Page 109 of My Ruthless Neighbor

After we hang up, I take a long breath.

I don’t like lying to my best friend. I close my eyes. My frustration battles with anguish.

Archer, what are you doing to me?

???

The elevator door opens and I step inside with my trolly.

Massaging the back of my neck, I stare at the illuminated digits. My stomach hurting with hunger pangs.

Instead of devouring my cheeseburger, I decided to come home and eat with Goldie.

Ever since he came into my life, I’ve developed a habit of eating with him.

I never knew having company while eating could bring so much peace to your heart.

I was used to being alone before him. But now I can’t picture life without him.

I am late. The dog sitter has called me three times already. I’ll have to pay her extra.

But it’s worth it because I can’t imagine leaving Goldie all alone in the apartment.

I push my hands in my camouflage printed dungaree’s pockets and wait as the elevator climbs up, my body feeling worn out.

I am going to fill my tummy and hit the bed with Goldie. The thought is welcoming.

When the door opens to my floor, I get out, wheeling my trolly.

My mouth opens on a huge yawn, my eyes falling shut. I stretch my arms in the air and crack my neck.

“Home sweet home—” I open my lids and freeze when I see Archer standing at his door, staring at me. “Holy shit!” My arms fall limply on my sides.

I knew I had to face him someday. But why the hell that day had to betoday?

He is in a fitted cream sweater and dark jeans. His tousled hair makes me want to run my fingers in it.

Archer slays suits as well as casuals. How can he look so yummy all the damn time? So unfair!

I on the other hand am in a dungaree with my hair all over the place. I probably have bags under my eyes and my shoulders are slumped. Just great.

In my head, I had these scenarios where I am dressed in my brightest colors, my face radiant, having a good hair day while I run into him. I would act like I didn’t see him and he would have a difficult time taking his eyes off me.

I glare up at God.Why do you hate me so much?

When I look at him, he’s still standing there, staring at me. His expression tells me that he wasn’t expecting to run into me either.

That makes two of us.

You were not supposed to see me like this. You were supposed to catch me on my best outfit day and drool over me.

He is the one looking drool-worthy today.

A series of images flash before my eyes. Him kissing me passionately. Him bending me over. Then driving into me, biting my neck.

I shake my head to gather my wits.

Blushing furiously under his scrutiny, I lift my chin at him in greeting and scurry to my apartment door.

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