Page 2 of Oops I Fell for the Grump Next Door

Okay, so the handsome grumpy guy was my neighbor. Who cared?

I parked my car at the top of the driveway and killed the engine.

What did it matter?

I’d been here for a few days already and never saw him. We'd continue on with our separate lives, nothing changed.

A loud crack echoed through the air as dark clouds rolled in. I grabbed my groceries and hurried inside as the rain started to fall.

Once inside, I unpacked my food and prepped for dinner. In the crock pot, I put together a broccoli cheddar soup and set it on high. I got a fire going in the living room and lit a few candles before disappearing into the bedroom in search of some cozy pajamas.

After I showered, I planned on working on my book, the stormy afternoon rain a perfect backdrop. Then I could relax, have dinner, and work on some self-care. Something I had seriously slacked on.

But ending a relationship, quitting a job, and moving to pursue a lifelong dream often did that to a person. Stress, stress, and more stress, even if I was working towards my life’s dream.

Despite it all, I loved every second.

An hour later, I sat on the couch, lap desk set up with my laptop open and ready.

But the words never came. I stared at the text box, the graphics I sketched mocking me in the background as I debated over how to move the story forward. Did the princess go home or continue the mission?

The rain pelted the roof above me, and I stared out the window, watching the wind whip through the trees.

An idea sparked.

And finally, the writing took off.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

My eyes fluttered open, and I blinked, the sun streaming in through the blinds.

Bang! Bang!

The loud tapping continued, the sound driving a nail through the side of my head.

Okay, maybe I did have a bit too much wine last night.

I ran my hands under my pillow and grabbed my phone, checking the time. Eight thirty-one. Only eight thirty in the morning and someone was making this much racket?

What the hell?

I threw the covers to the side with force and scampered out of the bed, running over to the window toward the sound.

My mouth dropped open as my eyes processed the scene.

My sexy neighbor, hammering wood, his muscles flexing with every movement. A tight cotton t-shirt stretched across his biceps and his dark blue jeans hugged his ass perfectly.

Holy shit.

The grump was sexier than I thought.

I mean, I knew he was handsome.

But in a large coat yesterday, his muscles weren't on display and in my anger, all I really looked at was his face.

Now? I wanted to look at him all day.

I couldn't forget the fact that he was making so much noise at only eight thirty in the morning, though. Not very neighborly of him.