Page 10 of Oops I Fell for the Grump Next Door

And so the days continued as we fell into an easy routine together as if it were meant to be. When he worked at the local college, I worked on my books, and we spent the nights sharing a meal and each other’s bodies.

I hadn't updated sally much besides with a brief text and by Thursday afternoon, she wouldn't stop ringing my phone.

Lost in thought and concentration on the story, I didn't answer until several calls later. “What the hell, Nel? I've been calling. I thought something happened.”

“I’m sorry, Sal. I hit a breakthrough in my book, and I didn't want to stop working.”

“That's awesome. I'm happy for you. Have you been working on it all week?”

“Yes. I'm sorry I haven't been around. But it's going so well. Finally!”

“Good. I'm still coming up there this weekend, right?”

Shit. I forgot about that. How could I? I've been missing Sally endlessly. But then Cliff…

We already made plans to spend most of the weekend in bed. He also wanted to show me around Appleridge and bring me to the diner and bakery. But I couldn't break Sally's heart. Plus, I really wanted to see her. I'd have to cancel on Cliff, but I'm sure he would understand.

“Yes, of course. We need to decorate, remember?”

“Okay good. I'll be up Saturday morning.”

I hung up the phone, wondering how I was going to break the news to Cliff. We would have plenty more time to spend together. I'm sure he would understand.

CHAPTER SIX

Cliff

“My friend, Sally, is coming into town this weekend so I'm sorry to cancel our plans but I promise to make it up to you.” Nellie informed over a dinner of Chinese takeout. My stomach tanked, but I smiled, anyway. What could I do? Throw a fit? She deserved to spend time with her friends.

I should probably check in on mine too.

“Sally? She's the girl whose parents you're renting this cabin from, right?”

Nellie nodded, her hair falling in front of her eyes. Her beauty took my breath away every time. “Yes. She remembers you.”

I nodded. “They are nice people. Came up here every summer.”

“Yes. They're like family to me. After my mom ditched me for her boyfriend when my dad took off, I lived with Sally and her parents for a while. Until we finished out high school and I secured a scholarship to college. Sally and I roomed together all four years, getting our own apartment together near the end, and we've lived together ever since. Coming here was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, but I needed to focus. When her parents offered the place, I couldn't say no.”

“I'm sorry about your parents, Nellie.” I leaned closer and covered her hand with mine. “Their loss. And I'm so glad you decided to come here. How long are you planning to stay?” My breathing hitched in my throat at the question, even though I tried to hide it. But the thought of her leaving was unbearable.

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe love wasn't a good distraction.

“I didn't plan a specific amount of time. I have money set aside from the first book series I published and my deadline for this next series is looming. So I don't know, really.”

Her answer only left me with more questions. I glanced down at my plate, my appetite waning. I'd already lost so much in my life I didn't know if I'd survive losing more.

Nellie’s hand covered mine, and I looked up to find her smiling at me, a softness in her eyes I hadn't seen before. “Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere, anytime soon.”

The corner of my mouth turned up. “How did you know what I was thinking?”

Nellie shrugged. “Your eyes reflect what I’m feeling. I'm falling for you, Cliff. I don't want to be apart, either.”

A sigh of relief escaped my throat, and I jumped to my feet, rounding the table and pulling her into my arms. I hugged her close and inhaled her scent I loved so much.

“How is it possible? To feel so much for someone in such a short amount of time?”

Nellie looked up at me. “I don't know, but it happened.”