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

I'll explain." Brandon stepped

my lip and

me, I was still angry

had seen this place before, and I

The living room had nothing but a couch. It was so empty it

is everything?"

"Have you been here

questions, and my

nearby room. "I stored

all he needed in this

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

"The rent

the rent prices here weren't

apartments in this complex. Why rent the one directly across from me?"

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

at me directly. "Because you're across