Page 69 of Fake Married to the Grumps

"Sweetie, working with Bryce is like dancing with the devil. He's charming and alluring, but he's also unpredictable and dangerous. You never know when he might lead you down a path you'll regret."

"Isn't that a bit harsh? It's not like he's the devil incarnate, Cindy. He's your brother, not some evil villain."

"I know, I know. But Bryce has a way of getting under people's skin, and not always in a good way. I just don't want to see youget hurt, Marissa. Promise me you'll be careful and take care of yourself?"

"I will."

The conversation drifts to other topics, and I take mental notes not to let on that my connection with Bryce goes beyond mere acquaintances.

I better be careful if I don't want to reveal my not-so-secret admiration.

The rest of the day goes by in a flash, and after a really long day at work, I drive back to my apartment. Fumbling for the keys to my door, my mind still buzzes with the exchange over lunch.

The sound of footsteps drowns out the familiar jingle of keys in my hand. I glance up, perhaps expecting another neighbor, but my breath catches in my throat when I see Bryce appear from around the corner.

What on earth is he doing here?

Someone must be playing some elaborate game of matchmaking. Or maybe it's just Murphy's Law in action—anything that can happen, will happen, especially when it involves acrush showing up unannounced.

As if on cue, he spots me and gives a casual wave. "Hey, Marissa."

I blink, convinced that my eyes are playing tricks on me. "Bryce? What are you doing here?"

He strolls over, a bemused smile playing on his lips. "Well, funny story. I'm your new neighbor."

His charming grin, the one that never fails to make my pulse race, sends an electric current racing through my body.

My jaw drops, and I'm left staring at him like he just announced he's a Martian. "You're ... what?"

Chapter 4

Bryce

The decision to rent the apartment next to Marissa's wasn't just an impulsive move. It was a calculated move, although I'd never admit that out loud.

It's been years since we crossed paths, and the reunion has stirred a curiosity that demands to be satisfied. Plus, being close to her will make working on the film project a breeze. It's purely practical, nothing more.

So, here I am, trying to play it cool as I watch the stunned look on her face.

"Yep. Just moved into the apartment next door. Thought I'd give the penthouse at The Plaza a break and enjoy the charming neighborhood vibes."

Marissa sputters out a laugh. "Charming neighborhood vibes? Bryce, this isn't a Hallmark movie. It's real life!"

A grin tugs at the corners of my lips, and I let it breakthrough. She's always been able to make me smile like that.

"Well, real life just got a bit more interesting, don't you think?"

A slight flush colors her cheeks. Could she be blushing?

She shakes her head as if she is still trying to process everything. "I can't believe you're my neighbor."

"Believe it. I'm just a regular guy who needs a place to call home. Plus, I'm told this area has the best coffee shop in town. I'm sold."

"Seriously?"

I raise a perfectly arched eyebrow. "Well, it seems like someone is not enthusiastic about her new neighbor."

Marissa lets out an awkward laugh and turns her gaze to the ground. A curtain of hair falls across her face, but not before I glimpse the pink staining her cheeks. She's flustered, shy, even.

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