Page 8 of Don't Fall

It’s not just the body though that earned him the Hot New Neighbor label. His face is pretty damn nice too. Strong jaw, slight stubble which blends in with the dark fuzz he’s got growing on his head. He’s not bald, or even balding, but he does seem to take a low maintenance approach to hair. It suits him. He’s not a slick back or faux hawk kinda guy.

I’m still contemplating whether or not I’ve seen his full lips stretch into a real smile yet, when he takes a sip of coffee, his mouth disappearing in his cup completely. Automatically, my gaze shifts to his eyes, and stops. I can tell from the way the corners of his baby blues crinkle, he’s laughing at me for some reason.

Some reason. Like maybe the obvious way in which I’ve been ogling him for the last few minutes.

Oh, God.

“Well, this has been...interesting.” I lift my hand to catch the light fixture and pull myself back up onto the railing in a hurry. It’s going to be slightly trickier now with one hand, but I can make it work. I have to. “Thanks for the coffee.”

“It’s the least I can do, considering.”

I jump down – careful not to spill, landing safely on solid ground again. I notice he’s still standing there watching me. “Alright, so...have a nice day.” I do a half wave sort of gesture and hurry for the door. I’ve got one foot in when I hear him again.

“Let me know when you’re ready to talk about our situation.”

I shake my head and move out of his sight, scowling at Drea who’s perched on the sofa anxiously awaiting a full report on my coffee escapades with Hot New Neighbor.

“Don’t. There’s nothing to smile about.”

She doesn’t believe me. “Um, hot new guy - living in your apartment. What’s not to smile about?!”

“The list is long, Drea,” I counter, “but while we’re on that, how could you go all summer and never mention that the new neighbor moved into my apartment?!”

She shrugs. “It’s your apartment. Kinda figured you knew.”

“Yeah. Well, clearly I didn’t.”

“So, now that you do, what are you going to do?”

I frown. “Is that your subtle way of kicking me out already?”

She laughs. “I’m not subtle, Tessa. Ever.”

“Point taken.” I have another drink of my coffee. It’s getting cold already. That’s what I get for wasting all my precious time ogling. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. He’s got a lease. I don’t think I can kick him out, even if I am his new landlord.“

“Or roommate.” She wiggles her brows at me.

“Don’t do that, it looks creepy. Creepy and crazy. Both of which I think of when I consider moving in with a man I know nothing about. Who moves in with a perfect stranger? No one. No one sane anyway.” Drea’s up off the couch and attempting to take the mug out of my hands as I’m speaking. Apparently, the crazy has a strong hold on her this morning. “What are you doing?”

“I just want one measly little sip.”

“Fine. I’ll save you one.” I turn away so my cup is out of her reach.

“Ew. I don’t want the last sip. It’ll be all grounds and backwash.”

I shrug. “Hey, desperate times and all that. Take it or leave it.”

She fakes gagging. “I’ll leave it.”

Thought so.

The clock behind her catches my attention in the middle of it all. Doing morning gymnastics to get my coffee took up more time than I allotted for coffee consumption today. My ass needs to hit the shower, asap. I’ve got my first class in less than an hour, and contrary to Drea’s beliefs, the first week of classes does count.

I’m almost to the bathroom when I notice Drea is hot on my heels.

“What are you doing? If you don’t walk away within the next ten seconds, you’re going to see me naked.”

Drea rolls her eyes at me and leans against the wall, just in case I didn’t get that she was planning on sticking around despite the nudity threat.

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