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A knock at the front door startles us both, and he groans.

“Fuck me,” he mutters as he heaves himself up and climbs off the couch. I stay on the couch, still unable to move as I hear him hurry to the front door to retrieve our delivery order.

I rub my temples and try to steady my racing heartbeat. This is not how this night was supposed to go. Hell, I don’t even know how I truly feel about the guy, because up until a day ago, I didn’t like him. At least that’s the lie I tell myself as I sit up and make my way toward the kitchen to grab utensils for our dinner.

Chapter 18

Hayden

“I’m so full,” Robin exclaims.

She’s sprawled out on her living room rug with her arms folded over her chest and her eyes closed. I’m slumped on the couch, hugging one of her soft throw pillows tightly.

“Me too,” I mutter, closing my eyes for a moment.

“Why did you let me eat so much?”

I snort. “Yeah, let me tell you next time to stop eating.”

“I see how that could be problematic.” She laughs, her tone light. “But maybe don’t order the whole menu next time? One dish per person is enough.”

“I can’t make any promises.”

“Actually, it should be my turn to get us dinner the next time.”

“Don’t even think about it.” I hum as I slide down the couch to stretch out on her living room rug too.

She turns to look at me, her small coffee table separating us. “Why not?”

“I’m not letting you pay for dinner.” I laugh, closing my eyes again.

“That’s sexist,” she grumbles, but she sounds amused.

“Mm-hmm,” I mumble. “Your living room is very cozy by the way.”

“Yes, I love this place,” she says, sounding somber.

“Why do you sound so sad about that?” I open my eyes and turn to face her.

“Because I can’t stay here. I have to move soon.”

“You’re moving out of town?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “Just out of this house. I’m getting kicked out. The owners are tearing this place down to build an apartment building or something.”

My pulse quickens, and my stomach fills with dread. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. Surely it’s not what I’m thinking. What are the odds?

“Who owns this property?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Um, I think it’s called Reyes Enterprises, or something like that.”

Fuck me.

I want to laugh at how absurd this is. Right after I punch a wall. Because, surely, this must be some stupid joke. My life has officially turned into some crappy Hollywood movie all of a sudden.

I exhale loudly and groan. I’m about two seconds from finding the nearest bridge and hurling myself over it.

“What?” Her tone is curious now.