For the past couple of hours I’d kept myself busy unpacking the boxes for the kitchen. Pulling out what little crockery I had. There wasn’t much. A few odds and ends, enough to get by for a little while. I mentally added a trip to the thrift store on my never-ending to-do list for some pots and pans.

My stomach gave out a grumble and I thought there was no time like the present to christen the haphazard kitchen that certainly would not pass any kind of health inspection. I would make do and prepare some good old homely food while finishing up the last of the unpacking. I hadn't eaten properly since my arrival and my families time honored mac and cheese recipe called to me. I couldn't do too much in the kitchen yet and I only had the few essential ingredients that I had traveled with, my greater culinary adventures would have to wait. Time for a little comfort food.

In the small space, jumping from unpacking then back to the food on the stove I thought about the awkward encounters I’d had with my new neighbor. How dare he stick his nose where it didn’t belong? I’d come to learn his name from his sweet daughter Kadee, but Derek Varden was nothing more than an interfering busy-body and a know it all. I couldn’t get the smug look he had on his face when he practically chastised me about the porch.

Totally arrogant and overbearing. Not my type at all. Too many years around army bases had cured me of that notion.

First he came over claiming to help, a flashlight in his hand, only to back away, removing the offer, forcing me to take matters into my own hands. And then the next day he had the audacity to tell me how to fix up my own house? Just because his was perfect and didn’t have a porch that was caving in he had to come interfere with mine?

And yet why did my body flush and tremble whenever I was around him? Why did I feel the need to throttle him at the same time as kissing him? I groaned.

As the homely food aroma filled the place I began to question my own behavior each time we’d met. This wasn't really the way I wanted to start things off was it? This was going to be my dream home, where I’d envisaged spending the rest of my life. Staying put for good. What use was a senseless feud with a neighbor? He had technically only tried to help me since I’d arrived hadn't he? At least from his perspective. Had I overreacted?

By the time I’d finished putting the kitchen items into their suitable places, finding them homes in the now not so dusty cupboards, the food was ready and there was more than enough to feed me for a couple of days. I’d made far too much in my eagerness and decided right there and then that part of the batch was going to be my peace offering; I’d take it over and make nice. We could start over. I just hoped I wouldn’t regret my decision.

Confidently I stepped outside, but uncertainty crept back in with each step I took. I was caught between apprehension at how my intrusion would be received and a little nervous at being face to face with Derek again.

His house opposite was a similar style to my new dream home, slightly smaller but with a large garage to the side. The front was very tidy with a tasteful splash of flowering pots. One day mine would look even better I thought, he obviously didn’t have the same flare I had.

With one final deep breath I stepped up to the door and rapped loudly with the ornate brass knocker that adorned the front door, then waited. My legs practically shook and I locked my knees. This wasn’t a good idea but I willed myself to stay and face the music.

Starting off in a new place with neighbors that hated me was not on my agenda, and I certainly did not want the rest of the neighborhood to get the wrong idea. If this was to be my permanent home after countless years bouncing from town to town, country to country, then I had to make an effort.

After a nerve-wracking long moment the door opened. Derek stood there surveying me with a bemused look on his rugged face. He was clad in a tight white t-shirt with a hint of perspiration on his forehead. He looked positively dreamy, in an all-American kinda way.

“Hi?” he said tentatively mopping his head with the cloth he held.

Even that simple motion flexed his bicep in a very distracting manner.

“Hi, I—er…” I tried to quickly recover from the sudden quickening of my heart. “I brought a peace offering. I don’t think we got off on the right foot. Entirely the wrong foot in fact. So I was hoping we could start over? We can forget what happened, actually let’s just forget the last twenty-four hours.”

Derek seemed reluctant to welcome me in, the door only part way open, his muscle-bound form blocking the way inside. The only reaction I detected in response to my rambling was the slight raising of his eyebrow.

