Page 26 of Crave Thy Neighbor

“Right.” She clears her throat. “Well, goodbye, Nolan.”

I move out of her way as she steps around me.

She hustles down the street, and I stand there like an idiot watching her go.

It takes all of ten seconds for my brain to catch up.

“Maya! Wait!”

She swivels around, and I jog the short distance to her.

“Yeah?”

I shove my hands in my pockets, feeling nervous standing in front of her as she stares at me with questioning eyes.

“You, uh, you never called.”

Her brows pinch together again.

“About the rooms,” I remind her. “You haven’t called.”

“Oh.” She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip. “I…I’m still not sure it’s the best idea.”

I’m not certain if it’s relief or disappointment settling into my chest.

“It’s not you,” she rushes out. “It’s just…”

She trails off, but I get what she’s meaning.

I get it. It’s a weird situation to be in.

“You don’t need to explain. Just wanted you to know—”

“The offer still stands.” She gives me a small smile, the first one I’ve gotten. “I know. Thank you.”

“Of course.” I nod. “I guess I’ll see you around.”

“You too…Romeo.”

She turns, leaving me standing there staring at her for the second time.

“Who was that?” Jake asks as soon as I enter the diner and join him in line.

“Nobody.”

“Can’t remember the last time I looked at a nobody like that.” He chortles, then claps me on the back.

Me either.

With a heavy sigh, I lean against the back wall of the elevator. I cross my arms over my chest and close my eyes as I relax into the space.

It’s five thirty PM, and I’ve been up since five this morning.

After a shit night of sleep and a full day on the jobsite, I’m fucking beat.

“Hold the door!”

I don’t move to press the button.

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