Chapter 3

Greer

I bolt off my sofa at the sound of a loud thump, followed by an angry rumbling. This is highly unusual because there’s not a lot of activity on my floor, especially since the tenant across the hall moved out a month ago. Quietly, I shuffle to the door and peep through the hole.

My view is distorted, but I make out a man in the hallway shaking his hand fiercely. The bill of his ball cap is low, casting a shadow over his face. He twists and uses his back to push against a large item stuck in the doorway.

I continue to watch, waiting for someone to join and help him. When no one comes after a few minutes, I assume he’s alone.

Glancing down, I know I’m not very presentable in my loose sweat pants, oversized shirt and hair in a topknot. My make-up was gone hours ago. But he looks like he could use some help, and he’s gotten past security already.

I try to smooth my hair that’s fallen loose and then open the door. “Are you okay?”

He turns in my direction, and I clench my jaw tight to keep it from dropping. In the bright lights of the corridor, the ball cap no longer shades his face, and I get a full look at him. My hand grips the door handle, and my shoulder presses into the wood to remain standing.

His NYU t-shirt stretches tight, highlighting his muscular chest and shoulders. Dark hair pokes out from the hat with a strip falling lazily across his forehead. Light stubble covers his jawline and accents his full lips. His hazel eyes are framed by thick black lashes, and when those eyes lock with mine, I’m sucked into a trance.

He’s striking, easily the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen in my life.

His velvety voice breaks through my haze. “I’m okay, think I may be over confident in my moving skills. It’s been a while.”

“It’s a bit late to move, isn’t it?”

“I’m trying to get a few items in before my actual movers get here in the morning. At least a bed.” He motions to the large item covered in plastic that I’d forgotten about.

“You’re the new tenant?” My question comes out breathy and low.

“Yeah, signed the papers on Tuesday.” He chuckles, his eyes sparkling brighter.

I think back to my emails and the messages from my co-op about new residents. Nothing comes to mind. However, since last week, I’ve been busy with work and Dad’s new project so it’s possible I missed something.

I notice a few boxes and suitcases lined in the hallway. Then I see he’s nudged the mattress too close to the frame. It will only take a few slight maneuvers to get it inside.

“Would you like some help?”

He looks me up and down as if I’m crazy for offering. “You think you can lift this monster?”

I catch the gleam in his eye and the playful grin. My heart skips a beat again at the sight of his perfect white teeth that sparkle against the dark scruff and tan skin.

“I may be little, but I’m resourceful. If you don’t want my help, good luck.” I back away from the doorframe and slowly push the door closed, hoping he’ll change his mind.

“Wait! I’m kidding. I’d love some help. I think it’s all about the angle.”

“Yep! That’s exactly what it is. Give me a second.” I leave the door cracked and rush to my kitchen to slide on my flip flops then return to the hallway. He’s moved the dolly to assess his door space.

I grab the dolly, reposition it, and instruct him what to do. “We’ll be going in low. It’ll be much easier to guide it.”

He nods in agreement, positions the enormous king-sized mattress, and we easily move it inside his bare apartment.

We drop the mattress directly in the middle of the bedroom, and there’s an awkward silence that follows. I’m at a loss for something to say, feeling a little odd about being in his bedroom and not even knowing his name.

Great idea, Greer. Help a complete stranger without even introducing yourself.

“Is there anything else?” I prop the dolly on the wall.

“I think I can get the rest.”

“Okay, I guess I’ll go then.”

“Wait.” He comes to me with his hand extended. “I’m Lawson Hall.”

A sizzling sensation travels up my spine when his hand envelops mine. Being this close, I take in his height. He’s at least six inches taller than me, my eyes level with the center of his chest.

“I’m Greer. Welcome to the building.” I tilt my head to meet his smile while giving his palm a little squeeze.

His face twists into a grimace at the action, and his eyes drop to our joined hands. I follow his gaze and see a small gash with an angry purple bruise forming.

“Oh my gosh, you’re hurt.”

“I think the door jamb got me. May be a broken knuckle.”

“You need ice on it.”

“Probably, but I don’t think the ice maker has been switched on yet. It’ll be fine.”

“Hold on, be right back.”

I run back to my place, fill a plastic baggy with ice, and grab a dishtowel and a few first aid supplies. When I return to his apartment, he’s cleared the hallway of his things. I find him in the bedroom fumbling with sheets.

“Here, let me.” I quickly help him make the bed and, when done, take his hand back in mine. “Hopefully, this will relieve some of the sting.” I place the ice pack on the area, making sure to be careful of the broken skin.

His eyes grow wide, and he gives me another flashy grin. “Thanks.”