“Of course I still want to make amends for the breakage last night,” I quickly added. When he didn’t respond I continued rambling on like a fool. “It’s just mac and cheese, but I thought it might be good for Kadee too?” I raised the covered dish up higher, letting the comforting creamy scent of my creation waft his way.

His eyes noticeably lit up at this.

“Kadee’s taking a nap after the long journey. But I love mac and cheese myself. And I have to admit it smells great.”

The unquestionable good manners of his upbringing seemed to be bubbling to the surface in response to my new approach. He was about to reach out to take the dish when he paused.

“Wait, how about you, have you eaten?” he inquired.

“I have plenty, don't worry, I just wanted to—”

“Oh, that won’t do, come in. I could definitely use a quick meal and I'm sure you've been busy with the move. There’s plenty here, I insist. To making amends?”

This had not been my plan, but his sincere insistence and the hunger I felt at the aroma drove me to accept.

“Okay, sure.” I nodded my acceptance as he took the dish and headed back into the house leaving the door wide open.

“Come on through to the kitchen,” he called behind him.

I stepped in, closing the door quietly behind me and followed him through the lounge. The place looked amazing even at a glance, there was only a little clutter here and there like on the coffee table; papers, a coloring book, and a few of what I presumed were Kadee’s toys. What stood out though was all of the fittings and fixtures around the interior of the house. I’d been studying enough home décor magazines to notice all the immaculate and thoughtful detailing that had been installed in the place. I spied hardwood-trim baseboards that must have cost a small fortune. Not to mention the gorgeous crown molding around the windows or the decorative columns that surrounded the edge of the archway through to the dining room. It looked how I imagined my new place being fitted out.

“Your place looks incredible,” I called to the sound of plates in the kitchen just ahead.

“Thanks,” came the reply as he popped his head back around the kitchen door.

“Have you lived here long?”

“Yeah you could say that. And I’ve been working on this place for years now. I think I'm just about done. Ready for my next challenge.” He looked away as he said the latter, his eyes storming over.

“Seriously, you did all this?” I asked with disbelief, taken back a little by the beauty of the kitchen that met my eyes. “By yourself?”

“No need to sound so surprised, this is what I do.”

The casserole dish, plates and cutlery had been arranged welcomingly on the large island; a hardwood top that I longed to run my hands over.

“Please,” he said offering me one of the stools to sit at. “Do you want a drink?”

“No no, I'm fine.” I said taking a seat and studied the rest of the kitchen, sucking up as much detail as possible. It was an almighty good thing I’d left my phone back at the house otherwise I would’ve been tempted to take shots of his handy-work and upload them to my Pinterest board.

Derek dished out his own healthy sized portion and began to tuck in. He seemed much more laid back in his own surroundings, almost adorable. It felt so good to be defusing the tension of our previous encounters. I scooped out a good dollop and joined in, munching on the food.

“This is great,” he said through the side of a half chewed mouthful, jabbing his empty fork at what remained of his portion.

“It’s a secret family recipe,” I joked and smiled. “You’ve lived here years then, what’s the area really like?” I asked, picking a conversation topic that hadn't already brought us into conflict during our brief times together.

He paused his steady intake of food for a moment to consider this.

“It’s fairly quiet. Certainly never any trouble, there are some great local places with good people and fair prices that won’t gouge you like the city. The cafe down on Main is really good too for a bite to eat, and I think a new place just opened up. Oh and Edgar runs the hardware store if you need it. Which you no doubt will.”

“Great, that sounds perfect. How about you two, what’s the story with Kadee?” After his obvious hesitation I followed up with, “If you don't mind me asking? You can tell me to mind my own business if you want. I won’t hold it against you.”

He shrugged, “It’s fine. I’m divorced and Kadee lives out west with her mom for the most part. I hardly get to see her.”

I decided to tip toe around the emotion creeping into his tone at this new line of discussion.

“That must be tough. She seems like a great kid,” I offered in tactful support.

“Yeah, she’s everything,” he said, sitting back from his empty plate.

