Page 2 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
His tone sent a fresh wave of anger through me, but I forced myself to nod, my jaw tight. "Fine. I’ll keep it down."
“See that you do,” he growled, before finally retreating to his apartment. I mimicked his words under my breath, slamming the door behind me with a satisfying thud. My heart was racing, the way it had always done in college when I saw him.
Was it possible that after all these years, after everything I’d been through, I still harbored feelings for him?
No. I shook my head, scolding myself. This was ridiculous. I wasn’t that girl anymore, and Antonio was clearly not the guy I remembered. I had more important things to focus on than some old crush—like rebuilding my life.
I took a deep breath and surveyed the apartment. It was small but cozy, with enough charm to make it feel like a fresh start. As I started unpacking, trying to shake off the encounter with Antonio, I noticed a note on the kitchen counter.
It was from the landlord, welcoming me and offering a few helpful tips. I smiled, feeling a small sense of relief. Maybe things would be okay here. Maybe I could make this place feel like home.
Just as I started to relax, a knock echoed through the apartment. I froze, the tension from earlier crawling back into my muscles. Opening the door, I found Antonio standing there again, still wearing that scowl like a second skin.
"Forgot something," he grunted, handing me a small package. "Welcome basket from the landlord. Some essentials for the new place."
I blinked, surprised by the gesture, and took the package from him. "Thanks," I said, my tone softer this time.
Antonio didn’t say another word. He just nodded curtly, his expression still unreadable as he turned to leave. But not before our eyes met again—just for a moment. And that flutter I’d thought was long dead sparked to life in my chest. I quickly looked away, embarrassed by my own reaction.
Antonio shook his head as he walked away, almost like he couldn’t understand what had just happened. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, letting out a deep breath. What was wrong with me?Get it together, Kendra. You’re not in college anymore.
I needed a distraction. Picking up my phone, I dialed my brother’s number. Tom answered on the first ring, his familiar voice instantly grounding me.
“Hey, sis! How’s the new place?”
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. My brother, Tom, was my rock. We'd lost our parents in a car accident when I was in high school, and he was in college. He'd taken on the responsibility of caring for me, and he'd done a very good job at it.
I sometimes wondered how he managed… how he seemed so unaffected, until I heard him sobbing in the living room one night. I wanted more than anything to go to him, and hug him, and soothe the pain… but I didn’t.
I knew he didn’t want me seeing him that way… so, I just stood there, staring, tears in my eyes… and then I quietly returned to my room. That was the last time I ever saw him cry.
"It’s… cozy," I said, glancing around at the half-unpacked boxes that I had previously shipped. “And the neighborhood seems nice enoughapart from my grumpy next-door neighbor.”
I paused, debating whether to mention that the said neighbor was none other than Antonio Michaelson.But I kept that bit to myself. Tom didn’t need to know everything.
“I’m proud of you, Kendra. You deserve a fresh start.”
How's the place? Is it furnished?"
"Yeah, it's fully furnished. The living room has a comfy couch and a big TV. The kitchen is small but cute, with these adorable ceramic tiles. And the bedroom... oh, the bedroom is my favorite. It's got this huge window with a view of the parking lot, but it's so peaceful. I feel like I'm in a little nest."
Tom chuckled. "You always did love your nests. Remember that time you turned our living room into a fort?"
I giggled. "How could I forget? You were so mad at me, but I just wanted a cozy spot to read."
"I was mad because I had to climb over a mountain of pillows to get to the fridge," he teased.
We both laughed, and for a moment, I forgot about Antonio and the stress of the move.
“Shoot! I think I left my new mop stick in the hallway.”
I could hear Tom chuckle. I opened my door, and saw the mop stick just beside it, and a friendly-looking guy holding a box of pizza. "Hey, I think that's for me! Kendra Ryan."
He handed me the pizza and smiled. "Enjoy your meal, Kendra! Welcome to the neighborhood."
“How’d you know I’m new?”
There was a glint in his eyes… “Because our customers usually don’t announce their full names… and, I pretty much know most people in this neighborhood.”
