Olivia Graham was twenty-two when she started a whirlwind romance with charismatic Jakob overseas.
By age twenty-five, Liv was back home and checking off the widowed box on paperwork. With zero plans, Olivia and beloved dog Snuggles find themselves...
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My policeman's knock is being put to use again on Olivia's front door the Friday morning after the alleged break-in.
Pausing to listen for movement, I glance around her yard, but I see no signs of life. I'd be more nervous if I didn't know that Will had Tommy living next door on purpose.
Snuggles barks wildly on the other side of the door as I post my arms on either side, patiently waiting.
"Olivia!" I call out, my fist hammering the door again. "Open the fucking door!"
Maybe patient is the wrong word.
"Ugh!" I shout, smacking the door. I stalk off to my cruiser, ripping the door open, and getting into the driver's seat.
Calls aren't returned, texts unanswered, and she reduced me to a fucking thank you note in the mail. Every time I drop in, she doesn't come to the door.
Dear Chris,
Thank you for all of the help and comfort you provided me after Jakob's death -- I'll always treasure the friendship we had.
Sincerely,
Olivia
A clear indicator of what our relationship has turned into. And, yes, I'm livid.
"Fuck!" I smack the steering wheel and pull out of her driveway. I don't know what it's supposed to be like between us, but I know not like this!
My work phone trills out. "Chris Rollins," I bark out.
"Hey," Casey says. "Are you okay?"
I sigh. Deeply. "Yes. How are you?"
"Decent. Wanted to know if you wanted to hook up sometime this weekend."
"Ummm yeah, when?"
"Tomorrow?"
"When do you get off work?"
"Not positive. I can come over after, though?"
"Okay, Case, I'll see you tomorrow."
She is a sweetheart, and I like being around her. We may not be anything to each other than friends with benefits, but I still want to respect her.
I'm in a fucking sour mood for the rest of the day. People always complain about my cocky attitude anyway, so they can all fuck off. After work, I meet some guys to blow off some steam.
"Gentlemen!" The server is bringing us more beer per our request.
"Thanks, beautiful," Dave tells her with a wink. I'm with five other guys, and they're trying to figure out how to fuck every woman in sight.
"Whoa, pink dress. Look at her," Parker says.
Clay lets out a low whistle. "That whole table is great to look at."
