“Absolutely not.” He shakes his head again.
This guy really does have a problem with me, I realize. But why? And how has he been my neighbor for a week and we’ve never run into each other?
Puzzled, I turn around to face him and cross my arms over my chest. I know I'm running late, but this new development has me too interested. I’ve never been comfortable with any sort of confrontation, so I’m surprised when I hear myself respond. “Do you want to elaborate on that? Or just simply…no.”
“You don't live there.” He points at the door behind me. “Parker does.”
Okay, maybe this guy is actually crazy. Maybe Gina just hasn't noticed or didn't want to scare me.
“Yes, he does.” I agree with the lunatic. “And I moved in last week.” He studies me in silence for a moment too long and it happens again. Words burst from my lips with an uncharacteristic edge. “Have I done something to offend you? Or are you just a moody jerk to everyone?”
“Why can't it be both?” he asks in a flat voice, facial features giving nothing away.
He's joking though, right? I'm waiting for the punchline, except it never comes. This guy is serious. “And what exactly did I do?”
“Listen, just stay on your side of the hall. Okay?” He scowls.
“Because there would be a reason for me to ever come to yours?” I ask while arching an eyebrow.
His lips flatten into a straight line. “When do you work at the coffee shop?”
“You want my schedule?” My eyebrows pop up in surprise. “Are you on meds? Like did you forget to take them today or something?”
Where did that come from? I've never said anything like that to anyone in my life. This man seems to bring out the worst in me. And I don't feel even slightly guilty for it.
Then his lips…twitch. And then they flatten again. Did he almost laugh? Is he even capable?
“Nevermind.” He shoves his phone into his pocket and steps out into the hall, pulling his door closed. I'm actually surprised he can stand to bring himself that close to me. To my knowledge, I've never been hated on sight before, and everything about him confuses me. He gives me a pointed look. “Just…don't.”
“Don'twhat?” The exasperation is clear in my tone, but seriously, I'm about to call a doctor for this man.
“Don'tanything.” Forrest turns and locks his door before he walks away, leaving me staring at his back until he disappears into the stairwell.
“What was that?” I whisper to myself.
The men I’m attracted to always seem to be straight or unavailable, which is unfortunate, but at least they’ve always been sane. So, why does my imagination turn to shutting Forrest’s mouth next time by putting my lips on his? And there will definitely be a next time because my new neighbor is a hundred percent certifiable.
I’m going to blame the fact that I’m not only a virgin, I’ve never even been kissed. This is just a hiccup in the horny matrix or something. I'm sure of it.
Sighing, I turn around and unlock the apartment door. Now that I've dealt with Forrest Grump, Parker seems like a walk in the park. He's sitting on the couch with a bag of chips in his lap, but many have escaped and are laying half crushed on the blue cloth upholstery. His headset is on and he's laughing obnoxiously into the mic while playing a video game. I don't even think he notices me entering, which suits me just fine.
As I make my way to my room, I wrinkle my nose at the piles of clothes and trash he's somehow managed to double during the short shift I worked. I wouldn't call myself a neat freak, but it wouldn't kill him to learn to work a washing machine or find a trash can.
Once I'm in my room, I close the door and check my phone. I'm not at all surprised to find a couple of texts waiting from Katie. She's the first and only friend I've made in the city so far, and we have plans to meet for a late lunch. I'm already running behind thanks to the jerk across the hall, so I quickly tap on the unread messages.
Katie: Hey, I grabbed us a table near the bar. Just come on back when you get here.
I wince when I see it was sent fifteen minutes ago and then I read the second text.
Katie: Tick tock. I look like an idiot sitting alone. Get your butt here.
That one was sent two minutes ago so she must still be there. I type out a reply.
Me: Sorry, running late. Tossing on some clean clothes and headed your way. Don't kill me.
Another text comes through as I'm slipping into a pair of black skinny jeans.
Katie: You're good. There's a hot blonde at the bar and I'm trying to get her attention anyway.
