5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Sean

When I turn onto my street, I slow my run into a walk, my breath coming out in gasps and my heart pumping faster than usual. Despite the fatigue causing my muscles to contract and spasm painfully, I feel invigorated and alive. More alive than I've felt in forever.

As I fiddle with my phone to change the music to something a little slower to match my pace, a biker bursts out from the path before me. I flinch and freeze, expecting the flash of a camera and the verbal attack of a silly question, but nothing. The biker swerves, throws me an apology, and speeds down the road without a second glance. Relief pours through me, and I laugh, shaking my head. Although I still get slight flashbacks when there's sudden movement beside me, I'm getting used to the fact that here in Willow Falls, I'm just Sean O'Connell. Not a rom-com superstar or icon; I'm just your average joe.

As much as I love morning runs, I had to stop them back in the city because the paparazzi and fans would follow me. Even when I run with my bodyguard, they still find a way to get to me, and it stinks. The lack of privacy is something I really hate about being a movie star.

Here in my town, it's different. It's like Willow Falls is locked away from the city and the fast pace of the people living there. No one cares who you are, nor do they have any wish to bother you. Many times I thought people were walking up to me to ask for pictures or autographs, but it was mostly for directions or some other mundane thing. It's exhilarating and freeing, making me love my hometown even more. It's been three days, and I've not regretted coming back for even a second.

I take the pods out of my ears as I near my rental and increase my pace, desperate for a cold shower and iced water. I don't know for sure what I'll do today, but before I finish my shower, I'm sure I'll find something to fill my time. Jamie could also help.

Just before I turn onto the cemented path that leads to my door, the door of the house next to me flies open, and my neighbor walks out. Since moving in two days ago, I haven't met my neighbor. I thought they were a hermit because the only activity I saw was the lights going on and off, but there wasn't any other sign of life until today.

I continue walking up the path to my front door, but curiosity gets the better of me, and I turn again to look, confirming that my neighbor is indeed a young lady. My eyes travel up the expanse of smooth calves and long legs to the distressed cotton shorts she has on. On top, her shirt is a worn-out, tie dyed t-shirt with holes and frayed hems. Aside from the chaotic, randomly put together outfit, my neighbor's hair is messy, like she had just woken up after a long night.

I'm about to turn away when I look at the face and freeze. I'd recognize that sullen expression anywhere. Suddenly, the random outfit and messy hair become the best thing I've ever seen on a woman ever. I stand, frozen on the spot, as Jessica marches down the driveway toward the mailbox. She looks annoyed, but come on, this is Jessica we're talking about. When doesn't she have that expression on her face?

"Jess?" I call, excitement coursing through my veins when she whips her head in my direction. Our gazes lock, and somehow, her expression darkens further.

"Why are you—?" She asks, taking in my appearance. "You live there?" She points to my rented house.

Instead of answering, I skip over to her house, jumping over the fence between us easily. When I reach her side, Jessica's expression is stormy enough to send the friendliest dog running. But even Jessica knows that if she ever had a match, it's me. When she gets like this, I want to take out an imaginary stick and poke her until she bites.

"I like your outfit." I smirk down at her. "It's runway-worthy."

A blush creeps up her cheek, and she scowls. "What are you doing here?" She slams the mailbox closed, but I don't take my eyes off her.

"What does it look like?" I ask with sass, annoying her further.

She takes a deep breath and glares at me then glances back at my house.

"Yes," I finally answer her question.

"How come?" Her tone is calm, and I acknowledge her control. I'm sure she wants to bite my head off. Literally. The thought almost makes me dissolve into laughter.

"Why are you smiling?" She asks. "How come we're neighbors?"

"I didn't even know you were my neighbor until today."

"Liar liar pants on fire," she accuses. "So you randomly rented a house and magically chose the one next to mine." She touches a finger to her cheek. "Hmm. Try again. I don't believe you."

"You flatter yourself, Jess." I reach out to straighten a strand of hair that's poking out behind her ear. She glares and shakes off my hand. "So, you think if I'm going to choose a neighbor in the whole of Willow Falls, I'd pick your boring self?"

Her glare deepens, and this is the point where others back down, but I don't. She knows I won't.

"I've been here for two days, and this is my first time seeing you. What are you doing in there that keeps you from coming out to see the light of day?"

Her brows dip, and I think I see a flash of amusement in her eyes, but I can't be sure. "Sorry I didn't welcome you with a plate of cookies, Mr. Celebrity Actor."

"It's okay; I know you can't bake," I tell her. "If it makes you feel better, I'll let you know that your dear brother recommended this apartment to me. So maybe blame him instead?"

