Page 5 of Off the Wall

“That’s all right.” He gulps down the octopus and hunches over his plate, like he’s about to let me in on some kind of secret. “I’m already getting more action than I can handle from the dating apps.” He glances around, lowering his voice. “You wouldn’tbelieveall the action.”

You’re right about that, buddy.

“I haven’t gone out on a second date yet,” he says, straightening again. “But that’s only because I haven’t found The One yet.” He puts “the one” in finger quotes. “Still, I figure I’m on the right track. If I keep going, eventually something good will hit. There’s lots of interest out there, believe me. Lots of swipes.”

“Congratulations, Warren. That’s just so … great.” I press my lips together to keep from laughing.

“Yeah, well. Great for me maybe, but maybe not so great for you.” He plucks the napkin from his undershirt to mop at his oily face. “Because once I do meet The One, we won’t be able to keep dating.”

“Thatwouldbe terrible news,” I nod, biting back a smirk. Warren doesn’t notice.

“Sorry to interrupt,” a deep voice rumbles.

I look up and take in the tower of a man standing above me. His eyes are a mix of gray and blue, like the ocean or some other beautiful body of water. Unfortunately, I recognize those eyes. They belong to my new neighbor. The one Hayden and I secretly call Dr. McMuffin.

I know. Ridiculous nickname. But he earned it.

One morning, shortly after he moved in, Hayden and I were at the mailboxes and he came rushing through the lobby with a half-eaten Egg McMuffin in his hand, and he flew right past us without saying hi. We were waving, ready to welcome him to the building, but he totally blew us off.

And that’s not all.

He was wearing scrubs with a Springs Memorial Hospital ID badge clipped to his pocket. He always wears scrubs when he’s coming and going, so it’s obvious he wants everyone to know he’s a doctor. He’s one ofthosetypes, with an ego even bulkier than his muscles.

Yes, we get it, sir. You’re a big deal. Way too good to stop and talk to a tea-shop manager and a middle-school teacher.

That was two months ago, and I’ve managed to completely avoid him ever since. Until now, that is. The man is looming over me, making this already bad night even worse. And for the first time ever, he’s wearing something other than scrubs. Gray suit. Navy shirt. Blue and gray. Like his eyes.

Ugh.

Beside him is a stunning blonde. She’s in a silk dress and heels, and clutching an expensive bag. Of course Dr. McMuffin’s girlfriend is rich and gorgeous. The man may be a snob, but he’s got this whole Glenn Powell vibe going for him. His dark caramel locks sweep off his forehead, angled to one side in a style that appears casual but probably takes a lot of effort. I’ll bet Dr. McMuffin uses an actual hairdryer and mousse.

See, Nori? You were so right to steer clear of him.

“I think you may have dropped this,” he says.

“Oh.” I lower my gaze, and my stomach fills with dread.

In his giant man-hand, he’s holding the crumpled napkin that’s wrapped around Warren Snuze’s escargot.

Chapter Two

Cash

I didn’t expectmy first conversation with Eleanor Sinclair would take place in a restaurant with a greasy napkin in my hand.

But here we are.

“I don’t think that’s mine,” she blurts.

“Really?” I rub the scruff at my chin with my free hand. “Because it was under your chair when we walked in.”

She gapes up at me, the fringes of her lashes fluttering. Her eyes are hazel, sliding on the spectrum over to green.Pretty. I might’ve known this already, but I’ve never gotten close enough to my new neighbor to tell. I did pass her in the lobby once early on, but I was late for an emergency surgery. Patient on the table. No time to slow down.

After that, we haven’t gotten within thirty yards of each other, even though we live on the same floor.

Sometimes I’ll spot her coming and going from the parking deck. And we’ve ended up on opposite sides of the courtyard once or twice. I wanted to at least be cordial. We’re neighbors, after all. But Eleanor always seems to be in a big rush, racing away from me before I can introduce myself.

I only know her name thanks to an envelope I found on the ground by the lobby desk. Must’ve fallen out of her mailbox. It was an invitation for a Springs Singles potluck.

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