Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

There was no response on the other end of the phone. There was just the sound of the call ending.

The door in front of me was still closed, but I knew I was right.

Moments later, the door opened to reveal Brandon in grey loungewear.

So, he was my new neighbor.

He hadn't stopped visiting me; he had moved in right across the hall.

He wasn't skipping night shifts; he had come early to stay here and protect me. But even though he lived right across from me, he hadn't told me.

Moreover, he must have planned to rent the apartment across from me when he helped fix my plumbing.

When I saw him, I understood everything.

"Come in," Brandon said calmly without a trace of embarrassment at being caught.

He hadn't done anything wrong by renting the apartment, so I was the one overreacting. Yet, I couldn't greet him calmly.

you think you owe me an explanation about what's

and I'll explain." Brandon

bit my lip and walked

knew he was probably here for me, I was still angry that he had

stunned as soon as I saw his place. I had seen this place

gone. The living room had nothing but a couch. It was

is everything?"

"Have you been here

and my irritation flared up again. I

nearby room. "I stored everything in

all he needed in this

table, something to put a cup or a phone on. If he didn't like clutter, how come he didn't clear out my parents' room when he stayed there? I didn't ask that, but I did ask the obvious question. "Why did you rent the apartment across from

"The

was true; the rent prices here

the one directly across from me?" I

I realized how clueless I'd been. He must have thought

directly. "Because you're across my