Page 4 of A Very Grumpy Neighbor

Until a bullet ended my career.

I rub my shoulder as a phantom ache burns beneath my skin.

“Come out with me tonight,” Camden says.

I groan. “I?—”

“I know you,” he cuts me off. “I know you don’t have plans or a life or other friends.”

I remain silent because he’s right.

“Come get a beer with me, man. Lymric is out of town again, and I’m bored.”

I try to think of a way to get out of it. Then I realize this might be the distraction I need to forget all about my new neighbor.

“All right, I’m in. What time and where?”

“Murphy’s Bar. Six o’clock.”

“See you then.”

“You better. Or I’ll drive out there and get you.”

I know he will, too.

“I’ll be there,” I promise.

We end the call, and I lean back in my chair, looking around the empty office. My shoulder is killing me, and I groan as I stand and search for my heating pad.

I flip through the TV channels for a bit before giving up and peeking out my window at my neighbor’s house. She’s home now. I pace my kitchen, waiting to catch a glimpse of her, but she stays inside.

At six. I grab my keys and head out, deliberately keeping my gaze away from her place.

By the time I get to the bar, Camden is already there. I slide into the booth opposite him and take the beer he offers me. He’s busy on his phone, and I know by his smile that he’s texting his girlfriend, Lymric.

Camden’s completely smitten and head over heels for his girl. I’m genuinely glad for him—he’s a good guy and deserves to be happy.

But a part of me is deeply jealous. I would never admit it to him, but I want what he has.

“How’s your girl?” I ask when he finally looks up at me.

“Great,” he says with a wide smile. “You should find someone so we can double date.”

“Right,” I deadpan.

“I mean it. It would be good for you. I’ll even help. Set you up on a blind date.”

“That sounds like a terrible idea.”

He grins. “Trust me. It’ll be great.”

I sigh, taking another drink of my beer.

“Fine,” I agree, surprising both of us.

Camden smirks, and my stomach sinks.

Yeah, I’m definitely going to regret this.

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