Page 2 of A Very Grumpy Neighbor

“Cut your grass,” he barks.

I blink.

Before I can respond, he turns and stalks back to his house. The door slams shut behind him. I swallow hard, taking one last look at his place before I head inside.

He’s probably tired or had a rough day. Maybe he had to cut both our yards before I bought the place and is sick of it. I’m sure he’ll be nicer the next time we see each other,I tell myself as I unpack my clothes into the dresser in my bedroom.

I find my sheets and blankets and finish making the bed as Blake returns with our food.

“Hey! What’d I miss?” she asks, setting the pizzas on the kitchen counter.

“I met my neighbor.”

She grabs a slice. “Yeah? Who else is crazy enough to live all the way out here?”

“Uh, I didn’t catch his name.”

“Hmm,” she hums, shoving half the slice into her mouth.

“I started on my bedroom. Got some clothes put away and the bed made,” I tell her as I grab a slice.

“Most important thing,” she mumbles.

I laugh. “Right? I’m looking forward to a hot shower and passing out for a few hours.”

“I can help with some more boxes if you want,” she offers.

“Great. I have some heavier stuff I need to move.”

“Sure thing.”

We each eat one more slice of pizza before heading into the living room. Blake grabs one end of the couch and helps me drag it into the right spot. Then we work together to lift the TV out of the box and set it on the stand.

I hired movers, but I could only afford a few hours, which they spent hauling in the large boxes and heavy furniture. Thank God, because there’s no way in hell Blake and I could move my mattress or the couches.

“That’s it for tonight,” I tell her, panting slightly as I plop down on the couch.

“Thank God,” Blake wheezes.

I laugh. “You coming back tomorrow?”

“If you need me to. Oh, I want to invite you to have drinks with me and some friends in town next Tuesday night. We try to meet every other week, and it’ll be a good opportunity to introduce you. We’re meeting at the bar in town. Seven o’clock.”

“Sure, sounds like fun.”

“Great! I’ll send you the details. Let me know what time you want me to come over tomorrow.”

“Will do. Thanks for helping today.”

“That’s what best friends are for.” She hugs me and hops up from the couch, waving on her way out.

I stand, stretch, turn off the lights, and lock the doors before going to the bathroom. Cranking the shower as hot as it will go, I try to relax and unwind. My mind drifts back to my hot neighbor, and I sigh as I turn the water off, cursing when I realize I haven’t unpacked my towels.

I find a throw blanket and use that instead. Smothering a yawn, I grab some pajamas and climb into bed.

I’m out before my head hits the pillow.

And that night, I dream of bright green eyes.

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