From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 509

Anthea typed back: "Where are you right now?"

Sherman replied, "I live right next door to you."

"Seriously?" she shot back, adding a laughing emoji. "Seriously," he confirmed.

"Then come over to my room."

A minute later, Anthea heard a knock at her door.

Wait-he really does live next door?

She set her phone aside and walked over to open the door.

Standing outside was a tall, well-built man, his features half-shadowed under the crystal hallway light. His lips were pressed into a reserved line, a quiet chill clinging to him, but at the corner of one eye, a tiny red birthmark caught the light, matching the small cross ring on his finger.

A strange mix of priestly calm and devilish allure.

"You really do live next door?" Anthea asked, surprised.

He nodded, just barely. "Yeah."

Anthea had just showered. Her hair fell damp around her shoulders, and she wore

a silk camisole nightdress that showed off her pale collarbones and smooth skin,

the delicate fabric tracing elegant lines down her body.

The silk was thin, and Sherman, who stood a good eight inches taller than her, only had to glance down to catch a glimpse of—

Something inside him seemed to explode.

Heat swept through him.

he

gaze without missing a beat, keeping his composure.

go grab a

let me change

Sherman nodded again. "Okay."

Anthea closed the door.

minutes later, she reappeared.

a plain white t-shirt, ripped jeans, and a pair of

by a lively, youthful energy. She could make anything look

turned to him. "You're from Capital City, right? You must know the

know a place nearby that's pretty good,"

"Lead

the hotel, a sleek luxury car

hopped out and greeted them respectfully.

small

"Yes, sir."

opened the car door and looked at

She slid Sherm

seat, and thoughtful

ever shielded her heavel

the roof

eyes widened in

he seeing things? When had Mr. Christensen ever been this close to a woman-let alone this

were staying at the same

Christensen family was finally about to welcome a young

eleven, Capital City was just coming alive. Neon

long, they turned onto an old street that felt as if it belonged to another era. Whitewashed walls, slate roofs, cobblestone

out front, as if the

out the window in

was low. "This is the only historic street left in Capital City It's been