Kaia's gaze turned to him. "You're Jax—right? My neighbor?"
"I've seen you around the building," he muttered.
"I'm just a few doors away on the first floor. I guess we finally ran into a situation where you couldn't take off without talking to me," she added, a sharp, dry note in her voice.
"I guess we did. How do you know this guy?"
"I'm a paramedic. I've been called to his house several times, including earlier today."
"Not because I called you," Mr. Cobb interrupted as he put his phone into his pocket. "Nosy neighbor is always butting into my business. Cab is coming. You two can go."
"I'm going to wait," Kaia said.
He shrugged. "Suit yourself."
As the man crossed his arms in resignation, Kaia did the same, clearly determined not to leave the man alone until he was in a cab. That was probably a good idea, since he'd been wandering into traffic just a few minutes earlier.
"Who are you?" the older man suddenly asked, his gaze swinging to him.
"Jax Ridley. You walked in front of my car."
"Pedestrians have the right of way."
"You weren't in the crosswalk; you were in the middle of the street."
"I was looking for the red door, and you were probably going too fast."
"I was not speeding. You need to watch where you're going."
"You need to mind your own business," he snapped. "There's my ride."
As the cab pulled up, Mr. Cobb headed toward the curb.
"Check your blood sugar when you get home," Kaia said. "And eat something."
Her only answer was the slam of the car door.
She shook her head in frustration as the cab pulled away. "That is a bad situation that is going to get worse."
"Well, Mr. Cobb didn't seem to want our help."
"He's very difficult," she agreed. "I wonder what that red door was about. Do you know where it is?"
"No idea. I just wanted to get him out of the road."
"I was right behind you when he darted in front of you. I'm so glad you didn't hit him. You had a quick reaction."
"Lucky for him."
"Thanks for staying to help." She paused. "You know, when we see each other at Ocean Shores, you can say hello. I won't ask for your social security number or anything. You don't have to run away every time someone gets close. We're a friendly group, but privacy is also respected."
"Seriously?" he asked doubtfully. "It seems like everyone at Ocean Shores is in everyone's business."
"The people who want to be part of the group are part of it. Those who don't are not. No judgment."
"I think you've been judging a little."
Guilt flittered through her eyes. "Maybe. But you're not the first mysterious stranger to live in the building, and at some point, everyone comes around."
