Page 60 of Lucky Strike

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“This place alreadylooks really cute,” Mia said when they pulled alongside the curb. “It must have been a guardian angel who put that flyer on your windshield.”

Luna was apt to agree with Mia. It was nestled in between old trees. A stone pathway was hugged by grass on either side, and it had a healthy growth of white Shasta daisies and purple lupin. Luna was halfway in love already. It was better than the duplex from a few months prior. Even so, she tried to temper her excitement.

An older woman with a friendly disposition and wild gray curls approached from the covered patio. “Hello! I’m Leslie and which one of you is Luna?”

Luna raised her hand shyly. She was suddenly nervous and glad Mia had come with her. She removed her shoes before stepping foot in the place because she wasn’t taking any chances this time. The house was tiny but it already felt like a home. She wanted this place with all her heart.

“Luna,” Mia said, poking her side with an elbow.

“What?”

“Leslie asked what you thought.”

“Oh. Yeah, I really like it. Do you have an application so I can start the process for the credit check?”

Leslie removed a long sheet from her black portfolio folder and handed it to Luna. “We already have the necessary information. If you’re willing to pay first month and deposit today, we can go straight to signing the lease.”

“Huh?” Even Mia was confused as she shared a glance with Luna. This was all happening too fast.

Luna’s gaze dropped to the lease in her hand and the mystery surrounding the place shifted into focus. It was a Sunderland property. She cleared her throat, attempting to appear casual. “Sure. I’m assuming you got my information from Sam.”

Mia’s eyes were about to pop from their sockets.

“Yes, of course,” Leslie replied.

“Sam?” Mia said after Luna had done all the necessary paperwork and they returned to Luna’s SUV. “What is going on?”

“That sneak! Now he’s trying to get rid of me!”

Mia gave her an incredulous look. “I mean, he’s giving you exactly what you wanted. Are you actually mad at him? Aren’t we supposed to be celebrating that you’re getting a cute little place? It’s not like the guy threw your stuff out on the street and changed the lock on your apartment.”

“You don’t find it weird that he just quietly leaves a flyer on my car like a creeper. Why didn’t he come talk to me?”

Mia snorted. “Like you’ve never done anything weird or sneaky.”

Luna released a squeak. Her cousin was getting braver all the time. “Whatever. I can be both happy and mad at the same time. It’s not impossible to feel both of those things together, especially in regards to men.”

She pulled alongside the curb of Lanza Fine Jewelry to drop Mia off.

“You’re not going back to work?” her cousin asked while easing herself from the vehicle.

“No. I need to have a few words with someone. He can’t avoid me forever. Oh, can you let Ross know something came up and I have to run home?”

“Just remember, you got the keys to a really nice place today, so maybe do more kissing than yelling at the poor man.”

“Ha! Sam has no idea what he’s in for…and neither do I because I haven’t decided what that is yet.”

As soon as Mia shut the door, Luna drove off. With each block closer, the more aggravated she got. She didn’t even know why she was upset. Mia was correct. Sneaky as it was, Sam had done a nice thing for her. But why was he pushing her away? He liked her. Right?

As soon as she parked, she marched to his door, and knocked sternly.

No answer.

His motorcycle was in its normal spot. She knocked harder. Was he really going to ignore her? Because how dare he! She pounded her fist on the door. “I know you’re in there, Sam Sunderland! You come out here and talk to me, you big coward!”

She was about to bang some more, when it jerked open, revealing a damp, naked Sam holding a white towel around his waist. “What in the hell is going on?”

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