More than you know, buddy.
“Why don’t we start over?” I stick out my hand between us. “Hi, I’m Nix. I just moved in.”
Amusement flashes in his eyes. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m James.”
His hand engulfs mine in a firm shake, and warmth spreads up my arm. I try to think of something witty to say, but with those beautiful eyes of his on me, my brain turns to mush. He needs to put those sunglasses back on.
Still holding my hand, he says, “Well, have a nice day, Phoenix.”
I yank my hand away. “I told you not to call me that.”
“What’s wrong with your name?”
“I just don’t like it, okay?” I give his chest a light shove. “Now, go. I have a lot of shit to do today.”
My pace slows as I round the corner of my cul-de-sac on the way back from my evening run.
I smell a skunk.
Some of the houses on the block are owned by retired locals who live here all year round. Any one of them can be the cause of this scent. Baby Boomers love their marijuana. But a cloud of smoke rises from the alley between the Russo’s house and mine, and I have a sneaking suspicion I know who it’s coming from.
Leo smiles wide as I enter the alley. “Hey, neighbor.”
I arch a brow. “I knew I smelled trouble.”
He looks happy as a clam despite the scabs and bruises on his face. “What you’re smelling isfun. The scent often gets confused with trouble when uptight pricks get a whiff of it.”
I chuckle and lean against my house facing him. “Fun wouldn’t be hiding out here in the alley if it weren’t causing trouble.”
“Touché, neighbor girl. So, does that mean you came out here looking for some trouble?” He holds out his joint and wiggles his eyebrows.
“Trouble’s not my thing.”
“Ah. That’s too bad.” His eyes trail down the length of my body, lingering on my spandex-clad thighs. “We could’ve gotten into some together.”
“Look at me like that again, and I’ll make the beating your brother gave you last night feel like a tickle fight.”
He throws his head back as he laughs, and then winces, clutching his ribs. “Okay, okay. No need to get all Black Widow on me. I can take a hint.”
“Something tells me you need more than a hint. Maybe a giant flashing neon sign.”
“Nice hat, by the way.”
I tap the brim of Leo’s black hat I decided to wear today. “Call it my consolation prize.”
He spreads his arms out wide. “I’ll be your consolation prize, baby.”
I roll my eyes so hard it hurts. “I’d rather an apology instead.”
“I’m sorry. Your house has been empty for years. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be living in it.” Leo jerks his chin toward my house. “I envy you, with that house all to yourself.”
“Is that why you came through my window last night? You wanted to be alone?”
“To be fair, I tried the front door but it was locked.”
I laugh. “What’s wrong with your house?”
“It’s too suffocating in there.”