The disgusted expression on Liz’s face matched Fiona’s opinion of the matter. “What kind of punishment did the little demon get for that?”
“One week of in-school suspension, plus his mother insisted that he clean all of the urinals in that bathroom for each of those days.” The last part was rather surprising. Most of the time, this particular parent refused to believe her son could possibly do anything wrong. Perhaps being caught with his pants down—literally—had something to do with the change of attitude.
“That’s rather fitting. Way to go, Mom.” Liz checked the time on her phone and frowned. “He’s late.”
“I saw his car in the lot when I came in. Maybe he’s too busy today.”
Liz scoffed. “That man is never too busy. He lives for this shit.”
As if on cue, a door closed somewhere downstairs. Less than a minute later, her neighbor appeared on the sidewalk, looking drool-worthy in dark-blue running shorts and athletic shoes that had seen better days. No shirt, which she supposed made sense, considering how unseasonably warm the week had been. He had a swimmer’s build, powerful and lean, with tanned skin, chiseled muscles, and a tattoo on one arm, though she couldn’t quite tell what it was. His face was masculine perfection—strong jaw, full lips, straight nose, carved cheekbones, and eyes that reminded her of molten chocolate, warm and rich. His hair was a few weeks past the time for a cut, the dark strands curled against the nape of his neck, while a row of piercings in his left ear glinted under the late-afternoon sun.
“Damn.” Liz fanned herself. “That man is delicious.”
Though she totally agreed, Fiona shushed her friend. “He’s going to hear you.”
“No, he won’t. He’s wearing earbuds.” Still, she lowered her voice and leaned toward Fiona. “You should take him out for a test drive.”
Fiona sipped her wine. She should probably feel bad about lusting after the guy like a sorority girl on spring break. She didn’t even know his name. They’d exchanged pleasantries a time or two when their paths crossed on the sidewalk in front of the building, but that was as far as she was willing to act on her attraction. “The last thing I need is to get involved with my neighbor.”
There were so many ways for that to go wrong. She didn’t need more drama in her life. And with him living in the apartment directly beneath hers, it could get pretty awkward if things went south between them. It would be like taking the walk of shame every day for the rest of her lease.
“Are you high? A guy like that isexactlywhat you need to get your groove back.” Liz gestured to her neighbor as he broke into a brisk jog. “Look at the way those muscles move. I bet he can go for miles without breaking a sweat.”
Fiona shook her head. Guys like that were magic and fire. More likely than not, he’d rock her world but, in the end, she’d get burned. Again. As it was, she still hadn’t fully healed from the wounds her ex had inflicted. She wasn’t broken, but the cracks were still visible, and the last thing she needed was another bad experience on her relationship resume. “I need to find a nice, safe guy, like a tax attorney or a computer programmer.”
Her friend blew out a noise that said exactly what she thought of the idea. “Once upon a time, you thought the cop was safe, and look where that got you. Besides, it’s not like you have to shackle yourself to the guy for the rest of your natural-born life. Just take him around the block a few times.”
“No, thank you. I’m perfectly content with admiring the merchandise from afar.”
“Chicken.”
“I’m not chicken. I’m just not ready. Besides, who wants to start a relationship this close to Christmas? The holidays are stressful enough as it is. There’s the parties, and gift exchanges, and do I include him in my normal holiday activities or come up with new stuff that’s only for us?” She huffed out a breath. “See what I mean? I’m getting stressed out just thinking about the hypotheticals, and I don’t even know the guy’s name.”
Liz made clucking noises, and Fiona rolled her eyes.
“Cluck all you want, it’s not happening.”
A pout pursed Liz’s lips. “Fine, have it your way. For now. But don’t think for one minute that I’m going to stand idly by and watch you turn into a cat lady.” She finished the last of her wine and stood.
“Where are you going? Hot Guy should be back any minute.” The end of the run, when he came back all sweaty and disheveled, was Liz’s favorite part of the show. Okay, it was her favorite part too. It might end up being the highlight of her evening, and how freaking pitiful was that?
“I’d love to stay, but I’ve got to go. Jeremy wants me to try his new porter before we open tonight. Why don’t you stop by after you’re done grading? It’s always quiet on weeknights; we can talk.”
Tempting, so damn tempting. It had been weeks since she’d gone to the bar. “I wish I could, but it’s going to be late by the time I finish.”
“Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
After a quick hug, Liz let herself out, and Fiona sat on the balcony for another five minutes or so, long enough for her downstairs neighbor to return from his run. Breathing heavy, he bent at the waist, his hands resting on his knees, completely unaware of her presence. That was probably for the best. She’d die of embarrassment if he ever glanced up and caught her watching him like the crazy cat lady she was clearly turning into.
Best to leave before that happened. Empty glass in hand, she slipped inside and locked the sliding glass door behind her. The time she’d wasted meant she wouldn’t be able to go to the bar or watch her show, but she decided it was worth it. She and Liz hadn’t had much time for talk lately, and watching her neighbor run in those short little shorts let her know that her libido still existed.
Crossing to the kitchen, she placed a container of leftover takeout into the microwave and filled the cat’s bowl. Maybe Liz was right, and it was time for her to dip her toe back into the dating pool. But taking that kind of leap was hard when you didn’t trust your instincts anymore. Nothing about Dennis had raised red flags. She’d thought he was a good guy, safe. And look where that had gotten her. It was better to be alone than be with a man who didn’t love and respect her.
A knock at the door broke her train of thought. Liz must have forgotten something—she did it all the time. Or perhaps she wanted to take one more shot at talking Fiona into joining her at the bar tonight.
She went to the foyer and opened the door, and a chill slid down her spine at the sight of her ex in the hall.
That’s what she got for not checking the peephole.
