Chapter 5
VIVIAN
I close the door behind me, and immediately grab my phone to text Sarah.
Vivian: OMG Sarah I just had dinner with my super hot neighbor!!!
I add three red, hot, sweating-emoji faces.
I’m giddy with excitement as I see Sarah’s message turn to read, and dots appear, showing that she is typing.
Sarah: OMG! Shut up!!! How did this happen? I need all the deets… NOW!
Vivian: Totally random. Ran into him at a restaurant. My GOD, he’s super cool and fun. I had a great time!
Sarah: That’s fucking fantastic, Viv! What’s he like?
Vivian: He’s a psychology professor and a therapist like you. He’s funny, witty, flirty, and did I mention he’s sooo fucking HOT? #beavertingles lol. Oh! Annnnnnd he’s British. His voice…. #hotdamn
Sarah: Hahaha beaver tings!
Sarah: STFU! British? NEED a pic ASAP. Are you going to see him again?
Vivian: I mean, he lives next door so I’m sure I’ll see him around. Idk… it wasn’t a date or anything… just had fun getting to know each other. It was flirty but friendly. I laughed so much! I haven’t laughed that much since… well, since.
Sarah: Hell yes! Glad you had a great time. Can I call you tomorrow or Sunday and we’ll chat more? Soooooo stoked for you!
She sends a Schitt’s Creek GIF of an excited David, which makes me laugh .
I’m exhausted. I like her last message and head upstairs to get ready for bed, my evening playing on repeat in my head. I can’t help but think about Leo. He’s definitely a man of mystery, and I feel excited to slowly uncover more about him. Psychologist, business owner, funny, British, extremely handsome, wealthy, and doesn’t date, which is unfortunate for me. He may be the most intriguing person I’ve ever met, and I’m pretty sure we just friend-zoned each other.
Lying in bed, I replay him looking me up and down, whispering in my ear about me being down one bra, even the memory turns me on. I had been so aroused, I had to excuse myself to regain composure. I toss and turn, thinking about his smile, voice, dimples, laugh, his muscles, the V-shape…
“Ugh!” Frustrated from not being able to fall asleep, I rummage through my nightstand for my vibrator. My fingers finally grasp it, and I feel a sense of relief wash over me. Settling back into bed, I prepare to find some much-needed release.
I think of Leo’s smile.
His dimples.
His laugh.
His muscles.
The V-shape.
His sexy voice.
My body tingles with anticipation, and I can’t help but whisper, “Oh my God, yes,” as the waves of pleasure take over, leaving me breathless and satisfied. I lie there, catching my breath, a mix of satisfaction and amusement washing over me.
Yep, I just got off to my new neighbor.
What is my life?
* * * * * * * * * *
Three Days Later
I love my new office. It’s bigger than my old one in Utah and has a wall of windows overlooking the city, flooding the space with natural light. It’s right off Michigan Avenue, just a ten-minute walk from my house. I came in a few times last week to get oriented, set up my office, and let my boss bring me up to speed. I’ve only met a handful of people, but so far, everyone has been incredibly welcoming.
I have my first official meeting with a prospective client in fifteen minutes.
I haven’t had much time to think of Leo today, but the weekend was brutal. I kept hoping he’d text me. The constant thinking about it makes me feel like I’m in middle school. The worst part is that I’m reacting as if I’m actually dating him, and he hasn’t called, when in fact, that is not what it is at all. I shake my head and take a deep breath. I don’t have time to think about this now.
My phone rings, and I see it’s the receptionist. “Hi Carrie,” I say, pressing the button to connect the line through the intercom.
“Hi Vivian, your ten o’clock is here.”
“I’ll be right out.”
I bring my clients back to my office, a couple in their mid-thirties, Matt and Jessica Marioni. The meeting goes well. We go over their vision, goals, budget, and timeline. They are very likable, and I’m excited to start drafting up some plans for them.
Finishing up early, I realize I don’t have another meeting for an hour, so I walk across the street to get food and bring it back to my office. I’m halfway through my steak bowl when I get a text message. My heart skips a beat.
Leo: Hey Walker, are you free for lunch tomorrow? You know, as friends…
There it is. The proof of friendship. My last name and an invite, specifying strictly friendship. I guess I don’t give a shit because I check my work calendar and respond immediately.