In this close proximity, the air between us fills with the faint scent of his cologne and I inhale quietly, trying to recognize the fragrance. His fingers wrap around the side of my palm as he fully relaxes his hand, letting me adjust the ice packet. The heat of his stare burns into the top of my head as my heart beats faster.

This is crazy… absolutely absurd.

Ten minutes ago, I was lounging on my couch, watching HGTV, and thinking about pouring another glass of wine.

Now, I’m standing in a stranger’s bedroom, holding his hand, and tending to his injury. Technically, he’s not a complete stranger seeing as he’s introduced himself and is my neighbor, but for all intents and purposes, he’s still a stranger.

Lawson Hall… the hot new guy living across from me.

My stomach does some sort of tipsy-turn flip as his thumb grazes the underside of my wrist.

“Feels better already. This is not quite the first impression I was looking for with my pretty new neighbor.”

Heat creeps up my cheeks, and I wish I would have thought twice about changing clothes and maybe applying some lip gloss. “Don’t mention it,” I whisper in a shaky voice.

Silence falls between us as I hold the ice to his hand. I lift my eyes to find him still staring at me. A small dimple pops on his left cheek, and his eyes flare then deepen into a dazzling shade of gold when our gazes lock. Something passes over his face, something dark that quickly disappears, but not before sending a prickly chill down my spine.

“I should go and let you get settled. Good luck with the movers tomorrow.” I back away on wobbly legs, releasing our hands. “There’s some ointment on your kitchen counter if you need it.”

“Thank you for your help. I hope to see you around.”

“Anytime. Welcome to the building.” I rush out, giving him a half-hearted wave.

When I’m in the safety of my apartment, I plaster myself against the door and suck in another deep breath.

My heart races a mile a minute as I think about the gorgeous man across the hall. The rich color of his eyes, highlighted with thick, plush eyelashes. The intoxicating smell—it’s enough to take my breath away. But, God, that voice, that damn voice sounds in my ears.

‘I hope to see you around.’

His words replay through my head, and my hand tingles remembering the way his fingers strummed along my wrist.

“Get a grip, Greer. Stop fantasizing about your hunky new neighbor,” I say to my empty apartment. “He’s out of your league.”

I eye my computer on the table and head to it. Time to check my emails. Maybe our co-op board sent some information about Lawson Hall.

•∞•∞•

“Close that door!” I hiss at Jenny, who has perched herself in my doorway to watch the movers.

“No, this is the best entertainment I’ve had in a while. My building doesn’t come close to this. The last guy who moved in was cute but totally taken.”

“You look like a creeper.”

“Do you have any popcorn?” She ignores my comment and stretches her neck further.

“No!”

“Shame.”

I open my computer and plop down on the sofa, reviewing the email my lawyer sent regarding adding Haley to my payroll. Jenny’s low whistles and murmurs distract me.

“Jenny, I’m beginning to regret mentioning him to you.”

After I’d reviewed the co-op notification last night and learned a little more about Lawson, I called Jenny. Together, we’d dissected every detail provided. According to the board, he’s a thirty-two-year-old single man working in construction. His references are exemplary and his finances verified for building residency. Somewhere during our conversation, she’d decided she had to see this guy and invited herself to my place for a ‘moving-in party’. I tried to discourage her, but she showed up anyway, clearly dressed to impress.

For the last hour, she’s been annoying the hell out of me.

“I still don’t have a Lawson sighting,” she complains.

“He’s probably inside monitoring the placement of his things.”

“That’s okay, I’ll keep watching.”

“You need to get a life,” I mumble under my breath.

Finally, I find my focus and scan through the employment documents and tax obligations necessary to hire a full-time employee. Everything is exactly as my dad explained, and I start to feel giddy about making an offer to Haley.

“Holy Mother of Sweet Baby Jesus.” Jenny draws in a deep breath, and I know she’s finally caught sight of Lawson.

“Told you.” My eyes stay glued to my screen. “He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?”

“Uh-huh.” She giggles.

“Wait until you hear him talk. He’s got a rough and gritty rumble to his voice that’s a mix of sex and sin. Think David Beckham without the accent. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a close up.”

“I’m pretty sure I already have.” This time, her voice squeaks, followed by a girlie giggle.

I look up and gasp when I find Lawson Hall is leaning against my door frame, eyes on me, with an unbelievably sexy smirk on his face.

My heart hammers at the sight of him. Today, he’s dressed in loose athletic shorts, another fitted t-shirt, and his hat flipped backwards. He’s also wearing glasses that frame his face perfectly, showcasing the magnificence of his eyes. If his job in construction ever bombs, he could definitely become an eyewear model—or any type of model. I have a weakness for a man in glasses.

“Morning, Greer.” The way he says my name sends a shiver across my skin.

