The Off-limits Grump Next Door

1. Chapter One

Chapter One

K endra

As I stepped out of the cab and onto the brick interlock of the parking lot, the humid North Carolina air hit me like a warm blanket, wrapping around my tired limbs. The contrast from the icy, sharp winds of Alaska was almost jarring.

I inhaled deeply, the warmth seeping into my skin, loosening the tension that had built up from the nine-and-a-half-hour flight and the long drive.

I stretched my arms and rolled my neck, trying to work out the tight knots that threatened to push me into a new wave of exhaustion.

I hadn’t just left Alaska behind—I was trying to leave memories, pain, and grief, all frozen beneath the endless snow.

Yet as I stood here, soaking in the southern sun, I couldn't help but wonder if those ghosts would melt and follow me anyway.

In front of me stood a modest three-story apartment complex with a faded brick fa?ade and white trim that glowed softly in the late afternoon sun. The red roof added a rustic charm, and the windows twinkled in the light, a welcoming contrast to the rugged, snow-capped mountains I had left behind.

It was peaceful enough, a far cry from the rugged mountains I’d once called home. Maybe that’s why I chose it—to disappear into the ordinary, where no one knew me or my past.

I paid the cab driver and turned to wrestle my suitcases from the trunk. The weight of them reminded me just how much baggage I was carrying—not just the physical kind. As I struggled to haul them up the steps, a low, gravelly voice cut through my thoughts.

"You're blocking the whole darn stairway."

The voice was thick with annoyance, like I’d personally set out to ruin his day. I turned around, already preparing an apology, when my breath caught in my throat. Standing there, tall and broad, was a man whose face I hadn’t seen in years but had once thought of every day.

Antonio Michaelson.

The same Antonio I’d secretly crushed on back in college. Only this Antonio looked like life had hardened him, chiseled him into someone sharp-edged and unforgiving.

His piercing blue eyes were locked on me, narrowed in irritation. His scowl could curdle milk from fifty feet away, and his tightly clenched jaw looked like it hadn’t smiled in years.

My heart stuttered. How was this possible?

How was he here ?

“Excuse me… hey!” he barked, snapping his fingers to grab my attention.

I blinked, shaken from my thoughts. "Uh, sorry," I stammered, still processing that this was the same man I’d admired from afar, the one who’d once smiled effortlessly, who used to make everyone feel welcome.

“Don’t be sorry. Move!”

His tone snapped me out of the fog. "Okay, jeez… chill. I’m just trying to move in.” I gritted my teeth, feeling the weight of his judgment pressing down on me as much as my suitcases.

My muscles screamed in protest, and my eyes burned from the fatigue that threatened to spill over into tears. This was not how I pictured starting over.

He snorted, giving me and my belongings a once-over with a look of disdain. "Great. Another neighbor who thinks the world revolves around them."

I felt my irritation spike, but I bit back the retort sitting on the edge of my tongue. I didn’t want to start my new life by fighting with the first person I met, even if he had once been the guy I thought could do no wrong.

Was he always this much of a jerk, or had something happened to change him? How had I not noticed this side of him back then?

“Probably because you were too busy swooning over his smile, ” the voice in my head whispered, and I grimaced.

Antonio lingered, watching me struggle with an intensity that made my skin prickle. His gaze was heavy, judging, as if he could see right through me—and I hated that it made me feel self-conscious.

I pulled my suitcases the rest of the way up, managing to get inside with a final grunt of effort. When I turned to close the door, Antonio still hadn’t moved.

"You know, you're not exactly the welcoming committee I was hoping for," I said, keeping my voice even, though irritation dripped from every word.

He raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "I'm not here to welcome you. I'm here to tell you to keep the noise down. Some of us like peace at home."

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 enough apart 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.”

I blushed at the statement, thanked him and closed the door, taking a deep breath of the savory aroma. My stomach growled in anticipation.

"Okay, Tom, I'm back. Where were we?"

"We were talking about your cozy nest. So, what's the plan for tomorrow?"

"I'm going to explore the area, maybe check out some local shops. And I need to find a new job, obviously."

I smiled, feeling the warmth of his support wash over me. "Thanks, Tom. I think this was the right move." Though my mind still wandered back to the life I’d left behind—the husband I’d lost, the future that had slipped through my fingers like sand. But I couldn’t dwell on that. Not now.

We chatted for a bit longer, his lighthearted teasing pulling me out of my heavy thoughts, until finally, he said, "Get some rest, Kendra. You’ve had a long day."

“I will. Love you, bro.” And, say hi to Lucinda and the kids for me." His wife was a gem, and so were the kids. They were the biggest reason I was able to survive my loss… I missed them already.

After devouring half the pizza, I decided to tidy up the living room. I threw on some music and tackled the dusty shelves, but as I worked, my eyelids grew heavier and heavier. Before I knew it, I was stretched out on the couch, fast asleep.

When I woke, it was dark outside. My stomach rumbled again, so I decided on a quick dinner—mac and cheese. I tossed some macaroni into a pot and switched on the stove before turning on the TV. Love Island was calling my name, and I couldn’t resist.

I got so engrossed in the drama that I didn’t notice the burning smell until the fire alarm went off. My heart dropped.

Rushing to the kitchen, I saw flames licking the bottom of the pot. No, no, no!

Panicking, I grabbed the pot—only to burn my hand. “Crap!” I muttered, finally pulling on oven mitts to get it off the stove. Smoke filled the room, and I couldn’t find the fire alarm to turn it off.

Just then, there was pounding on the door.

I flung it open to see Antonio standing there, his expression thunderous. “Everything okay here?” he barked.

I nodded, trying to appear calm. “Yeah, just a little kitchen mishap.”

Without waiting for an invitation, he barged in, turned off the fire alarm, and spun on his heel to leave. But before he could, he turned back and glared at me. “You really need to be more careful. You almost burned down the building.”

I bit back my anger. I don’t need this right now .

As the door clicked shut behind him, I slumped against the counter, feeling a mix of frustration and humiliation.

Could this day get any worse?