“That wasn’t part of my agreement.”
Natalie stopped patting Sherlock. “You agreed to lease my grandparents’ cottage. The rooms at the back aren’t part of the original house.”
Gabe knew they weren’t, but that didn’t mean he wanted a neighbor. “That’s not the point. I came here for some peace and quiet.”
“You won’t know I’m here.”
He doubted anyone could live within a few feet of her and not know she was there. “How long are you staying?”
She glanced down at Sherlock. “Three months at the most.”
Gabe studied the black circles under her eyes. When he’d signed the rental agreement, the realtor told him one of the owners was living overseas. What she hadn’t told him was that Natalie was coming back.
“Where have you come from?”
“Venice.”
“Italy?”
Natalie nodded. “I’m sorry this isn’t what you expected, but it’s the best I can do. I’m happy to call the hotels in town until we sort something out, but I don’t think they’ll have any rooms available. If I can’t stay here, I might have to sleep in my truck.”
Gabe looked down at Sherlock. The traitor had wiggled his way closer to Natalie’s legs. “You can’t sleep in your truck.”
“Does that mean that you don’t mind me living next door?”
He had a feeling he might regret what he was about to say, but he didn’t want Natalie to get hurt. “It’s your cottage. As long as you respect my privacy, we’ll get along fine.”
Natalie’s relieved smile made his breath catch. That hadn’t happened in so long he wondered what was wrong with him.
“Thank you. You don’t know how much I appreciate being able to stay here.”
She might not be so thankful after he looked into her background. He didn’t need any more surprises.
