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.

stared at him. "Don't you think you owe me an explanation

in, and I'll explain." Brandon stepped

my lip and walked

here for me, I was still angry

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

a couch. It was

is everything?" I asked

me. "Have

and my irritation

stare, he pointed to a nearby room. "I stored everything in that

in

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 that, but I did ask

said, "The rent is

the rent prices here

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

I'd been. He must

at me directly. "Because you're across my