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

and I'll explain." Brandon stepped

lip and walked

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

place before, and I knew

couch. It was so empty it looked like

is everything?" I

at me. "Have you been

and my irritation

to a nearby room. "I

needed in

would expect a coffee table or a small 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

said, "The rent is

was true; the rent prices here

one directly across from me?" I thought back

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

me directly. "Because you're across my