Next Door Neighbors by Frances Hoelsema

impressed. She turned in shock and inquired, “You’re making a dessert?”
                  Brian chuckled, “Yes, I can bake.”
                  “Wow! Good for you!”
                  Brian caught a glimpse of tease in Jill’s eyes as she responded with a playful smile. He loved how her face beamed from apparent happiness, and hated that it was short lived. Right after she spoke, she turned back towards the cupboard to get the peanut butter.
                  Not that this is a bad view either , he thought wickedly.
                  He watched as she reached for the peanut butter that was placed on a shelf almost out of reach. Jill stood on her tippy toes and extended her arms to where she needed to be. The best part for Brian was the sight of her midriff as the shirt she wore rose right along with her toes and arms. He was elated that he was able to catch the image of her toned abs and tight and firm skin.
                  Brian’s thoughts started to race, and he longed to touch every inch of her. He wanted to know what it would be like to cup her face, kiss her lips and brush through her hair with his fingers. Images of him holding her, grazing over her curves and feeling her soft, smooth skin entranced him.
                  Jill interrupted his pondering when she tried to hand him the peanut butter.
                  Noting the name brand, Brian chirped, “Oooh, the best!”
                  “Of course! I never skimp on my peanut butter.”
                  Jill backed up towards her counter to lean on it, crossing her arms in front of her. Seeing as this wasn’t the first time he has noticed this about her, Brian was getting the feeling that she liked to be boxed in, private. It was as if she was avoiding any sort of closeness with him. It stung a little to think that may be true, but it wouldn’t stop him from pursuing her, even if it meant they only became good friends. He could settle for that.
                  Or at least he thought he could.
                  Not knowing if he should leave or strike up small talk, he opted for continuing the conversation he started earlier. “I’m actually going to be making the whole meal from scratch,” he said proudly.
                  “Impressive!” Jill acknowledged with eyebrows raised. “What are you going to make?”
                  “Yeah, like I’m going to tell you,” Brian razzed. Smiling, he added, “I actually want it to be a surprise.”
                  Jill raised her hands in defeat. “Well, can you at least tell me when you’d like me to come over?”
                  “That I can! Does five thirty sound okay?”
                  “That works,” Jill grinned.
                  “Great. Well, I’ve got what I need so I best be going. That dessert’s not going to make itself. Thanks again for the peanut butter, Jill,” Brian said, slightly lifting the jar.
                  “Oh, no problem!” Jill replied, waving a hand. She then walked over to the door to see Brian out and closed it behind him.
                  As soon as Brian got back to his mom’s house, he started where he left off with the dessert. The little bit he taste tested here and there was divine and he couldn’t wait to have some the next day. He was getting more and more thrilled about the whole birthday party idea. The only thing he wasn’t quite sure about was what he was most looking forward to. His mom’s birthday? Making a delicious meal from scratch? Or was it seeing Jill?
                  With a twinge of guilt, he had to admit that the answer leaned more towards seeing Jill than anything else.
     
    ---------------
     
                  Knock. Knock. Knock.
                  Jill stood outside Elena’s home,