Page 6 of They Are Mine

Apartment 103.

Bottom floor.

That makes things easier.

I lean my head back against the seat, eyes drifting to his window. The blinds are drawn, but I can imagine him in there. I can picture it perfectly.

Him, unwinding from his shift, kicking off his shoes, running a hand through his hair.

Him, warm and sleepy, unknowing, unguarded.

I should have come here the first day I saw him.

I should have found him sooner.

I mean, when you know, you know.

But love takes time. That’s what they say, right?

You build something beautiful.

You earn something worthwhile.

And Noah?

He’s worth it.

Chapter Two

Juliet

I’m so glad I started following him home.

If I hadn’t, how would I know that he shops at the health food store?

That he walks in every Wednesday evening, right after work, his apron strings still faintly creased into his jeans?

That he buys organic fruit? The good kind, not the cheap, bruised ones. That he lingers at the display, thumb pressing into a peach, testing for ripeness? That he always picks the firm ones, like he knows exactly what he likes?

That he drinks oat milk, not dairy? That he reads the labels, checking the ingredients, frowning slightly if the sugar content is too high?

That he picks up protein bars but never candy?

Self-control.

Discipline.

A man who takes care of himself.

It tells me everything I need to know.

And I take notes.

But tonight, something changes.

Because she notices him, too.

I’m two aisles over, watching through the reflection of the freezer doors as some blonde in tight jeans and a cropped workout top leans against the shelf beside him.

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