Page 15 of Spark

“Are you alright?” Oliver looked into her eyes, a focus in them as he assessed her. “Any dizziness or spots?” she shook her head no, irritation seeping into her bones.

“How many fingers?” he held up two fingers and she rolled her eyes.

“What do you want?” She said, Oliver seemingly unsatisfied with her answers but didn’t pry further. His hands came up in surrender in front of his chest.

“Look.” He said. “I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. Can we have a do-over, at least to be civil neighbors?” His eyes were earnest, and after a heavy sigh, she placed the hamper down between them. Crossing her arms, she considered theirprevious conversations. Something about him had unsettled her. But he did seem genuinely concerned about her just now. Perhaps giving him another chance wouldn’t hurt—they would be neighbors, after all. She took him in, towering above her, and hmmed. After a moment she released her arms and let them fall to her sides.

“Sure,” she finally agreed, breaking the silence. “Welcome, neighbor.” She extended her hand, and he shook it eagerly before releasing it, running a hand through his gelled-back hair.

“Thanks, Mia.” He said, placing a hand on the wall next to him and leaning.

“So, rain check on that date?” he asked, his smile growing.

She smiled, thinking a rain check would be harmless. If they were going to be neighbors, it was better to be friendly—more flies with honey or whatever that saying was.

“Yeah, for sure. Now that you’re next door, we can hang out anytime, right?”

Oliver nodded, his expression inscrutable as he shoved his hands into his pockets. As she tried to meet his gaze, his face turned away, and Mia sensed a mix of disappointment and something else in his demeanor—a reminder of that unsettling feeling she couldn’t quite pinpoint. Her heart raced again, nerves creeping back in.

“Well, I have some stuff to get done,” she said, edging toward the stairs and reaching for the hamper.

Oliver nodded, pulling out his phone and glancing at the screen before looking back at her. His eyes looked to the bruise once more. Mia swallowed, feeling unsure as she met his expectant gaze. Before she thought better of it, she reached for his phone.

“Hey, take my number,” she said, Oliver looking at her and swiping at the screen before passing it to her. He gave her a nod and let her take it.

“That would be great.” Oliver said as Mia flipped his phone in her hand, revealing a black case with a yellow Shelby Mustang design. The sight brought a genuine smile to her face, thoughts of Aurelio swirling in her mind. Just thinking of him made her cheeks warm as she anticipated their upcoming video call. She gave him a smile and flipped it back over, tapping quickly. Each digit felt significant as it entered his phone. But in a swift motion, she accidentally hit the wrong digit. Pretending it didn’t happen, she finished with the correct one and glanced at the entry. The incorrect digit loomed like a glaring red flag, but she dismissed the feeling, forcing a smile as she handed the phone back to Oliver. Grinning like a schoolboy, he held the phone close to his face, tapping quickly. After a moment, he turned the phone to show her the contact he had created.

?Cute Neighbor?

Mia swallowed hard, her throat tight as Oliver looked at her expectantly, his smile shifting into a grin as he raised an eyebrow.

She forced a smile, nodding at the phone. “Oh, you forgot my name already?” she joked, laughing softly.

Oliver glanced back at the contact and laughed, thinking the moment had successfully passed, or so Mia hoped.

“Oh, ha, you’re funny.” He shifted his stance, edging closer, his mouth nearly brushing her ear. “How could I ever forget your name, Mia?” he whispered, sending goosebumps racing down her arms.

The air around them thickened as her personal space felt invaded. Anger surged again, prompting Mia to smile andpush him back gently with the hamper. His expression darkened slightly, the barrier pressing against his firm chest. Oliver met her smile with one of his own, but the edges of it suggested something more than friendly.

“Bye, Oliver,” she said, hastily making her way down the stairs.

“Bye, Mia.” His whisper echoed in the silent hallway, too loud, the distance between them feeling far too short. All Mia could hear was the frantic beating of her heart as she breathed shallowly. Something about Oliver set her teeth on edge, and deep down, she knew this was only the beginning.

Chapter Nine

After fall one in her loft, Mia wanted to avoid a repeat performance as she made her way down the stairs to the cafe. Chatter and the sound of the expresso machine filtered to her as she pushed the door open. She set the basket just inside the door separating the stairs from the cafe and stepped in. she was greeted with the comforting scent of coffee beans and baking pastries. She smiled as she caught Tony’s gaze. He motioned her over before turning to the machines and crafting a beverage. Happy to accept a coffee in exchange for gossip, Mia sidled up the counter. The line was only a few deep, the two girls working in tandem to take the orders and fulfill them.

“Morning girl.” Tony said, handing a to go over the little partition. “So, spill.” Mia accepted the warm cup and felt her cheeks grow hot. She had yet to tell Tony how far things had progressed but she knew he was sensing a shit.

“Well,” she drew in sharp breath and let a little giggle out.

“Stop!” Tony half shouted, the last remaining patron eyeing them before walking to a table with a mug. Mia placed a hand on her head, pressing the bruise, eliciting a quick suck in of air. Tony looked at her, his eyes searching her face as Oliver had. When they landed on the bruise, Tony’s mouth fell open.

“What did you do?” Tony reached out a hand gently. Mia let him tilt her chin around, his eyes gaging the bruise, his facehiding nothing as he took it in. “Are you okay?” Mia gave him a nod as his hand pulled back. He gave a tut and turned to the machine he had used. Cleaning it, he caught Mia’s eye again.

“so you two been spicing things up then?” he gave her a raised brow. Her grin and reddened cheeks seemed to be all the conformation he needed. He gave her grin and nodded his approval.

“Good, lord know you need it.” Mia laughed and raised her cup before taking a sip. She gave him a thanks for the coffee and the two parted, each wearing a smile.

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