Page 11 of Faking It With the Single Dad

The receptionist leans forward slightly and rests her elbows on the counter. “You really are lucky. I’m off in about seven minutes. I can swing by before I head home.”

Her flirtatious tone doesn’t escape me, but I don’t have the energy to entertain it. “Thank you,” I say simply. “I’ll pay you for your time.”

She waves a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. You owe me for saving your butt the first day, though. Remember that.”

I nod and head for the door, making a mental note to tip her generously later.

The drive to the property agency is short, but it feels like a lifetime. My mind races with thoughts of everything I need to do, the frustration of being stuck here weighing heavily on me. I park the car in front of the small brick building, the sign above the door reading “Cedar Ridge Realty.”

As I step inside, I’m not paying much attention to my surroundings, too preoccupied with my thoughts. That’s why I don’t notice someone walking out of the office until we collide.

“Watch it!” a familiar voice snaps.

I look up, startled, and find myself face-to-face with Bella, of all people.

Her expression darkens when she recognizes me, and her jaw tightens as she steps back.

“Bella,” I say, more out of surprise than anything else.

“What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

She crosses her arms. “It’s none of your business.”

I raise an eyebrow at her tone, unsure what I’ve done to deserve this hostility.

“Look, I’m not trying to pry,” I say carefully. “It’s just…surprising to see you here, that’s all.”

Bella’s eyes narrow as she takes a small step back, as if trying to put more distance between us. “I don’t owe you or anyone else any explanation,” she snaps.

I glance around and notice a group of people across the street watching us with curious eyes. Cedar Ridge might be a big town, but gossip travels fast. The last thing either of us needs is to be the center of attention.

“Fine,” I say, raising my hands in surrender. “Let’s not make a scene.”

Without waiting for her response, I step past her and head into the building, leaving her fuming. Whatever her reasons for being here, they’re her business. I have enough on my plate without adding Bella’s mood swings.

The inside of the property agency is small but tidy, with a row of desks and a bulletin board covered in flyers advertising available rentals. A middle-aged woman behind the counter greets me with a polite smile.

“Good morning. I’m Renee. How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for an apartment,” I say. “Something available immediately.”

She nods and gestures for me to take a seat. “We can definitely help with that. Do you have any specific requirements?”

“Two bedrooms,” I say without hesitation. “Somewhere quiet, and no major repairs needed.”

She scribbles down my requests and starts flipping through a binder. “We have a few properties that might fit your needs. Let me pull up the details for you.”

As she works, I glance toward the window and glimpse Bella outside. She’s still standing there, arms crossed and glaring at nothing. For a moment, I consider going back out to apologize—if only to smooth things over—but I quickly dismiss the idea. Bella’s mood is her problem, not mine.

The agent clears her throat, drawing my attention back to her. “Here are a few options,” she says as she slides a printout across the desk. “This one is in a quiet neighborhood, and it’s move-in ready.”

I scan the details, nodding as she explains the features. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.

“I’d like to see this one,” I say, tapping the page.

“Of course,” she replies. “I’ll set up a viewing for later today.”

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