The Boy Next Door

I grimace at the understatement. Any hope that my past transgressions might be forgiven go up in flames.

Or, more accurately, a dumpster fire fueled by a drum of gasoline.

Chapter Fifteen

Alyssa

Oh my God!

What the hell just happened?

Emotion churns through me as Mia shoves the key into the lock and twists the handle before dragging my bags inside our brand-new apartment. The confrontation with Colton has left me shaken and out of sorts. Was I really under the delusion that it would be possible to ease back into life at Wesley? That I could take my time, adjust a bit, and find my bearings before having to come face-to-face with him? I glance at my phone, noting that I haven’t even been on American soil for a full hour before we had a blow-up.

Ugh.

That encounter couldn’t have gone any worse.

After my time in London, I’d convinced myself I was over him—that I’d detoxed the guy from my heart. Only now do I realize that it was nothing more than wishful thinking on my part, or I wouldn’t have gone off the rails like a complete psycho. I wince, remembering the avid faces watching from the sidelines. A few spectators had been on the verge of grabbing a bowl of popcorn and pulling up a lawn chair to enjoy the show.

On a positive note, it’s doubtful I’ll have to worry about Colton pestering me in the near future. Or anyone else who witnessed that debacle. I’m sure my new neighbors will give me a wide berth and avoid me like a case of the clap.

One year. That’s all I have to endure until graduation. Then we’ll go our separate ways, and I’ll never have to see him again.

The adrenaline pumping through my veins dissipates, leaving exhaustion behind to fill the void. It takes every last ounce of strength to muscle my luggage into the small entryway and slam the door closed.

With a huff of breath, I glance around our new digs. I’d been so excited by the photos and virtual tour Mia had sent. It seemed almost unbelievable that we had all this space to ourselves. No more dorm life! Or teeny tiny flat.

Although, given what just transpired outside, I would happily exchange this place for a dorm. How am I going to coexist in the same building with Colton Montgomery?

I trudge into the sun-filled living room before collapsing onto a chair. Another wave of exhaustion crashes over me. I don’t think I’ve slept for a solid twenty-four hours. There had been so much that needed to be packed up and too many people to hug and kiss goodbye. As excited as I was to return to Wesley, I was sad to leave all the new friends I’d made behind—especially since I have no idea when I’ll see them again.

Almost gingerly, Mia settles on the couch across from me. A flicker of unease fills her expression as concern gathers in her eyes. “I’m really sorry, Lys. I meant to tell you about Colton on the ride home from the airport, but I didn’t know how to do it.” She jerks her shoulders. “When I toured the building and then signed the rental lease a few weeks later, I had no idea he lived here.”

My gaze meanders to the patio door that leads to a small balcony. I’d been over the moon when she’d stepped outside with her phone and panned the area. The idea of being able to sit outdoors on a balmy night and study in the fresh air seemed almost extravagant.

And now?

Not even that little perk can bring a smile to my lips because all I can think about is that Colton will be here, too. I’ll run into him in the hallways. I’ll have a first-class seat to the groupies he entertains. That thought is enough to make me nauseous. A humorless chuckle bubbles up in my throat. It seems ridiculous that I’d actually convinced myself I was over him. Or that I’d moved on with my life when clearly that is not the case.

“It’s fine.” Now that the brightest part of my anger has drained away, guilt rushes in to swamp me. “Sorry for being such a raving bitch and inviting Beck to the party.”

She shakes her head as a groan slips free.

It only makes me feel worse. Mia renting an apartment in the same building as Colton was an unfortunate coincidence. Me inviting Beck to the welcome home party, however, was not.

I clear my throat and add in a hopeful tone, “It’s always possible he won’t show up.”

Mia snorts before leveling a disbelieving stare in my direction. “I think we both know he’ll be there.”

She’s right, we do.

Beck has always had a not-so-secret thing for my bestie. Mia, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with the guy, which is a challenge since they grew up together, live next door to one another, and their parents are good friends, which means they end up spending holidays and vacations together.