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Whipping around, I saw a tall man standing a few yards away. He was staring at me with his hands in his pockets, a look of disapproval on his face. He had a five o’clock shadow growing along his strong jawline, and his thick hair was tousled in the beach breeze.
He was sexy; there was no doubt about that. But there was nothing welcoming about him. Shocked, I lowered my phone and raised my eyebrows, staring back at him in defiance.
“Can I help you?” I asked, though my tone gave off the clear message of telling him to go away.
“Can’t stand stupid broads and their Instagram antics,” he said with a shake of his head.
“I’m just taking pictures. If you have a problem with that, why don’t you try this new thing called minding your own business?” I snapped.
It wasn’t like me to be so abrasive, but something about his comment really rubbed me the wrong way.
“Your life will be a lot better when you realize no one cares about your damn selfies,” he replied. He didn’t wait for me to argue, but I wasn’t going to, anyway.
He turned and walked back inside the bungalow next to mine, but I was frozen in shock. My mouth fell open. I couldn’t believe what he’d just said to me.
“Fucking asshole,” I muttered under my breath. I took a few more pictures of the place, then headed back inside myself, trying not to let his comment get to me. I was excited to be here, and I couldn’t wait to share some of that excitement with Erin.
I didn’t care what some mean, bitter neighbor had to say.
Chapter Two
Gavin
I would have slammed the door behind me had it not been a set of sliding doors.
I was pissed off.
And I felt entirely justified in my mood, too.
I grabbed my cell phone from where it was sitting on the counter and called my landlord.
Normally, I wasn’t the kind of tenant to complain. Being left alone was my motto, and I did my best to live my life, keeping to myself as much as possible. I didn’t want friends. I didn’t want to be friendly with my neighbors, and I didn’t want to be part of any social circle.
I’d done my time in the Navy, and after the past two hellish years of my life, I had no interest in changing, either. I was convinced I had paid my debt to society, and now I just wanted everyone to fuck off. And be quiet about it, too.
Kim, the wife in my married landlord situation, answered her phone.
“Kim,” I said, “This is Gavin Norton in unit number eight. I see you moved someone into that open bungalow beside mine.”
“Yes,” Kim replied. “I told you it wasn’t likely going to stay vacant very long. We tend to stay pretty well booked.”
“Right,” I said, dragging out the word. “You did say this is a quiet little part of town, which is why I chose this location for my living quarters. Can you tell me if this young woman who has moved in next door is the only tenant? Or should I expect more obnoxious tourists ruining the peace when I’m outside?”
“Oh no, was she being disruptive?” Kim asked. “I can go by and speak with her, make sure she knows we try to keep this place a peaceful place for everyone who lives here.”
“I spoke with her myself,” I replied. “But she seemed a bit young to be living there alone. I’m concerned this is just the first day of what’s going to be a party house.”
“I can assure you, that’s not happening,” Kim said. “You know we don’t allow for parties to take place here in our complex.”
“Uh-huh,” I said. “So, can you tell me why you chose a tenant who is one of these internet-famous influencers who thinks the entire world needs to see what she had for breakfast? You should know by just the first meeting that she will not be a quiet, keep-to-herself kind of neighbor.”
“Mr. Norton, I am taking your concern seriously,” Kim said. “And I will make sure our new tenant fits in with the rest of the complex so everyone is comfortable and able to enjoy their time here. But I will remind you she is a tenant, and it is up to me to make sure everyone, including her, feels welcome and safe. I would ask you to please ignore what is going on in the other bungalows, and if there is an issue with yours, then you may reach out with a formal complaint.”
“Ma’am, I’m pretty sure you misunderstand. I’m not complaining about this tenant. I’m asking you if you’re changing the way you’re doing things. I could very well pack up and find another place to live, but I enjoy the view here, and I would hate to have to do that if this is just an oversight.” I hoped she understood my point. I didn’t see how having any young people here, especially those with their damn cell phones and social media following, was going to do anything but turn this little section of paradise into a party location. And after all I had been through, I didn’t want to deal with that kind of bullshit.
“Again, Mr. Norton,” Kim said, “I carefully screen each and every tenant who applies to live in any of our bungalows, and I assure you there isn’t anything to worry about with this one. I understand your desire to have quiet, and while I haven’t been over there today, I can assure you I had every reason to believe this was a good fit with our newest member. If for some reason it’s not working out, we will address the issue, but if you don’t have anything specific you are calling me about today, I’m going to have to get going.”
“I just caution you with these young kids,” I said again. “You let one in, and what’s going to happen when she brings her little friends from college? She looks like she’s on summer vacation, for God’s sake.”
