Is this guy for real? Is he really the same sweaty annoying neighbor I met all those weeks ago?

It didn’t seem possible.

When he’d kissed me, I’d been shocked, surprised by our chemistry, but when I saw the floor picnic, I’d been completely swept off my feet.

No one had ever done anything like that for me before, and I was finding that I liked Jed more each time I was with him. He was definitely growing on me, and if his kisses were any indication, he was starting to like me as well.

“The place looks great,” Jed said. He was laying back, legs stretched out in front of him, propped up on his elbows, as he looked around the gallery and munched on an eggroll.

“Thanks,” I replied as I followed his gaze. “It’s not where I want it to be, but I can see it all starting to come together.” I leaned forward and plucked some broccoli up with my chopsticks. “This is really good.”

We sat there quietly for a while, eating and looking around the space. I’m not sure what Jed was thinking about, but I was mentally decorating, designing, and feeling out the space. It was nice to be able sit with someone and just be. No awkward silence, or need to fill it with small talk, just a lovely meal with a very handsome, very kissable man.

Once I’d eaten my fill, I downed the rest of my wine and crawled across the blanket to where Jed was sitting. He watched me, his eyes knowing and filled with mischief, as I took in his bright-blue eyes and the stubble on his chin that had darkened as the day grew longer.

God, had I ever really thought he wasn’t all that? Cause right in that moment, I was really, really feeling his dark good looks.

Jed’s lips turned up in a sexy smirk as I straddled him.

I placed my hands on his chest, enjoying the hard feel of his pecs, before moving them up and over his shoulders. I tilted my head and looked down at him.

“Didn’t you say something about making out?” I asked, momentarily hoping I didn’t have soy sauce breath, then thought … at least we’ll match, and went for it.

Our eyes were locked on each other as I lowered my mouth to his parted lips, but at the first taste of his soft upper lip, mine fluttered shut and I allowed myself to just feel.

We kissed until our lips were swollen and soft, our moans and whimpers filling the open space as I memorized every inch of him. The way his tongue felt against mine, the bulk of his shoulders under my palms, and the hard length of him pressed against my stomach.

Neither of us tried to take it farther than a kiss; even though we’d known each other a while, it still felt too soon for that. For once, I felt no need to rush things. Not only did we live next to each other and share the same friends, but we’d be working on the same project for the next week, and I was content to prolong the beginning with Jed.

The stolen kisses, the butterflies, the anticipation.

Eventually, I released Jed’s mouth and got off of him, holding out my hand to help him up as I said, “I hate to say it, but I should probably finish up here if I have any hope of getting sleep tonight.”

“Yeah, I don’t want to hold you up,” Jed said, his voice rough with residual desire.

I felt that deep rumble of his voice all the way to my core and enjoyed the tingle that ran through me.

When he bent to clean up, I said, “No, let me take care of this, it’s the least I can do.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, pulling me into his arms and holding me close.

He was tall, much taller than me, but I liked the way we fit.

“Yes, I’m sure. Will I see you tomorrow?” I asked hopefully.

Jed nodded.

“Supposed to report at noon.”

“It’s three for me, and I believe we’ll be going shopping.”

“If I don’t see you, I’ll shoot you a text.”

“Okay, sounds good,” I replied with a smile, my eyes closing when he bent to brush his lips against mine.

“Be careful locking up, and text me when you get home so I know you’re safe.”

Wow, I really like that … him looking out for me.

“I will,” I promised.

We kissed again at the door, and then he left. I turned around and let out a small squeal, not wanting him to hear from outside, then walked into the gallery, my eyes falling to the blanket.

I couldn’t help it; the sight of his makeshift picnic made my heart flutter with joy and I couldn’t stop myself from dancing a little jig and squealing again. Louder this time. I was spinning around, smiling and giddy, allowing myself a moment of silly girlishness before putting my work hat back on.

That’s when my eyes crash landed on Jed, who was standing in the foyer, a large grin on his face.

“Oh my God,” I cried, stopping so fast I almost fell over, my hand coming to cover my mouth.

“I forgot my keys,” Jed said apologetically, pointing to the blanket.

I looked down, eyes wide and hand still in place, and noticed the silver sheen of his keys. Quickly, I bent and picked them up and walked in a slow death march over to where he was standing, fighting back a grin.

Jed held out his large hand and I dropped the keys in his palm, utterly mortified. He bent and dropped a kiss on top of my head, then placed his finger under my chin and tilted my face up toward him.

“I had a great time, too,” he said simply, then winked and turned, leaving me alone in the gallery, where I expired on the spot.