A Very Grumpy Neighbor (Wolf Valley: Grumps #8)

Chapter 1

ONE

Jade

“Leave it to you to pick a house way out here in the middle of nowhere,” my best friend, Blake, says as she carries in the last of my boxes.

“It’s perfect! Secluded, and the landscape is beautiful,” I gush.

“Landscape. You mean the trees,” she corrects, grunting as she drops the box near the others.

“The trees, yeah, but also the plants. I could even put a little greenhouse out back.”

“You and your plants,” she says, shaking her head.

I grin and start to unpack. Blake chatters as she helps, putting plates in cupboards and breaking down boxes. She moved here a few months ago, and I helped her move in. That’s when I fell in love with this little town and decided to join her in Wolf Valley.

“We should get something to eat,” Blake says once most of my kitchen stuff is put away.

I look around the space, my stomach growling as I roll my shoulders, trying to ease the ache. We’re ankle-deep in packing paper and broken-down boxes. We’ve made a pretty good dent in things.

I smother a yawn as I nod. “What are you hungry for? Cause I don’t have anything here.”

“How about I run into town and grab some pizza or something?”

“Sure. Let me find my wallet, and I can get you some money.”

Blake shakes her head. “Nah, don’t worry about it. It’s my treat.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep. I’ll be back in a little bit.”

She grabs her car keys and heads out. I smile as I carry the first trash bag to the can by the garage and drop it inside.

“Whew!” I let out a big exhale.

I stand with my hands on my hips and look around, enjoying the quiet.

Things are finally starting to fall into place for me. I got a great job as an arborist with the local Parks and Recreation Department. I get to work my dream job, live close to my best friend, and officially have my own house.

I smile as I look around the place. The house is old and pretty dated, but it’s mine. I’ll be able to fix it up however I want to. I smile as I think about the possibilities.

A door bangs shut, and I jump, turning to look at the only house nearby. A guy walks out the back door, a trash bag in hand. His head is down, and he doesn’t spot me right away, which is probably a good thing, or he’d see me staring at him like some lovesick kid. I swear my mouth drops open as I take him in.

Because the man is hot. Dark brown hair hangs over his forehead. He’s tall, maybe a foot taller than my 5’4” height. My mouth waters as I stare at him. I think his muscles have muscles.

I’ve never been tempted to date, but this man makes me want much more than that.

I clear my throat, intending to introduce myself to my new neighbor. He must hear me because his head snaps up, and bright green eyes lock onto me.

I lift my hand in a pathetic attempt at a wave.

He glares at me in return, and I shrivel under his stare.

Things are off to a great start, I think sarcastically.

“Hi,” I call. “I’m your new neighbor.”

I step toward him as he drops his trash bag into the can.

“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.