Read Online The Neighbor #3 (The Neighbor #3) by Claire Adams - Free Book Online Page A

and
mature.”
    “That is a tough one. I am confused by the age
of your new friend. Are you interviewing for a nanny gig?”
    “As with most things in my life, it’s
complicated,” I said to Kelly.
    “I’ve said it before, Jenna. I’m here if you
need me. You have a good head on your shoulders and if there are choices to
make, I’m sure you will make the right one. A pair of jeans and a sweater will
make you look like you just walked out of The Gap. It’s always a safe look.”
    “Thanks, Kel .”
    I pulled on some size four petite jeans and a
marled blue sweater. I looked boring, neat, and unintimidating—just what I was
looking for.
    I drove directly to Ryder’s house. I skipped
stopping at my mother’s because I didn’t know what to expect and I didn’t have
the energy to fill her in. What Ryder and I had was precious and I wanted to
keep it private as long as possible. I was taking a big step in my relationship
with Ryder, and I didn’t want my mom to fluster me.
    As I pulled up to Ryder’s house, I spotted my
mother sitting on the porch swing. She was with Claude Simmons. Good for her.
    I quickly got out of my car and knocked on his
door.
    ****
    “Hey sexy.” His voice sent chills down my spine.
    Ryder scooped me up and tossed me on the
couch. He slipped his hands under my blue sweater and began to fondle my
breasts.
    “I missed you. And you skipped class
yesterday. Naughty girl—you deserve a spanking,” he whispered and then kissed
my lips.
    “Ryder, stop.” I jumped off the couch and
straightened my sweater and adjusted my bra. “Where is Sammy? Is he in the next
room? Kids hear everything. Are you crazy?”
    “Calm down, Jenna. Sally is running late. I
thought we could sneak in a little something before he arrives.”
    “Sex before your son gets here…Under this
roof?”
    “Yes. How do you think people have more than
one child? I think you should know that your parent’s actually had sex.” Ryder
laughed and I joined him.
    “Sorry. I will take a rain check on that
spanking. I am just in the virginal Jenna mode. I am kid ready. I will not cuss
and I am not showing any cleavage.”
    “Nice try at the virginal thing, but I know
better.” Ryder winked.
    “Shut up.”
    The doorbell rang.
    “They’re here. Ready?” he asked.
    “Do I have a choice?”
    “No.” Ryder kissed my cheek before throwing
open the door.
    Sam jumped into his father’s arms. I was
stunned for a second, and maybe the slightest bit jealous. Ryder and Sam looked
alike and it was obvious how much they loved each other. Sally stood behind her
son. I had seen her from a distance, but she was prettier up-close.
    “Ryder? Are you going to introduce us to your
lady friend?” Sally stood silent next to Sam.
    Before Ryder could get to it, I introduced
myself. “Hi, I’m Jenna Walsh. I met Ryder through golf. He is teaching me the
basics of the game.” I shook Sally’s hand.
    “I had heard Ryder was going to pick up some
students from the high school. I’m glad he finally got around to it. He is very
good. He taught me everything I know about golf, although tennis is still my
game.” Sally smiled.
    “Jenna is not a high school student. She is a
freshman at South Carolina,” Ryder added.
    “Oh, right. Are you teaching freshman human
sexuality this year?”
    “You know I am, Sally. What time will you be
by to pick up Sam?” Ryder asked.
    “I will be here by 4 PM. It will give you time
to hit the driving range together. That is why you are here Jenna. Correct?”
    “Uh—yes,” I muttered.
    Ryder closed the door and Sally took off.
    “Sorry,” Ryder whispered.
    It couldn’t have been more awkward. Ryder
followed Sammy into the kitchen.
    “What’s to eat, Dad?” Sammy had Ryder’s green
eyes and they shared many of the same mannerisms.
    “I have been so busy, Sam. Your visit today is
a surprise so I didn’t have the time to stock up on your favorites,” Ryder
said.
    A surprise? Not really.
    I felt