Page 47 of Crave Thy Neighbor

“Hey,” he says when whoever he’s calling answers. “Yep. Downstairs. Thanks, man.”

He hangs up, then tosses his phone into the cup holder.

I raise my brows at him.

“I called Cooper.”

“LikeCooperCooper?”

“Yeah, we’ve been hanging out since I moved in here. He’s gonna help us get this shit upstairs. No offense, but you are not built for moving bulky furniture.”

I laugh. “No offense taken. Honestly, I was starting to hate myself a little for not planning this better and getting someone to help.”

We hop out of the truck as Cooper ambles out of the building.

“Hey, Maya,” Cooper says, giving me a quick hug. “Glad to finally have you in the building. Caroline won’t shut up about all the girls’ nights she, you, and River are going to have.” He leans in conspiratorially. “Honestly, I can’t wait to get her out of my hair. HerVampire Diariesobsession has reached a new high, and I need a break from all the undead drama.”

I roll my eyes, shoving his shoulder playfully. “Stop acting like you aren’t addicted too.”

He can act like he wants a break from Caroline all he wants, but he’s so obviously smitten with her I know he’s full of shit.

“Little help would be nice.”

We snap our attention to Nolan at his harsh tone. He’s practically scowling our way, his brows extra furrowed.

Okay then…

Cooper raises his brows at me before turning to Nolan with a smirk. “Sorry, man.”

Nolan and Cooper spend the next hour unloading the truck—twice as quickly as we got it loaded—while I take a much-needed break.

Cooper stays behind to work while we head back to my place for the next load.

After a few mishaps with boxes that were poorly taped together—completely my fault—we’re getting the last of the items into the apartment when dinnertime rolls around.

My feet hurt. My back is on fire. And I’m so damn hungry I’m starting to feel queasy.

I’m ready for food, a glass of wine, and a bed.

“You good with grabbing something for dinner?” Nolan asks as he sets a box labeledshit that’s going to expire soonon the kitchen counter. “I was thinking pizza or Chinese.”

“Oh god, yesplease. I am starving.”

“Pizza okay?”

I nod. “Fine by me.”

“Topping preferences? Please don’t say onions.”

“Meat. Lots of it. The more, the better.”

Nolan’s brows shoot up at my words, and a wolfish grin curves his lips. “Well, we don’t have to order pizza for that.”

Huh? I…

Oh god.

My cheeks heat under his scrutiny, and I drop my head into my hands. “Ugh, I sound like such a hussy. I swear I’m not usually like this.”

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