Lovely Neighbor by Alexa Riley
Lovely Neighbor
by Alexa Riley
Erin needs a place to hide out for a few days after her apartment gets broken into. But when she shows up at her grandmother's and the spare room is under construction, she’s sent across the hall to the mysterious billionaire neighbor's apartment. One night in luxury and she doesn’t want to leave.
Devin works like crazy and that takes him away from home far more than he likes. But after one business trip too many, he discovers someone has been in his house…in his bed. His sheets have never smelled so good and suddenly the empty space feels like home. Is there such a thing as love at first sight…without the sight?
Warning: This hot hero with a heart of gold is ready to rescue his damsel in distress. A knight in shining armor? You bet your happily ever after he is!
Chapter One
Erin
“This is so stupid,” I tell myself as I grab my purse and put it on my shoulder.
I should be able to leave my apartment whenever I want because that’s the point of having my own place. I should be able to come and go as I please and not have to worry about answering to anyone. Instead I keep having to face someone who is looking for a reason to complain.
Gah, he’s making this so awkward. Why can’t I be a jerk and tell him to leave me alone and that he’s making me uncomfortable?
I walk over to my peephole and look out, hoping he’s not home. I bite my thumbnail as I stare across the hall at my new neighbor’s door. I thought I could be a little strange, but he takes it to another level. I curse my politeness with taking him cookies that first day he moved in. Now this weird dance has started and anytime I open my front door he’s opening his. How is that even possible? Is he doing the same thing I am and staring out his peephole waiting for me to leave?
I lean back from the door and sigh. I need my sugar fix and he’s standing in the way of that. Forget it. I’m leaving. I will not be held prisoner in my own home.
I grab the door handle and pull it open, and for once his door doesn't open. I turn around and lock my door as fast as I can so I can get out of here.
“Ahh!” I scream as I almost run right into Peter. He’s right in my space when I turn around and my heart jumps into my throat. “You scared the crap out of me.”
“Where are you off to tonight?”
Peter is in his usual polo and khaki shorts with his short blond hair perfectly in place. Everything about him is always so put together. He works from home for some kind of internet security company or something, and he’s got the vibe of someone who thinks he knows it all.
He doesn't say sorry for almost giving me a heart attack and just stands there waiting for me to answer him.
“Coffee.” And maybe also to see if the coffee shop has any treats left because my sweet tooth is killer.
“I’ll come with you,” he says, inviting himself.
“Okay,” I agree, because what else can I say? No, you’re not allowed to go to the coffee shop?
He places his hand on the small of my back and I walk faster, trying to get away from his touch. He only walks faster to keep up with me and I wonder why this man who seems so smart can’t read body language.
“How is your grandma?”
Some of my resolve fades because I always enjoy talking about my grandma. I miss her something fierce.
“She's good. That woman has more energy than I do.”
She’s always planning some new group or having a party. Even her dating card stays full. At least that’s what she calls it.
Peter reaches for the door of the coffee shop and opens it for me. “You should work out.” I stop walking and look over at him. “It gives you energy. You can come running with me in the mornings.”
I make a mental note that mornings would be a good time to sneak out of my place unnoticed.
“I’ll think about it,” I say, but it’s a total lie. I hate running and I’ve tried it more than once. I have two left feet and the last time I only made it a block before I tripped over my shoelaces and sprained my ankle. I took