The Girl Next Door
The Boy Next Door Chapter 17

Oh my God! What the hell was that?

Emotion churns through me as Mia shoves the key into the lock and twists the handle before dragging my bags inside our brand-new apartment. The confrontation with Colton has left me feeling shaken and out of sorts. Was I really under the delusion that it was possible to ease back into life at Wesley? I could take my time, adjust a bit, and replace my bearings before having to come face-to-face with. I glance at my phone, noting that I haven't been back on American soil for a full hour before we had a run-in. Ugh. That encounter couldn't have gone any worse.

After a couple of months in London, I'd all but convinced myself that I was over him. That I'd detoxed the guy from my heart.

Only now do I realize that it was wishful thinking on my part. If I had, I wouldn't have gone off the rails like a complete psycho. I wince, remembering the avid faces watching from the sidelines. A few spectators had been on the verge of grabbing a bowl of popcorn and pulling up a lawn chair to enjoy the show.

Jerks.

On the positive side, it's doubtful I'll have to worry about Colton pestering me in the near future. Or anyone else who witnessed that debacle. I'm sure my new neighbors will give me a wide berth and avoid me like a case of the clap. One year. That's all I've got to endure. Then we'll go our separate ways never to see one another again.

Hopefully.

The adrenaline pumping wildly through my veins minutes ago dissipates, leaving exhaustion behind to fill the void. It takes every last bit of strength to muscle my luggage into the small entryway and slam the door closed. With a huff of breath, I glance around our new digs. I'd been so excited by the photos and virtual tour Mia had sent me. It seemed almost unbelievable that we had all this space to ourselves. No more dorm life! Or teeny tiny flat. Now I would happily exchange this place for a dorm. I have no idea how I'm going to coexist in the same building with Colton Montgomery.

I trudge into the sun-filled living room before collapsing onto a chair. Another wave of exhaustion crashes over me. Looks like the jetlag is about to catch up with me. I don't think I've slept in twenty-four hours. There was just too much packing to do and too many people to say good-bye to. As excited as I was to return, I was sad to leave all the friends I'd made behind. Especially since I have no idea when I'll see them again.

Almost gingerly, Mia settles on the couch across from me. A flicker of unease fills her expression as concern gathers in her eyes. "I'm really sorry, Lys. I meant to tell you about Colton on the ride home from the airport, but I just didn't know how to do it." She jerks her shoulders. "When I toured the building and then signed the rental lease a few weeks later, I had no idea he lived here."

My gaze meanders to the patio door that leads to a small balcony. I'd been over the moon when she'd stepped outside with her phone and panned the area. The idea of being able to sit outside on a balmy night and study in the fresh air seemed almost extravagant. And now?

Not even that little perk is able to bring a smile to my lips because all I can think about is that Colton will be here too. I'll run into him in the hallways. I'll have a first-class seat to the groupies he entertains.

That thought makes me sick to my stomach.

A humorless chuckle bubbles up in my throat.

Had I really convinced myself that I was over him?

Or that I'd moved on with my life?

Ha!

"It's fine." Now that the brightest part of my anger has drained away, guilt rushes in to swamp me. "Sorry for being a b***h and inviting Beck to the party."

She shakes her head as a groan slips free.

It only makes me feel worse. Renting an apartment in the same building as Colton was an unfortunate coincidence. Me inviting Beck to the welcome home party, however, was not.

I clear my throat and add in a hopeful tone, "It's always possible that he won't show up."

Mia snorts before leveling a knowing stare in my direction. "I think we both know he'll be there."

She's right, we do.

Beck has always had a not-so-secret thing for my bestie. Mia, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with the guy, which is a challenge since they grew up together, live next door to one another, and their parents are good friends. So, she gets stuck with him during holidays and family vacations.

As easy on the eyes as Beck is, I can't blame her for keeping him at a distance. Mia has experienced enough pain in her life to invite more.

Beck has been attracting attention of the female persuasion since he was in middle school for both his talent on the football field along with his good looks. Think bottle green-colored eyes, wavy dark hair, and ridiculously high cheek bones that look like they were chiseled from stone.

Sure, Colton has his own fan club when it comes to the ladies at Wesley, but so does Beck. The guy has never lacked for female attention. And Mia isn't into that. I might have been gone for a year, but I can't imagine that much has changed where Beck Hollingsworth is concerned.

Unlike me, Mia knows better than to try and tame a bad boy.

"We could always look for another apartment and if we replace something, try to get out of the lease," she says, breaking into my thoughts.

Yeah, I guess that's a possibility.

I glance around the decorated space. I like what Mia has done with the place. Already, after only being here for two weeks, the place looks homey. It would be such a pain in the a*s to move again. Not to mention, I really do love that balcony.

Am I going to allow Colton Montgomery to chase me away?

I refuse to give him the satisfaction.

Decision made, I blow out a long breath and shake my head.

Mia's shoulders loosen from around her ears as a tentative smile curves her lips. "Don't worry, I'm sure we'll barely see him. You're busy with dance and he's got football. You'll be like two ships passing in the night." You know what?

She's right.

I've got nothing to worry about.

And if Colton has any brains whatsoever, he'll avoid me like his life depends on it.

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