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.

away, he reminded

without missing a beat, keeping his composure.

go

let

Sherman nodded again. "Okay."

Anthea closed the door.

later,

white t-shirt, ripped jeans,

youthful energy. She could make anything look good-clothes seemed to come

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

a place nearby that's pretty good," he

nodded. "Lead the

the hotel, a sleek luxury car rolled up to the

and greeted them respectfully.

small nod. "Ivy's

"Yes, sir."

opened the car door and looked at Anthea. "Hop

She slid Sherm

back seat, and thoughtful

ever shielded her heavel

the roof with his

driver's eyes

things? When had Mr. Christensen ever been this close to a

they were staying

Christensen family was

eleven, Capital City was just coming alive. Neon lights flashed everywhere, painting the

as if it belonged to another era. Whitewashed walls, slate roofs,

doorway had two little lanterns glowing out front, as if the

gazed out the window in

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