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I nod as I continue climbing the steps. “I’m just clumsy. Thanks for saving me from taking a tumble down the stairs.”

“No problem.” His hand remains on my lower back, making tingles spread up my spine.

Reaching the landing on the second floor, I dig my key out of my pocket as I glance at Owen. Stupidly, I comment, “We’re neighbors.”

His eyes flick to me before he looks up the stairwell leading to the third floor, where Miles’ and Harlan’s apartments are. “Yeah.”

“Ahh . . .” I move closer to my front door. “If you ever need anything, you know where to find me.” I smile awkwardly while I stick the key in the lock.

Owen gives me a chin lift, and when he opens his front door, I feel a weird sense of loss.

Don’t be silly. You’ve just met the man.

“Night,” I whisper, stepping into my apartment.

He gives me a nod before disappearing into his place.

I shut my door behind me and make sure to lock it while letting out a sigh. Standing still, I listen for a moment but don’t hear anything from next door. Knowing how sound travels through the thin walls, I have to suppress the urge to tiptoe to my bedroom so I don’t make any noise.

After I slump down on the side of my bed, I toe off my sneakers before lying back.

My thoughts revolve around the new bartender, and I groan when I think of how the female customers are going to flock to him just like the men gravitated toward Alison.

Hey, at least it will bring in more business for Miles.

Remembering how awkward things were between Harlan and me when he started at the bar, hope trickles into my chest. Maybe I can become friends with Owen as well.

I’d like that.

Harlan and Miles were the first friends I ever made. In school, I found it very difficult to talk to the other kids because I was painfully shy, and spent all my time studying.

Once I started at MIT, my parents didn’t allow me to slow down. Heavy course loads, summer classes, research credits, and zero social life made for a punishing four years.

I graduated just shy of twenty-two and walked straight into a high-pressure job because taking a break was never something I was allowed to do.

I had the perfect career and a boyfriend my parents chose for me. I was supposed to be happy.

By the time the exhaustion overwhelmed me, it was too late for a simple vacation. One day, it all became too much, and I walked out of the office in Seattle and got into a cab. I just kept taking different cabs, heading away from Seattle, and didn’t stop until I saw Miles’ bar here in Portland.

I planned to get drunk but ended up spilling my guts to Miles, and by the time he locked up for the night, he’d offered me a job as a server and this apartment.

Miles gave me a safe place where I could switch off my mind and just be. Here, the work ends when the bar closes, and there’s no relentless pressure constantly pushing me past my limits.

The one time I reached out to my parents so I could explain why I walked away from everything, they wouldn’t listen. They gave me an ultimatum. Either I get my shit together and beg for my job and boyfriend back, or I shouldn’t bother contacting them again.

So I didn’t.

It’s been three years, and not once have I regretted taking Miles’ offer.

When I hear water running in the apartment beside mine, I’m pulled out of my thoughts and reminded that I need to shower as well.

Getting up off the bed and walking to the small bathroom, my thoughts return to my hot new neighbor.

While I go through my routine, I can’t stop myself from feeling a little excited about tomorrow and wonder what it will be like working with him.

I’ll find out soon enough.

Chapter 4