He was watching me now with a look I couldn't quite decipher, was it curiosity? Or had I overstayed my welcome? Before his stare unnerved me too much I continued my questioning.

“And what about you? You said “this is what you do”, how do you mean?” I asked gesturing my arms at our surroundings.

“You’re full of questions aren’t you?”

I took a bite and swallowed. “If you prefer we can sit in silence and eat like two strangers?”

Derek chuckled and shook his head. “Full of sass too.”

I smiled. “I try… it’s practically the only thing I’m good at.”

“I’m sure that’s not true. What’s your story then?”

“We aren’t talking about me. Besides I asked you first.”

The edge of Derek’s lips curved upwards, the half-smile almost reaching his eyes. “Fine, well, I’m a carpenter by trade. Interior finishings are my specialty you might say, though I’ve fixed up pretty much everything in this place over the years. You name it, I’ve fixed it. Maybe I could give you a few tips?”

I bristled at his boastful bravado on this subject and his assumption that I, a woman, didn’t know what I was doing. And sure his place looked great, but steady on there fella. I was suddenly reminded of our remarks earlier about my porch and his insistence that he knew better. Well there was always more than one way to get something done and this gal needed help from no one! Even if he looked as dreamy as Derek.

“I’ll manage just fine, thank you.”

Derek shot his hands up. “Suit yourself.”

A lengthy and uncomfortable silence sank into the room like an unwelcome fog. Derek glanced at his watch. He tried to do it without me noticing but he wasn’t exactly subtle about it either. I shifted on my stool, it squeaked and I winced.

“Are you finished?” Derek asked pointing to what remained of my mac and cheese. There was still a couple of mouthfuls but my appetite had fled.

“Yeah. I’m done. I’ll get out of your hair.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll just clear these up and walk you out, give me a sec.”

With my own sudden gush of good manners I reached for the plates to clear up before he had the chance. However without looking it only resulted in me awkwardly grabbing his reaching hand… his warm strong hand. I let out a gasp as sparks zapped up my arm, sending my heart into overdrive for the second time that day.

We froze for a moment, the once relaxed atmosphere of our little mealtime now completely shattered by the intimacy of this touch. I met his eyes for an instant, but before they captured me completely and I surrendered all sense, I broke free. The abrupt motion caused the plate to spin out of control and I could only look on in horror as it careened towards the edge.

Thankfully, Derek had quick reflexes. He shot out his hand, palm flat and managed to subdue the wayward crockery.

“Shit sorry, that was close. I’m not normally this clumsy, I promise.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said. He sounded annoyed, grumpy and irritated. I’d definitely outstayed my welcome now.

“I should be getting back, I’m expecting a friend soon,” I said heading for the door before he could stop me.

“Sure sure, no problem,” I heard behind me.

I reached the front door trying to shake the moment off, where I spotted Kadee sat near the top of the stairs, a bear next to her. She was huddled with her arms wrapped around her knees, in the quiet mode of a child who’d sneaked out of bed to listen to the grown-ups talk below. I smiled and sent her a small secret wave. Her little face brightened and she lifted her hand to wave goodbye in response.

Derek had caught up to me and took hold of the door. I left him in the doorway and headed back over to mine. It was perfect good timing as my friend Fiona was just getting out of her car and looking around to see if she had the right place.

“Hey Fee!” I called out to her as I crossed the road.

She looked up a little confused that I had appeared from the wrong side of the road. Fiona was my oldest and only real friend, we had met in college, and even though she had continued through law school while I dropped out we had remained in touch ever since. The fact that she worked in the city an hour away had certainly helped with my decision on the house.

“Hey, I have the right place don’t I?” she asked pointed back to my house behind her, “and just who is the hunk, you minx!” she inquired in a quiet voice as I neared.

“Just the neighbor, don’t get excited he’s a bit of a dick,” I said hugging her.

“Well who wouldn’t mind a bit of that!” she replied in her usual filthy tone.

“Oh, I’ve missed you,” I laughed. “Come on, let me show you around. See what your scheming has gotten me into.”