Vivian: Hey you, I’ll make you a deal…
Leo: I’m listening. What’s the catch?
Vivian: Lunch for 3 questions. You answer them all, and you pick the place to eat, and I pay. If you pass on a question, then I pick and you pay.
Leo: Damn. I was hoping articles of clothing would be on the line… Loser sends nudes?
Vivian: Ha. Ha. Ha. NOPE
Leo: Ah c’mon, Walker. Make a guys dreams come true. We WILL play that version one day. Ask your questions.
Vivian: What kind of therapy do you practice?
Leo: Marriage and Couples, mostly. I can hear your laughter from here, Walker. The irony is not lost on me. I’m a bloody good therapist though.
Vivian: #DEAD
Vivian: I thought you were going to say you were a sex therapist… you’re so good at that.
Leo: Why thank you, I think I’m rather good at it myself. I can show you sometime if you’d like.
I let out a laugh, shaking my head at his audacity.
Vivian: OMG, you know what I mean.
Leo: Right… Second question.
Vivian: How many siblings do you have?
Leo: Are you trying to lose? :-)
The dots appear, telling me that he is typing, then they go away. A few minutes later, they reappear.
Leo: Two
That’s odd. I expected him to elaborate, maybe tell me if they’re brothers or sisters, or how old they are. But he didn’t.
Vivian: Are you close with your parents?
Leo: No more family questions.
Leo: Not over text.
Leo: Ask another.
Vivian: Alright, I’ll take the win for the pass. And since I’ve already won—what’s your favorite movie?
Leo: It’s a tie between “Wedding Crashers” and “Remember the Titans.”
Vivian: Those are complete opposite kinds of movies. Both great though. I’ll only have about an hour tomorrow. I’ll look at some options around my work and let you know where. Can you do 12:30 ?
Leo: I’ll be awaiting your text. Have a good one, Walker.
I debate whether to ‘like’ his text or not, and decide against it, giving myself the upper hand.
The rest of my meetings go well, and I arrive home around six. Starved, I make myself some dinner, call my mom for a quick catch-up, and then head to my little home gym for a workout. As I lift weights, Eminem’s voice blasts in my ears from one of my carefully curated workout playlists. My mind drifts back to Leo, the anticipation of our lunch tomorrow lingering, making it difficult to focus.
I start thinking about what to wear. The navy dress with buttons that I can undo lower for a little cleavage, or the black pencil skirt and blouse that make my ass look great? I sigh, realizing how distracted I am. Clearly, I’m not focused on my workout.
* * * * * * * * * *
The Next Day
I see Leo approaching as I wait outside a True Food Kitchen near my work. I’d suggested he look over the menu beforehand so we could order as soon as we sat down. He flashes me a grin that makes my heart skip a beat.
“There she is,” he says, coming in for a hug.
“No smart-ass greeting? You’re losing your touch,” I joke, soaking in the feel of his hug.
“I come tail between my legs today. I’ve accepted defeat, and I’m paying for lunch.”
The hostess seats us at an outdoor table. The weather is perfect today. It’s hot, but with the shade and ceiling fans, it’s pleasant.
“As it should be,” I say. “Are you working today?”
“I had a class from eight to ten this morning, but I have the rest of the day off. Tuesdays are my short days. Today was the first day of the fall semester. ”
“How’d it go?”
“It went well. Classes are all rather similar each year, and I’ve been doing this long enough that it doesn’t really create any anxiety or stress for me. I like my job.”
“That’s great. What made you decide to go into psychology?”
“Good question.” He leans back, folding one arm and rubbing his chin with the other, deep in thought. “I’ve always been fascinated by what makes people who they are—individual differences, perception, what makes them tick, what they value, how they’re influenced, and how these factors shape personality and character. My own introspection as a young man drove me to pursue psychology, where I could delve into the complexities of the human mind.” He shifts forward in his chair. “Not just to understand others, but to help them understand themselves.”
As he talks, his eyes light up with enthusiasm, and I find myself leaning in, captivated by his explanation.
“Not just a pretty face, I see,” I say with a smile, unable to hide my genuine admiration.
He smirks. “Well, I had to develop some other skills, Walker. A pretty face only gets you so far.”
