My watch buzzed on my wrist, reminding me to get my arse into gear. It was too late now; I couldn’t leave without seeming rude. That was one impression I didn’t want to give my neighbour. Especially considering we shared a bedroom wall. Only thing worse than a murderous cat would be a neighbour who hatedme and decided to keep me up half the night to be a dick.
Just then, the neighbour in question appeared, and I wished I had left. Better yet, I wished I’d never chosen this building in the first place.
But judging by the smirk playing on Dom’s lips, it wouldn’t have made a difference where I lived.
I suspected he would’ve ended up there anyway.
There was no describing the anger that filled me. I had to strangle the strap of my gym bag to stop myself from launching at him. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
Either not seeing my fury or choosing to ignore it, Dom leaned against the door and grinned. His long-sleeved shirt stretched over his biceps as he folded his arms over his chest. Like last night, I couldn’t stop myself seeking out the tattoos peeking out of the neck of his shirt. The scar that lingered not far above them. “Howdy, neighbour.”
“You can’t be serious,” I hissed. “You can’t live here. It’s not possible.”
Dom made a show of looking around at the boxes and furniture. “Seems like it’s possible to me.”
“We’re all done here,” the guy I’d first seen said, appearing behind Dom and slapping him on the back. “Any issues, just give us a shout.”
“Thanks, man,” Dom replied with a smile. “And tell Raffle thanks. Much appreciated.”
“Gotta take care of our men in service,” the mover said gruffly. “Appreciate what you guys did over there.”
“Thanks.” Did he hear strain in Dom’s voice?See the way his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes? I couldn’t notice things like that. Not anymore. “Take care.”
Three others followed him out, all bidding Dom an easy farewell. Then they were gone, and it was just the twoof us. Awareness pricked at the back of my neck. I should leave, but how could I? If I did, Dom would unpack. He’d settle in.
Right fucking next door to me.
“Come on in,” Dom said, shoving off the door and strolling into the flat. “Kettle’s just boiled.”
I clenched my fists. “I’m not stopping.”
His response was a dry chuckle. “Tea’s getting made whether you come in or not. I don’t give a shit if we have this out in the hallway, but unless you want the rest of the building knowing our business, I suggest you come in.”
My nostrils flared. How did he still know how to play me after all this time?Was I always this easy? Had I not changed?
Stepping over the threshold, I closed the door behind me. Not with a slam, because I was more mature than that.
Mostly.
This flat—I refused to think of it asDominic’s—was the mirror to mine, with the same layout, so I had no issue locating his kitchen. I didn’t step inside, just hovered in the doorway. If I kept a few feet of space between us at all times, then everything would be okay.
His back was to me as he filled the mugs. “Where are you off to so early?”
I folded my arms over my chest. “Thought you knew everything about me.”
Dom laughed, turning to hand me a mug. I was careful not to let our fingers touch as I took it. From his smirk, he knew exactly what I was doing. “Well, judging from your clothes and the bag over your shoulder, I’d say the gym. But it seemed impolite to assume I know everything.”
“Never stopped you before.”
He shrugged, picking up his own mug. “Maybe you’re not the only one who’s changed.”
I snorted. “Sure, you’ve changed. You’re bigger and have tattoos. Doubt it’s more than that though.”
“Good thing we’re going to be neighbours, then. Lots of time for you to get to know the new and improved me.”
I reached out to put my cup on the side. “About that. You can’t possibly move in here, Dom.”
“Yes, I can.” He pointed at his kettle. “All the important stuff’s already in. Spent ages online, picking out furniture. Glad to get it all out of the storage locker finally.”