And there she stands, fumbling a bit with her keys as she seems to finally get the door unlocked.
I head toward my door without a word, and she turns with a smile to introduce herself to her new neighbor.
The second she sees me, the smile falls clean off her face.
“Oh, shit,” she whispers as she watches me slide the key into my lock to unlock the door that’sright next doorto hers. “We’re neighbors?”
I smirk. “It would appear so. Keep to your place, and keep it down. I don’t want any interruptions to my daily routine.”
She rolls her eyes. “I could say the same to you.”
“Then do it.”
An annoyed snarl escapes her, and she finally opens her door, walks through it, and slams it behind her.
I can’t help the tiny lift that plays at the corners of my lips. It’s not quite a smile since my mouth seems to have forgotten how to do that, but it’s something.
I blow out a breath.
It’s something I don’t want. It’s a distraction I don’t need.
And now I won’t even be able to escape her at home.
CHAPTER 8: Everleigh Bradley
Ear Up to the Wall
I finally check the group chat messages when I’m inside my new place.
Ford:Probably a Hemsworth. Is it?
Liam:Liam Hemsworth? (The best of the Hemsworth bros, BTW)
Dex:She’s in Vegas, not Hollywood. My guess is Carrot Top.
Madden:Must be someone big for your organization to allow you to give up your entire client roster. I’m guessing some CEO caught in a scandal. Maybe that dude that went viral at that concert on the kiss cam.
Ivy:Hmm, someone in Vegas…Wayne Newton?
Dex:How do you even know who Wayne Newton is? Aren’t you like 16?
Ivy:I’m 21, thank you very much, and I was WITH YOU in Vegas when I turned 21. Remember? OH! Backstreet Boys???
Dex:I just saw her at the Complex. It’s Maverick Jennings.
I finally reply to the group.
Me:Dex is right. It’s Maverick Jennings.
Madden:A football player.
Me:A football player. [sobbingface emoji]
I stare out at the view from this place. I’ve already done a walk through every room, and maintenance did a fantastic job sprucing it up to look brand new. It wasn’t in bad shape before, but it’s pristine and move-in ready now, and I’m ready to move in.
The place came furnished, and what’s in here is good enough for now. If I decide to stay here long-term, I can replace furniture, and it certainly beats living out of a hotel.
Even if I’m living next to my enemy.
