Page 11 of Blissful Hook

What did surprise me, though, was him offering to pay for the place he chose. But I guess being Mr. Money-Bags now, he has the money to spend. Either that or his girlfriend, Ava, made him pay for it.

"Hey, Cody," I say to our neighbour and give him a warm smile as we exit the elevator. His pale cheeks flush as he returns it and ducks into his apartment, pushing the door shut quickly behind him.

"It's hilarious how into you he is. Poor guy doesn't stand a chance," Jess chuckles from beside me.

Giving my head a small shake, I follow her into the bright open space we call home. The summer sun beams through the floor-to-ceiling windows, outlining the entirety of our open-concept apartment. A smile twitches at the corners of my mouth. It's a gorgeous view.

I set my purse down on the entryway table and kick off the tennis shoes that Jess brought me. The last thing I needed was to be seen wearing shorts sagging from my hips and heels as I waddled my way home in shame.

"He's just friendly, Jess. Give him a break." I grab a glass from one of the sleek white cabinets in the kitchen and fill it with some water.

"The guy can barely make it through an entire sentence without stuttering when you talk to him, Gray. You're too naïve when it comes to anyone but Tyler," Jess informs me. I glare at her as she flops down onto the grey leather couch, and flicks on the T.V.

"Am not!" I say defensively. Grabbing my glass, I join her as the intro to How To Get Away With Murder plays through the speakers intalled around the room.

She raises a judgmental eyebrow at me, placing her feet on my lap and focusing all her attention on the beautiful cast in front of us.

“Whatever you say,” she replies dismissively, letting me know through her suddenly cold tone that she’s more than done with this conversation, putting an end to it immediately. It is one of her most infuriating characteristics. It’s also her usual response to any Tyler related conversations. I brush off the annoying pinch in my gut and pretend like I don't notice her attitude.

Like I always do.

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