Fat Cat Liar

“You need ice on it.”

“Probably, but I don’t think the ice maker has been switched on yet. It’ll be fine.”

“Hold on, be right back.”

I run back to my place, fill a plastic baggy with ice, and grab a dishtowel and a few first aid supplies. When I return to his apartment, he’s cleared the hallway of his things. I find him in the bedroom fumbling with sheets.

“Here, let me.” I quickly help him make the bed and, when done, take his hand back in mine. “Hopefully, this will relieve some of the sting.” I place the ice pack on the area, making sure to be careful of the broken skin.

His eyes grow wide, and he gives me another flashy grin. “Thanks.”

In this close proximity, the air between us fills with the faint scent of his cologne and I inhale quietly, trying to recognize the fragrance. His fingers wrap around the side of my palm as he fully relaxes his hand, letting me adjust the ice packet. The heat of his stare burns into the top of my head as my heart beats faster.

This is crazy… absolutely absurd.

Ten minutes ago, I was lounging on my couch, watching HGTV, and thinking about pouring another glass of wine.

Now, I’m standing in a stranger’s bedroom, holding his hand, and tending to his injury. Technically, he’s not a complete stranger seeing as he’s introduced himself and is my neighbor, but for all intents and purposes, he’s still a stranger.

Lawson Hall… the hot new guy living across from me.

My stomach does some sort of tipsy-turn flip as his thumb grazes the underside of my wrist.

“Feels better already. This is not quite the first impression I was looking for with my pretty new neighbor.”

Heat creeps up my cheeks, and I wish I would have thought twice about changing clothes and maybe applying some lip gloss. “Don’t mention it,” I whisper in a shaky voice.

Silence falls between us as I hold the ice to his hand. I lift my eyes to find him still staring at me. A small dimple pops on his left cheek, and his eyes flare then deepen into a dazzling shade of gold when our gazes lock. Something passes over his face, something dark that quickly disappears, but not before sending a prickly chill down my spine.

“I should go and let you get settled. Good luck with the movers tomorrow.” I back away on wobbly legs, releasing our hands. “There’s some ointment on your kitchen counter if you need it.”

“Thank you for your help. I hope to see you around.”

“Anytime. Welcome to the building.” I rush out, giving him a half-hearted wave.

When I’m in the safety of my apartment, I plaster myself against the door and suck in another deep breath.

My heart races a mile a minute as I think about the gorgeous man across the hall. The rich color of his eyes, highlighted with thick, plush eyelashes. The intoxicating smell—it’s enough to take my breath away. But, God, that voice, that damn voice sounds in my ears.

‘I hope to see you around.’

His words replay through my head, and my hand tingles remembering the way his fingers strummed along my wrist.

“Get a grip, Greer. Stop fantasizing about your hunky new neighbor,” I say to my empty apartment. “He’s out of your league.”

I eye my computer on the table and head to it. Time to check my emails. Maybe our co-op board sent some information about Lawson Hall.

•8•8•

“Close that door!” I hiss at Jenny, who has perched herself in my doorway to watch the movers.

“No, this is the best entertainment I’ve had in a while. My building doesn’t come close to this. The last guy who moved in was cute but totally taken.”

“You look like a creeper.”

“Do you have any popcorn?” She ignores my comment and stretches her neck further.

“No!”