“Hi, Lawson.” My voice cracks, and my cheeks burn.

“I came to return this.” He waves my dishtowel in the air, and the smirk on his lips curls into a full-fledged smile.

I can’t speak anymore, frozen in place, as mortification settles in. He heard me; there’s no doubt about it.

“I’m Jenny.” She eagerly offers her hand, thankfully taking the attention off me.

“Lawson.” He takes her hand. As soon as his eyes leave mine, I drop my chin to my chest and try to find my senses.

“Yeah, I kind of figured that out,” she jokes.

“I think I owe you a thank you. With you as an audience, my guys are hustling over there. Seems an attractive brunette gives them motivation to flex their muscles. This move may take half the time.”

“No problem, I’m enjoying the show. It’s a good way to spend a Saturday.” She shrugs. “Glad to help.”

I snap my head up, my jaw dropping. She has no shame.

He chuckles and then returns his eyes to mine. “What about you, Greer? Are you enjoying the show?”

“She’s working. She’s kind of a workaholic,” Jenny answers for me, and I have the urge to tape her mouth shut.

“That’s not true!” I protest a little too loudly. It doesn’t faze her in the slightest. She doesn’t take her gaze off Lawson.

“That’s something we have in common then,” he tells me. “I’m pretty much a workaholic as well.”

“She does join us a few times a month for trivia night. It’s a tradition.”

I close my eyes and count to five, hoping when I open them, this will all be over.

It doesn’t work. He’s still staring at me.

“I am actually trying to hire a new employee, so today, I’m reviewing contracts,” I explain.

“That sounds about as fun as moving.”

“I wanted to get it out of the way. Tonight, our friend is having a dinner party and this needs to be done.”

Why I felt the need to tell him that is beyond me, but it just blurted out.

“Well, damn, I was hoping to buy you a drink later as thanks for your help and maybe ply you for information about the neighborhood. I’m not too familiar with this area.”

My stomach flips. Before I can stop them, words spill out of my mouth. “How about tomorrow?”

“That will work. What time?”

Shit! I have plans with Dad for dinner tomorrow night. “We could start early. There’s an amazing café across the street.”

“How about I come get you at nine?”

“I’ll be ready.”

“Mr. Hall, we’re going to need to know where this goes,” one of the movers yells.

“I’d better go.” He sighs and glances over his shoulder. “Have a nice time tonight.”

“Nice to meet you, Lawson,” Jenny chirps.

“You too.” He turns to leave and spins back to me. “Greer, I’m looking forward to tomorrow.” He winks and strolls away, disappearing before I can respond.

Jenny shuts the door quietly then proceeds to bounce around. “Oh my God, that was awesome.”

The last few minutes replay in my head, and I don’t see anything awesome about them.

“What are you talking about? I humiliated myself. You basically implied I have no social life except for trivia nights, and he probably thinks you’re pathetic for using his movers for entertainment.”

She stops moving and plants her hands on her hips, expelling a loud, dramatic breath. “You are so clueless. That couldn’t have gone better if I planned it.”

“Once again, what are you talking about?”

“While he couldn’t keep his eyes off you, and you him… I was assessing him. He didn’t even flinch when I mentioned you were a workaholic. In fact, the vibe was exactly opposite. There was a flash of approval followed by disappointment when you mentioned having plans tonight. Maybe him overhearing you compare him to David Beckham was a little over the top, but the rest was perfect.”

“Over the top? More like mortifying,” I grumble.

“Greer, forget that part. He came over here to ask you on a date.”

“No, he came to return my dishtowel and find out who the creeper was.”

“The same dishtowel he left with?”

“So, he forgot to hand it to me, but it isn’t really a date. He wants to know about the area.”

“You are way too smart to believe that.” She plops down next to me, gripping my shoulders and shaking me until I see stars.

“Stop! What are you doing?”

“Shaking your brain awake.”

“I’m awake. Stop before I throw up.”

She does as I ask and scoots back on the sofa. “Trust me when I say he’s interested in you. Tomorrow is a date. Whether you like it or not, it is. Let’s get your head out of your ass and plan this, starting with what you are going to wear.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date. Not by choice, but working with women most of the time doesn’t put me in a position to socialize with a lot of men. Enrique and Jonas don’t count. I’ve met a few men through our trivia nights and tournaments, but nobody worth pursuing. Those guys aren’t my type.

Actually, I don’t know what my type is. But the two times I’ve been around Lawson Hall, I’ve felt an unfamiliar spark. There’s obviously physical attraction, but could it lead to more?

Tomorrow morning is my chance to find out.

Jenny wiggles her eyebrows, waiting on my response.

“Actually, I think I have the perfect outfit.”