“You’re very clever, I’ll give you that.”
“What about you? What made you become an architect?”
“Hmm, let’s see.” I hesitate, unsure how to respond without bringing Ben into the picture. I decide to tell the truth, but not the whole truth…a half-truth. “When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a famous artist, with my art displayed in fancy exhibits and celebrities lining up to buy it.” I laugh. “But a boyfriend in high school, whose dad owned a home-building company, suggested architecture. He told me I could still be creative and have a secure career, and keep drawing and painting as a hobby.”
I don’t tell him that my boss is the same ‘said’ boyfriend’s dad and that the company I work for shares my last name.
“And do you still draw and paint as a hobby?”
“Yeah, I do,” I say, nodding. “When I have spare time. ”
The waitress comes over, and I study Leo as he gives his order. He’s so rugged and handsome. I’m a bit stunned by how much I actually like his personality.
The waitress leaves, and he turns his attention back to me.
“What do you like to paint and draw?”
“I love landscape painting, mostly with watercolors, but I use oil paints as well. When it comes to drawing, I enjoy sketching faces. Capturing different emotions on paper gives me a feeling of fulfillment that I can’t quite describe. Is that weird?”
He shakes his head, and I continue, “I turned my rooftop room into my own little art studio.”
“I’d love to see it sometime.”
The thought of him coming over gives me butterflies. “You’re welcome anytime.”
A mischievous grin spreads across his face, the one he often wears when he’s being devious. It makes his dimple stand out more than any other smile he has. “Anytime?” He cocks an eyebrow. “You know, sometimes the evenings get a little lonely. I might need someone to keep me company.” He holds my stare, maintaining composure, waiting for my reaction.
I break. I can’t help myself. Laughter explodes from me, and I playfully toss my napkin at him. “You really are such a flirt, you know that?”
He grins, leaning in closer. “Only with you.”
Our food arrives, and I realize I only have thirty minutes until I need to be back at the office.
Smiling, he starts stabbing and cutting at his steak.
“Do you have any other businesses aside from the restaurant?” I ask.
He swallows, nodding his head, and takes a drink of his water. “Yes, I own a martial arts studio in London with my brother, Andrew. We have good managers, and Andrew oversees it. I have less stake in it since I’m not heavily involved. I also co-own multiple commercial real estate properties in London with my dad and a handful here in Chicago.” He says all this like it’s no big deal .
“Okay, so by ‘dabble’, what you really meant was you basically have an empire and are wealthy as fuck?”
“My dad’s the one that’s wealthy as fuck. He has more money than God.”
“Was being a trust fund baby hard for you?” I ask teasingly. “Is this why you have relationship issues?”
He scoffs. “Here she comes with her claws out. I do love when you get feisty. I don’t have relationship issues. I just love my life the way it is. And no, it wasn’t difficult being a trust fund baby. Having money makes it wildly easier to make more money.” He winks and adds with a grin, “Jealous?”
He has a way of flustering me. Just when I think I’ve one-upped him, he dishes it back ten-fold.
“Maybe a little.” I cross my arms.
It’s the truth. I am jealous—jealous that he can approach life so effortlessly and sleep with whomever he pleases without it being anything but a second thought.
“I was joking,” he states.
“I’m not,” I say seriously.
A moment of silence passes as we each take a bite.
“Martial arts? That’s random,” I say, steering the conversation back. “How’d you get into that?”
“Andrew and I got into jiujitsu in our teenage years and instantly fell in love with it. I found it incredibly grounding; it always helped me achieve mental clarity and focus. It’s excellent for decompressing after a stressful week, and the rigorous training keeps me in shape too.”
“Oh yeah, your, um…” I shift in my seat for added dramatics. “Sorry,” I scowl and shake my head in mock frustration. “I’m just imagining you again without half your clothes, and… I’m having trouble gathering my thoughts. It all makes sense now, how you’re in such great shape.” I give him an I’m a badass grin.
He leans forward. “You’re walking a very dangerous line,” he says softly, his eyes scanning me up and down as if he’s ready to pounce. I’m not sure if I don’t want him to .
There it is again. Goddammit. I’m turned on. I feel a pulsing between my thighs, my stomach fluttering with anticipation, and my breath catching.
