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Claire tried not to laugh. She failed. Barely. But Noah noticed. Of course he did. His expression changed, not smug exactly. Just pleased. Like he had discovered something.

Claire immediately stopped. “Don’t,” she warned.

“Don’t what?”

“Look so proud of yourself.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“I just think it’s nice to know you can smile.”

Claire stared. That was not what she expected him to say. Most people would have teased her. Would have pointed out that she was clearly difficult. Would have made some joke about her being intimidating. Instead, he just said it like it was a simple observation. Which somehow made it worse.

Claire reached for the bag. “Thank you for bringing my food.”

“You’re welcome.”

“And for the record, neighbors do not normally open each other’s dinner.”

“Noted.”

“Good.”

Noah looked at the apartment behind her. Boxes everywhere. Furniture half assembled. A small plant sitting alone on the windowsill. “First night?”

She nodded. “That obvious?”

“A little.” She expected him to say something annoying. Instead, he simply said, “Moving is terrible.”

Claire blinked. “That is your contribution?”

“Yes.”

“Very inspiring.”

“I try.”

She shook her head, but she couldn’t stop the small smile. Noah noticed. Again. “I’ll let you get back to unpacking. Do you need any help with that furniture?”

“Sorry, I don’t let neighbors I just met who attempt to steal my dinner into my apartment,” she teased.

“Right.” He nodded. “Seems more like a fourth or fifth meeting thing. Not a first.”

She laughed. “Maybe not even that soon. I mean, we can’t rule out that you weren’t planning to eat my dinner. Or worse, poison it.”

“I promise you, I was not. Though I have to admit, it kind of hurts that you would consider me a food thief. I like to think of myself as a helpful neighbor. I intended to give you a better first impression.” He smiled at her.

“Next time you want to help me, don’t open my dinner,” she advised.

“I was inspecting it. Food quality control.”

“I’ll check the quality of my food myself next time.”

“If you say so.” He started to turn away. “Claire?”

She looked up.