Chapter 4 WESTLEY
“You,” I say, shocked to see the woman from the bakery sitting across the fenceline.
She wears an equally stunned look on her face, where she sits behind a long telescope.
The last thing I expected when I came home tonight was to find the pretty girl I ran into yesterday. And just like then, the reaction is visceral. Her big, brown eyes, with all her attention on me, have my heart fumbling.
I got home late last night. Every Wednesday, I volunteer at the Life Vine Community Centre with my best mate, Phil, teaching self-defence classes.
By the time I got home, all the lights next door were snuffed out.
My mind is fighting with disbelief that just before I fell asleep, her face flashed behind my eyes, and the whole time, she was right next door.
I only got back to Heart City two nights ago after spending some time in Trevally Falls with my half-siblings, Callie and Caspian. We not only share the same father but the same relationship with him. A non-existent one.
With Callie finally in the off-status of her on—off relationship with her boyfriend, I’m trying to be there for her more.
Especially now that she’s pregnant, with not a shred of acknowledgment or accountability from the sperm donor.
But she’s a tough kid, with that small-town skin, hardened by surf, sun, and gossip.
When I got back home, Mike mentioned the new tenant had moved into the house between us. A woman and her young daughter. But Jesus, I was not prepared. I’ve barely been able to get her off my mind since I saw her, and now she’s right fucking here? Dammit, I forgot how gorgeous she is.
“We didn’t get to introduce ourselves properly yesterday,” I say, moving across the balcony. I place my coffee cup down on the table and lean my forearms over the railing. “I’m Westley.”
Her hands are still braced on the tube of the telescope as she looks at me. She runs her tongue over her lip, dark eyes assessing me.
She leans back in her chair, sassy little smirk on her face. “I’m Maevyn.”
“Are you new to Heart City or just new to the area?”
Her dark hair is a wild mess, looking damp in the low light coming from behind her. One arm is covered in an array of inky patterns. I wonder what they are. If they mean anything.
“Why? You wanna offer me a tour?”
I smile, my heart pounding a mile a minute. “Was just being friendly.”
“Lucky me.” She smiles. “We’re new here.”
“Mike mentioned you moved in with your daughter,” I say.
I see her swallow, the casual mask slipping for just a second before she seems to shake it off, turning that easy smile on me again.
“Yeah. It’s just Aurora and me.”
I wonder what that means? Is she co-parenting?
Single? Not that it’s my business. I’m merely curious because of my own upbringing.
My parents were unable to have children of their own, so they adopted me as a baby.
I’ve grown up my whole life knowing that family is what you make it.
It’s not blood, it’s a feeling of home. Belonging.
Maybe I’m selfishly nosy about my pretty neighbour’s situation too.
From our distance across the balconies, I see her chest inflate as she takes a deep breath, rearranging her shapely legs as she sinks further into the plush lounge she’s sitting on.
The long length of them, bare and blissfully exposed from her sleep shorts.
God, they look so smooth. I bet they’d feel amazing locked around my head.
And what the fuck? You just met this woman!
“Cool,” I squeak out.
Excellent. I’ll just cement the impression this woman has of me by sounding like a pre-pubescent boy.
I clear my throat, demanding the deep tenor I know I’m capable of.
I quickly reach for the coffee on my table.
My mum always scolds me for drinking caffeine so late, but it’s become a comfort at this point.
I focus my eyes on Maevyn as I swallow down my cappuccino, the chocolate powder on top reminding me of the scent I caught on her yesterday. Would she taste like that if I licked it straight from her skin? Holy fuck! Redirect the conversation, West. “Have you guys moved from far away?”
“We’re always on the go.” She shrugs, stepping off the lounge and making her way to the balcony edge, mimicking my stance and resting her forearms on the railing to face me. “We’re used to it now.”
“Oh yeah? A wanderer’s soul?”
“Nothing but the stars to light the way,” she says, like it’s a promise. A solace code in which she’s lived by.
“Not a bad way to live. What made you move to Heart City?”
Her full lips hook to one side, unable to stave off the amusement. “Do you always ask this many questions?”
“When I want the answers.” I take another sip from my mug, keeping my eyes on her over the rim.
“Why do you want my answers?”
I lick the chocolate foam from my lips. “That’s a good question. Maybe I just want the pretty girl to keep talking to me.”
“Maybe in your dreams.” The words are sweet and dripping in temptation as she steps back from the railing.
They feel like a dare, just as much as they feel like a promise.
She looks over at me long enough to have my heart racing again before disappearing inside.
I don’t think this woman lets just anyone close.
Lucky for me, I’m right over the fenceline.