Chapter One
Neve
“Hi, neighbor!” I push my carrot red hair out of the way so I can take a good long look at my new neighbor.
I wanted to live on my own when I went to college.
I could have stayed with my mom and dad since their house isn’t too far from the school, or I could have chosen a dorm and shared a room with someone, but I just wanted…
something new. Something I’ve never had before.
I come from a big family - I have six siblings after all.
Being all alone isn’t something I’m used to, and I’m kind of worried I might not like it.
I have to like it for a year at least because that’s how long the lease is for.
I guess since it’s a duplex I’m going to have to like my neighbor for a year too.
And right now, this guy is watching me through his ghost gray eyes like I might have cussed his momma.
“I’m your new neighbor, um, right next door.” No shit, Neve. Where else would you be his neighbor if not next to him?
“You’re not a man.”
My brows draw together as I try to decipher why this hot-as-sin man would state the obvious.
“Nooo.”
“The name on your lease is a male name.”
I take a step back and wonder if I might have been too hasty with my greeting. Some of my trepidation must bleed through because he loses some of his stiffness and schools his features.
“I own the building.”
I find my smile coming back as I huff out a sigh of relief, “Oh! I thought maybe you might be a serial killer or something.”
“I can still own the building and be a serial killer.”
My smile is gone again. I can totally see how this guy would be able to talk women into his murder van or whatever he drives.
“I’m not, but still…”
This time I’m much more cautious about giving him back my smile.
“Right.” Isn’t that exactly what a serial killer would say?
“You must be the wife.”
“The wife of who?” That’s funny, that I would be anyone’s wife. I can’t even carry on a conversation with my neighbor without being socially awkward.
“The guy whose name is on the lease.” Now he’s looking at me like I might be the psychotic one.
“My dad? Oh, no!” I give a pained little chuckle. “My dad didn’t want anyone knowing I was going to be living here all by myself, so he put his name on the lease. I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Shut up, shut up, shut the fuck up, Neve.
The guy literally squints his eyes at me. Not narrows, no, this goes further than just an eye narrowing. It’s a full-on squint. He’s wearing an expression on his face that clearly tells me I’m an easy target.
“I’m Neve, by the way.” I stretch out my open hand to him, but he doesn’t take it. He just keeps looking at me. I awkwardly put my hand down. “Okay, well, it was nice to meet you.”
He doesn’t say anything. He turns his back on me and walks into his part of the duplex.
Well, damn!
Way to make a great first impression, Neve, you freak!