. “Leave the boy alone, Marge.”

“Well, I’m just saying,” she mutters as she passes Dad the tray of lasagna. “How can I rest knowing my son is all alone? Ever since Louise, you’ve been closed off.”

“I’m an adult, ma. I’ve got friends. Besides, just because I haven’t brought anyone home for dinner doesn’t mean I haven’t dated.” I load my plate up with lasagna and two breadsticks.

“Oh, really?” Tracey asks, between blowing on Emelia’s food. “Why don’t I ever hear about these dates?”

“Not you, too. Maybe because no one has ever caught my attention long enough to tell you about them.” A flash of Karlee crosses my mind—hair a mess and frantic that her cat had climbed up the tree—and I smile.

“Ah!” Mom shouts, pointing at me. “You’re smiling the smile! Who is she?”

I laugh. “Mom, I promise, if I meet the one, you’ll know.“ I point to my plate. “Can I eat in peace now?”

Mom pouts and nods. Thankfully, attention turns to Tracey and talk of Lawrence’s latest business trip to California, and the focus stays off me for the rest of the meal.

By the time seven o’clock rolls around, I’m ready to leave. When Tracey packs the kids up, I take that as my cue and offer to help her get them in the car.

“I’ve got it,” I say, grabbing the diaper bag off the chair and slinging it over my shoulder. I gently lift Brody off of Dad’s shoulder where he’s fallen asleep, and motion for Tracey to lead the way.

At the door, I kiss my mom’s cheek.

“Don’t wait too long to find her,” Mom whispers. “A life spent with the one you love is far better than one spent alone.”

I nod. “I know, but I’m not that old, Mom. Lots of guys aren’t married at twenty-six.”

She smiles sadly and pats my face. “Drive safe.”

I nod and head to the minivan where Tracey is waiting to buckle Brody in.

“Thanks,” she whispers after I place him in his seat.

“Do you need help to get them inside the house? I can follow you.”

She shakes her head. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks, though.” She slides the van door closed and turns to face me. “Let’s meet up soon. You can tell me about whoever had you smiling like a loon at dinner.”

I blush. “I was not smiling like a loon,” I say. “Seriously, there’s no one.”

“I don’t believe you.” She pushes up to her tiptoes and kisses my cheek. “But I’m going to let it go because I think you do believe that.”

I watch her walk around and climb into the driver’s seat. Why they opted for such a big vehicle for only two kids, I’ll never know.

I wave as she pulls out of the drive. I love these dinners with my family, but I always leave tired.

“Hey.” I smile and wave at Karlee as she comes up the stairs. She’s dressed in dark blue scrubs, her hair pulled in a high tight ponytail. “Coming home from the night shift, or forgetting something?”

It’s been a week since she moved in, and I haven’t seen any furniture deliveries. Of course, they could have come while I was at work, I suppose.

“Coming home.” She pulls herself up the last two stairs by the banister. “Long night.” She yawns and reaches up to pull on her ponytail.

I really look at her and notice the bags under her eyes. “Have you been able to get a bed ordered at least?”

She laughs and leans against her door frame. “Nope, I ordered a bed set and a couch yesterday, but it seems they’re booked for delivery until the weekend.” She covers another enormous yawn with her hand. “The air mattress has been a lifesaver. Do you need it back yet?”

I shake my head no and pause with my keys in my hand. “Listen,” I say, working my house key off the ring. “Why don’t you sleep in my bed while I’m at work today? I just changed the sheets last night. They’re clean.”

She is shaking her head no, but I hand her the key, anyway. “You don’t have to, but the offer stands. Mittens is a sweetheart, but he may want to cuddle. You could bring Peanut over with you if you’d like. Mittens usually likes other cats.”

“I couldn’t possibly intrude.”

She stretches her arms above her head, giving me the smallest peek of her stomach. My mouth goes dry, but I do my best to refocus. “You’re not intruding. I won’t even be home. When you wake up, call the furniture store and let them know you found someone who will help you pick up your stuff today.”

“Really?” She grins.

She looks energized by the idea of getting her furniture. That makes me happy. “Really. I’ll be home by 5:30. What time do they close?”

“I think they close at nine, but I’ll double check. Thanks, Evan!” She bounces on her toes and squeals. “Finally, a good night’s, or day’s, rest!”

“Seriously, consider using my bed today. You’ll sleep better.” I walk down the stairs before she can argue. “Oh, and Karlee? You’re beautiful when you smile.”

I don’t dare turn around to see her face. Who am I right now? I shake my head and vow to keep my compliments to myself. She’s my neighbor. I don’t want her to think I’m looking for something from her besides friendly banter in the hallway. Especially when she already thinks people are only out to use each other.

I spend the rest of the day remembering what that sliver of stomach looked like, and reminding myself that neighbors are not for dating. I’ve made more than one silly mistake today because I’m daydreaming about her, including attempting to put an air filter in backwards. Daniel probably won’t ever let me live that one down.

Mom’s advice keeps flowing through my thoughts. Am I really closed off?

“Quitting time, guys,” Brant calls from his office.

“Thank goodness,” I say, wiping my hands on a towel. “I’ve got plans tonight. Don’t want to be late.” I wink and waggle my eyebrows suggestively. I think it’s hysterical to give Daniel a hard time. Especially since he refuses to ask out the beauty from Brant’s wedding.

“The only plan you have is to get takeout and watch TV,” Daniel says, tossing his head back and laughing.

“Yeah, yeah.” I grin. I love the laid-back atmosphere of the shop. Daniel and Brant are great guys, and they are my good friends. “Actually, I told my neighbor I’d help her pick up her new couch tonight.”

“The new neighbor?” asks Brant. “Should we make extra food this weekend?”

“It’s not like that,” I say, closing the last drawer of my toolbox. “I’m just being friendly.”

“So, you’re not going to invite her to the cookout this weekend?” Brant crosses his arms and leans into the wall. “Because we would certainly be all right with it if you did.”

“I told you, I’m not bringing anyone around unless they’re sticking,” I say, already wondering if she’d say yes. “I’m sure she has friends of her own, and her own life. I’m just helping her out.” Actually, come to think of it, I’m not sure how far away she is from her hometown. She may not have many close friends in Piney Brook yet.

“If you say so,” Brant pushes off the wall and heads to the door.

I shake my head and walk out to my truck. Don’t want to be late and cause Karlee another night on the air mattress.

I pull into the parking space in front of the apartment building and turn off the truck. For some reason I can’t explain, I really hope she took me up on the offer to sleep in my bed. I can’t imagine sleeping on an air mattress for a full week. Add in working nights, and she must be exhausted.

Taking the steps two at a time, I hit the landing just as Karlee opens my front door.