Page 5 of Love Under Construction

I’m seriously wondering who thought it would be a good idea - one, to have the bedrooms of each apartment, share interior walls, and two, why they didn’t do a better job of soundproofing. The noise was never an issue when it was just Harley living there.

Mystery man grunts through the wall, and I sigh in relief. At least it’s almost over. I hope.

Eventually, it quiets enough that I’m able to fall asleep. Only to awaken a few hours later to the same ruckus. One round of “mind-blowing sex” wasn’t enough.

I check the time on my phone. Three a.m. You’d think they would have a little courtesy for their neighbors - or Harley at least unless the guy is on nights this week.

Since it appears Iwon’tbe going back to sleep anytime soon, I decide to dial up my best friend Raylynn who’s galavanting through London right now with her uptight and arrogant boss who pays her exceptionally well to put up with his pompous ass.

“Livy! This better be good. I haven’t had my coffee yet,” Raylynn’s voice fills the line, and I smile. It’s been far too long since I’ve gotten to spend time with my bestie, and admittedly, I miss her like crazy.

“Jameson is in New York.” That’s all I need to say. I know I’ve got her attention now.

“Yep, this was worth it. What the hell is he doing there?”

“He’s the new builder for The Mason Center. I ran into him last night at the little mixer Leo Eastman hosted for Memorial Day.”

“Oh, fudge sticks. So, is Jameson a resident at 425 then?”

“I guess so, though I’m not sure which unit is his. Nor do I have plans to find out.”

“Hmm. I disagree. I think with both sets of meddling parents out of the picture; it’s the perfect time for you two to work out some of that pent up sexual frustration.” Raylynn laughs.

“Not a chance in hell. You know I can’t stand him.” I defend.

“Almost as much as I can’t stand Flynn,” Her voice softens, and I immediately know there’s a story there.

“Whoa, what was that about Flynn?” Speak of the devil; I can hear his voice in the background calling Raylynn.

“Shit. I have to go. The bear is awake. I’ll call you one night this week or something. Toodles!” Raylynn makes a smooching sound in the phone and then the call disconnects.

Hmm, it sounds like there’s way more than work happening in London. I guess everyone is getting it on. Everyone except me.

* * *

After a hellacious night,I finally give in at seven am and get ready to take Peaches for her morning run through the city. I step out of my apartment and nearly run into Sara coming out of the apartment next door. I know Harley didn’t touch her, but I’m guessing he didn’t warn his roommate.

She greets me with a coy smile and giggles, “Good morning,Olivia.”

“Sara,” I nod, cordially.

The door opens again, and mystery man steps out behind her.

“Liv.”

Jameson. There is NO way. It can’t be. I close my eyes and open them again, but nothing changes. Jameson Phoenix is my new next door neighbor. The very same one I heard having sex last night — sex with Crazy Sara from the fourteenth floor.

“Peaches!” His voice drops, and he kneels as my dog betrays me, dragging me right over to where Jameson is waiting. “Who’s a good girl? Have you missed me?”

Shit. This completely explains why Peaches was acting weird yesterday when she passed Harley’s door.

“Wow. I’m not even sure what to say right now.” I shake my head. I’ve heard plenty of stories about Sara. Good luck to him getting rid of that one.Dumbass,I think to myself.

Sara wraps her arms around his waist and grins. “We’re heading to breakfast. Why don’t you join us? The more, the merrier.”

“Yeah, I’m going to pass on that one, Sara. But thanks for the offer.” Not.

While they wait for the elevator, I opt for the stairs so I can get away from them as fast as I can.

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