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.

him. "Don't you think you owe me an explanation about what's

and I'll explain." Brandon

bit my lip

he was probably here for me, I was still angry

place before, and I knew what it looked like. But now it

but a couch. It was so empty

is everything?"

looked at me. "Have you been

answered questions with questions, and my irritation

pointed to a nearby room. "I stored everything in

all he needed in this place was a

If he didn't like clutter, how come he didn't clear out my parents' room when he stayed

said, "The rent

true; the rent

are many apartments in this complex. Why rent the one directly across from me?" I thought back to

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

directly. "Because