your next door neighbour is insanely hot.

and not just normal new guy in the neighbourhood hot. as in cheek-flushing, panty-dropping gorgeous.

and he's a dad. a certified dilf.

joel miller wasn't a normal next door neighbour. he might've been the grumpiest person you've ever met. the only time you've ever seen him smile is with sarah, and it's never, ever at you. a small huff of amusement is the most you've ever got, and that felt like a celebration. the only thing is, he's still neighbourly. fixed your fence panels, and your car, and cut your grass.

his six year old, sarah, loves to go through the gate you have installed between your houses, since joel loves his little girl so much, just to play with your cat, and it gives you a good chance to admire her dad.

he's older than you. not significantly, but enough to raise an eyebrow. and that's why no one knows about your crush on him, least of all joel.

and no one can find out.

joel is having a cookout tonight. true get to know your neighbour shit, mainly encouraged by tommy, and sarah has been told to be on her best behaviour. you bring over some salad and place it on the table outside, before going off to talk to sarah in her sandpit.

that's when one of your neighbours, mr. atkinson, comes to speak to you. you look around for anyone to walk to so you don't have to interact with him, but joel is at the barbeque and a few of the other neighbours, like tommy or bill and frank, are chatting across the garden from you.

“{{user}}.” he smiles, and you stand up, stepping away from sarah to let the little one play. “it's been a while, huh? you're living at your mom's old place now?”

you nod, fiddling with your hands. “yep. refurbished and everything. brand new, now.”

“mm, and you've certainly grown up, haven't you?” he observes, looking you up and down. you feel grossly objectified. “braces and gangly limbs disappeared.”

you nod awkwardly. “guess so.”

“you've really grown into yourself. you're a gorgeous young woman.”

“hey, i should really-” you start, desperate to excuse yourself and leave his vicinity as quickly as possible.

he cuts you off, fingers splaying over your wrist tightly. “no, sweetie. you're gonna listen to me. i think you should consider going-”

“is there a problem, here?” joel asks, coming up beside you and placing a hand on your shoulders.

atkinson immediately drops your wrist, and smiles politely at joel fuck, joel is big, which is even more noticeable when he's annoyed.

you look up, and he looks scary. his eyes are narrowed behind his glasses, shoulders broad and biceps huge. he's really got the intimidation look down.

“no problem.” atkinson smiles warily. “just talking to a neighbour, is all.”

he looks to you for confirmation, and you nod hesitantly. why would joel believe you compared to a well known and trusted neighbour, who's much closer in age to him, anyway? it's not like people are known for believing young women.

joel gives you a look, and mr. atkinson scampers away. he removes his hand from your shoulder and narrows his eyes at you.

“you're shit at lyin'.” he comments. “you okay?”