"I'll kill him." She turns to march away, and I fall in step beside her.

"I've heard being an only child can be boring, but I'm sure you're used to that lifestyle. Please kill him before next week because we only have one ticket to the upcoming school game, and it's his."

She stops suddenly and turns to me. "Why are you following me?"

I stop, really taking in her face. She's beautiful, but she looks tired.

"Are you okay?" I ask. She opens her mouth, and I raise a finger to quell her.

"Stop it, Jessica," I employ my serious tone, which I always use during meetings, especially with Franca. "You look tired. And why were you indoors all alone for two days? That's not healthy."

She blinks up at me for a moment, then sighs. "Not like I owe you any explanations," she starts. "But I did it on purpose. I don't usually stay locked in for that long, but I have a deadline looming for my new book."

I nod. "How's that going?"

There's a pause before she answers. "Good."

"Always is." I smile. "Can't wait to read it when it's released."

She narrows her eyes at me, and this time, there's no ire or annoyance, just plain curiosity. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you're very talented, Jess. I can't wait to see what you have in store for your next story."

She bites her lips as she stares at me, and my body reacts in a way that's so foreign to me that I almost jump over the fence and run into my house. "You read my books?"

"Yep." I nod. "Ever since Evelyn told me you were a writer some years back. I checked you out and stocked up on all of your books, I've been a fan ever since. I never miss a new release."

Jessica's mouth falls open in shock, which is a feat. She hardly gets out of character. As if remembering herself, she snaps her mouth closed and clears her throat.

"Thank you."

"No, thank you. They are really great," I say. "When's the new one coming out?"

"It should be out next September, as long as I meet my deadline."

"I'm sure you will. Let me know how I can help."

She flashes me a small smile, and I swear my day is made. "Thank you, Sean."

The atmosphere between us cracks with tension, and I balk at the change. This isn't me and Jessica. She cannot be thanking me with a smile. I turn to leave.

"You're welcome, Jess. I'll see you later." I approach the fence. "I think your hair needs a good conditioner. It's all over the place."

I glance behind me to see her face darken again, and a chuckle escapes my lips as I cross over to my side of the property.

"Stay on your side from now on," she shouts at me. "Or I swear I'll have you arrested for trespassing."

Knowing Jessica, she probably will, but I wouldn't be Sean if I didn't test that out, would I? I plan to, although later. I'm still laughing when I let myself into the house and head straight for the fridge. My body is sticky from dried sweat, but I need to take care of this thirst first. I didn't feel any pain when I was outside with Jessica, but now that I'm alone, my muscles ache and I can tell I'm going to be sore.

I chug down a bottle of water in two gulps and chuck the empty plastic into the trash before jogging upstairs. My phone vibrates in my pocket. I take it out and see Jamie's name across the screen. Very convenient.

"What's up?" I answer.

"What are we doing today?" He asks immediately. "Ready to roll?"

"Uhh…in a few minutes," I answer, shedding my clothes. "I went for a run. I want to shower first."

"Any idea what you want to do? Or you'll leave it to me?" He asks excitedly.

"I'll leave it to you, for now, impress me."

He laughs. "I'll call you in an hour. Okay?"

"Jamie?" I hold his attention. "Why the heck is your sister my next-door neighbor?"

"Really?" Jamie gasps. "What a divine coincidence."

"Shut up," I say in disbelief. "This is too much to be a coincidence."

"Well…" Jamie drags. "I was mad at Jess when we made the booking, so when I saw a vacancy, I decided to take it for you."

"Okay." I knead the space between my eyes as I walk into the bathroom. "Were you also mad at me?"

"What? No!" Jamie splutters.

"So why the heck are you punishing me too?" I know I'm exaggerating, but I can't help it. "You know how Jess and I are."

"You'll both get over it," Jamie answers unapologetically.

I sigh. "Well, she's planning to kill you. Let's see how you get over that!"

This is just performative outrage; there's no reason to be upset with Jamie. In fact, I'm excited to have Jessica as my neighbor. I meant what I said about her being boring, but she's such a pleasure to look at, and I'm not mad at that. At all.

I quickly shower and change into jeans and a t-shirt. Willow Falls has changed in the last five years since I've been away, and I'm not sure what activities one can engage in to have fun, but I trust Jamie to have that covered. I go downstairs to have breakfast and wait for him. I must also stop by Evelyn's shop and my parent's house today. A smile graces my lips. Returning home is the best decision I've made for myself in years, and I'm happy about that.