I clear my throat, searching for something to say. “You said you have two siblings: your brother, Andrew, and who else?”
The waitress arrives with the check, and he glances at his watch. “Don’t you have to get back to work?”
I check my watch. “Shit. I do.”
“I’ve got this. You can go if you need to.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.” He stands to say goodbye and gives me a hug. “Let’s do this again, yeah?”
“Yeah. Let’s. Thank you for lunch.” I walk away, feeling unsettled. Just when I think I’m getting close to understanding Leo, something throws me off. He seems to avoid the topic of his family, yet he did mention his brother today, and even his dad, briefly. It’s frustrating, but it also leaves me wanting to get to know him.
* * * * * * * * * *
Friday, September 23
One Month Later
I’m in my home office. A satisfied smile spreads across my face as I step back to admire the blueprints scattered across the table. Each line and detail seems to fall perfectly into place, reflecting the Marionis’ vision. I can’t help but feel a surge of pride at the thought of presenting this to them on Monday.
Just as I’m contemplating adding more windows to the sitting room to maximize natural light, I’m interrupted by the unmistakable sounds of sex coming from Leo’s house—something I’m becoming accustomed to. The rhythmic moans and occasional thuds make it impossible to focus .
“Ugh!” I groan, absentmindedly banging against the shared wall, knowing it will just provoke him.
Sure as shit, he responds with a purposeful fist bang, and it infuriates me even more.
Am I jealous? Yeah, probably. Do I wish I was having wild, spontaneous sex that wakes the neighbors? Most definitely.
I put my AirPods in and turn on one of my playlists, drowning out the noise. It’s a typical Friday night, and it’s not unusual for Leo to bring someone back to his house either Friday or Saturday. It’s not every weekend, but over the past month, this has happened at least three times. Who knows if there are more that I don’t hear. I don’t ask about it. I’m not sure if I want to know.
I work for another hour before I tire and turn in for the night. I’m restless, tossing, and turning for at least an hour before sleep finally claims me.
* * * * * * * * * *
Leo has his arms wrapped around my waist, staring into my eyes. He takes a hand and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. I moisten my lips and stare at his mouth. He leans forward slowly, savoring every moment before our lips touch. He meets them with anticipation and longing. I return the kiss with passion and fervor. We’re now in my bed, naked and passionately making love. His hands wander up and down my body, then slowly move down, down, down… My body arches in anticipation…
Abruptly, I wake up. I blink, a pulse of desire deep in my core. “Agh!” I moan into my pillow, sexually frustrated. Did I just have a wet dream? No, this was a cruel dream—a sex dream involving my next-door neighbor, leaving me needing and wanting. I tap on my phone. 5:15 AM. My alarm is set for six, and I see no point in trying to go back to sleep. I debate getting out my vibrator, but I get up instead. I put on my Lululemon yoga pants and sports bra, and walk up to my rooftop patio to do my yoga. The mornings have become chilly, but I find them invigorating .
The door to my patio faces the river. It’s the first thing I see as I step into the brisk early morning darkness. It’s so beautiful and serene up here. This is definitely my favorite place to be, and I’m dreading the day it’s too cold to enjoy coming up here, which will be soon. My patio is shaped like a U. On the left side, I have an outdoor dining table. In the center, just outside the door, there’s a patio swing that faces the river. On the right, I have an outdoor sectional with a chaise and a lounge chair that faces Leo’s patio, and behind that a small room that I turned into an art studio.
I lay my yoga mat out in the center of my patio in front of my swing. Grabbing my iPad, I turn to my Peloton app and scroll to a slow flow class. I set it on a little side table and begin. Facing Leo’s patio, the memories of last night and the dream this morning plague my mind.
Getting to know Leo over the past month has been a lot of fun. He’s becoming a good friend. We’ve shared a meal at least once a week, all while texting almost every day. We ask questions all week long via text, and I’ve become pretty comfortable with him in the little time that I’ve known him. He loves to give me shit, and I rather enjoy dishing it back to him. He makes me laugh, and out of everyone I’ve met here, he is my favorite person to hang out with.
