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The receptionist leans forward slightly and rests her elbows on the counter. “You really are lucky. I’m off in about seven minutes. I can swing by before I head home.”

Her flirtatious tone doesn’t escape me, but I don’t have the energy to entertain it. “Thank you,” I say simply. “I’ll pay you for your time.”

She waves a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. You owe me for saving your butt the first day, though. Remember that.”

I nod and head for the door, making a mental note to tip her generously later.

The drive to the property agency is short, but it feels like a lifetime. My mind races with thoughts of everything I need to do, the frustration of being stuck here weighing heavily on me. I park the car in front of the small brick building, the sign above the door reading “Cedar Ridge Realty.”

As I step inside, I’m not paying much attention to my surroundings, too preoccupied with my thoughts. That’s why I don’t notice someone walking out of the office until we collide.

“Watch it!” a familiar voice snaps.

I look up, startled, and find myself face-to-face with Bella, of all people.

Her expression darkens when she recognizes me, and her jaw tightens as she steps back.

“Bella,” I say, more out of surprise than anything else.

“What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

She crosses her arms. “It’s none of your business.”

I raise an eyebrow at her tone, unsure what I’ve done to deserve this hostility.

“Look, I’m not trying to pry,” I say carefully. “It’s just…surprising to see you here, that’s all.”

Bella’s eyes narrow as she takes a small step back, as if trying to put more distance between us. “I don’t owe you or anyone else any explanation,” she snaps.

I glance around and notice a group of people across the street watching us with curious eyes. Cedar Ridge might be a big town, but gossip travels fast. The last thing either of us needs is to be the center of attention.

“Fine,” I say, raising my hands in surrender. “Let’s not make a scene.”

Without waiting for her response, I step past her and head into the building, leaving her fuming. Whatever her reasons for being here, they’re her business. I have enough on my plate without adding Bella’s mood swings.

The inside of the property agency is small but tidy, with a row of desks and a bulletin board covered in flyers advertising available rentals. A middle-aged woman behind the counter greets me with a polite smile.

“Good morning. I’m Renee. How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for an apartment,” I say. “Something available immediately.”

She nods and gestures for me to take a seat. “We can definitely help with that. Do you have any specific requirements?”

“Two bedrooms,” I say without hesitation. “Somewhere quiet, and no major repairs needed.”

She scribbles down my requests and starts flipping through a binder. “We have a few properties that might fit your needs. Let me pull up the details for you.”

As she works, I glance toward the window and glimpse Bella outside. She’s still standing there, arms crossed and glaring at nothing. For a moment, I consider going back out to apologize—if only to smooth things over—but I quickly dismiss the idea. Bella’s mood is her problem, not mine.

The agent clears her throat, drawing my attention back to her. “Here are a few options,” she says as she slides a printout across the desk. “This one is in a quiet neighborhood, and it’s move-in ready.”

I scan the details, nodding as she explains the features. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.

“I’d like to see this one,” I say, tapping the page.

“Of course,” she replies. “I’ll set up a viewing for later today.”