Epilogue

Brody

My phone chimed just as I was leaving my house, making me pause to have a look at the text. Magnus. I grinned as I opened it. I knew he and Jade had planned a trip to the Greek islands, intending to stay there for a few months. Sure enough, Magnus and Jade mugged for the selfie, smiling happily in what I thought was a Greek villa. Two orange tabby cats sat on the table between them.

"I'm happy for you, buddy," I murmured, putting my cell back in my pocket. "Very happy for you both."

I walked down the path toward my truck, then noticed a lady at the next house struggling to pull a heavy box from the trunk of her car in the driveway next door. Being the gentleman that I am, I trotted over to help her.

"I've got that," I said. "Let me help."

"Oh, thanks. I appreciate it."

Lifting the box easily, I turned with it in my arms. And stopped.

My new neighbor floored me with her extraordinary good looks. Eyes of the purest sky met mine. Her thick black hair curled around her shoulders and her very attractive bosom. Slender and petite, her head barely reached my shoulder.

We stared at one another for an unsocially expected length of time.

"Uh," I stammered. "Where should I put it?"

She tore her eyes from mine. "Oh. Just in here. Thanks."

I followed her into the garage and through the kitchen door. Evidence of a recent move in stood around in cardboard boxes, scattered kitchen items on the counter.

"Just on the floor here, thanks again."

I set the box down and held out my hand. "I'm Brody. I live next door."

Her smile dazzled me. "I'm Lindsey. I live here."

I didn't let go of her hand. We stared at one another as though we were starved for looking since time began.

***