I’ve been spending Saturday nights with Kara over the past month. She has introduced me to some of her friends and keeps insisting that I let her line me up with some of the guys she knows. I’ve been hesitant to agree because I feel like I’m in such a great place right now. These past six weeks have been all about getting to know myself as a single woman in a new city. I don’t want to do anything to screw up my mojo.
I haven’t told Leo about Ben yet. I think part of me loves that I’m not broken, widowed Vivian in Leo’s eyes. I avoid certain topics and don’t share many stories from my past. He’s been surprisingly open with me, and I’ve learned so many fun things about him. He came to Chicago at twenty-two after earning his bachelor’s in London, went on to the University of Illinois for his PhD, and started teaching there right after. He met his best friend Michael, the chef, through a mutual friend in college, and they lived together for three years in their mid-twenties. Classic rock and rap are his favorite genres of music, and he’s just as obsessive as I am about staying in shape, working out every day. We’ve even run together the past two Saturday mornings.
“Focus,” I tell myself. I turn my attention to my breathing, realizing I’ve been doing a flow for ten-minutes on autopilot. I’m in downward dog, my eyes closed with my ass in the air. Inhale. Exhale.
“You know, this might be the first time I’ve wished I lived on the opposite side. The view looks pretty tempting.” Leo’s voice echoes onto my rooftop, startling me.
“Gah, Leo! You scared the shit out of me.” I proceed to do my vinyasa. “Careful what you wish for. You might end up getting a view you can’t handle.” I say, as I slither into an upward facing dog, giving him a full shot of my cleavage.
I catch his eyes glancing down.
“What, you didn’t get your fill last night?” I say sarcastically.
He bites the side of his bottom lip and grins, turning his head like he’s been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. His dimples creep into his cheeks, and it’s the sexiest thing while being incredibly cute at the same time. Ben had dimples too. It’s one of the things that made him so adorable in high school. As he grew older, he became more masculine, but Ben never had facial hair. Something about the dimples on Leo gives him a boyish charm underneath all his manliness.
“Alright, Walker, you caught me. Let me have it.”
I grin. “So how was she?” I ask as I move into warrior two. “The whole goddamn neighborhood could hear you last night.”
“I’m sensing a bit of resentment this morning. Is it that time of the month?” He smacks his lips between his teeth, trying to suppress a smile.
“Oh no, you did not just say that!” I playfully give him the death look.
He lifts his arms, feigning innocence. “Did you hear anything in particular that you liked? Because if you did… you know we can always give it a go.”
That’s it, my focus is gone. “Don’t be a jackass!” I say, laughing and giving up on my yoga altogether. “What are you doing up so early?”
“I’m always up this early. What about you? You don’t usually get up until six.”
“How do you know what time I get up in the mornings?” I ask, astonished.
“I see you leave to run some mornings, which by the way is another topic in itself. You shouldn’t be out that early when it’s dark, running alone.”
I wave him off. “It’s fine. I carry a Birdie.”
“What the hell is a Birdie?”
“It’s a little device that sounds an ear-piercing alarm if I’m in trouble. It can also dispatch 911 and send my location to emergency contacts. Sarah gave it to me a few years ago when I started running alone.”
He doesn’t look convinced. “You should start coming with me to jiujitsu to learn some self-defense tactics.”
“Isn’t it like… mostly men there? I don’t want to be the only girl, that’s intimidating.”
“You strike me as the type who can hold her own with a bunch of men. In fact, I think you thrive in that environment.”
“Why do you say that?” I ask, walking to where our patios meet, separated by a brick wall.
“Because you’re a flirt by nature.”
Placing my fingers on my chest, I give him a look of shock. “Me? A flirt? Whatever do you mean?” Dropping my playful facade, I let my arm fall to my side. “Why don’t you just teach me a few things?” I say, my voice steady and sincere. “I’m sure you can give me some pointers to keep me safe. I don’t want to go to a martial arts place. Ain’t nobody got time for that.”
He ponders. “I could do that sometime.”
The thought of grappling with him sends a wave of excitement through me, an electric anticipation I can’t quite shake. I imagine his body close to mine, the intensity of it all.
He extends an arm, offering me his hand. “Have coffee with me?” he says sweetly, smiling. He can be so damn charming when he wants to be.
I grab his hand and climb over the wall that separates our patios.