I open the door and am shocked to see a familiar little girl.

“Samantha?” I asked amused. She’s holding a plate with some kind of food on it. I bend down to the little girl’s level and take the gift. “Thank you.” I get up and pop my head outside looking for an adult.

“What a surprise” I said crossing my arms and smirking

“Well, isn’t it polite to welcome you into the building? …Neighbor” Ashley replied with a sexy grin and I felt my insides churn in a very good way.

“Neighbor?” I asked

“I’m the apartment next door. I noticed you moving in earlier and thought I’d surprise you tonight” I was shocked and she glanced inside “Can we come in” I nodded

“of course” Samantha went right for Brady and the two were getting along famously.

“I see you got your dog” Ashley said and pet Brady

“Yep, that’s Brady. The only man in my life” I joked

I set the plate of food on the table and took out three plates and three forks.

“Is that a hungry man meal in the microwave?” Ashley asked.

Crap!

“Yeah, a girl’s got to eat”

We sat down and started eating, while Samantha played with Brady.

“Babysitting again tonight?” I asked

“Yeah, the happy couple is off to dinner tonight”

“I can’t believe you live next door”

“Fate” she says and we both laugh

“yeah I guess so”

“So there was something we hadn’t talked about the other day”

“what’s that?”

She got nervous and quiet, and I didn’t want to push her but the suspense was killing me.

“It’s ok Ash. What is it?”

“Well. Us. I mean back then. When we were together…” her face dropped a little and I wasn’t sure where this was going.

“what about us?” I say a little more coldly then I mean.

“ Did you ever find something like it? Were you ever as…”

“Hopelessly in love?” I finish for her

“Yeah, have you been since?”

I sigh, not wanting to answer the question. “Ashley, I …”

“I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you don’t have to answer..”

“No” I cut her off. I couldn’t help but be honest with her “You were the only one” I catch her hiding a smile “What about you?” I ask

“No” she answers quickly “I’ve kept myself very busy. It made it easier”

I know exactly what she means. “Yeah, working extra hours, taking more classes, avoiding things that reminded me of home and us”

“Yes, exactly. I’ve never been so productive” she jokes and we both laugh.

Her cell phone rings and she excuses herself and answers it. After a few seconds she hangs up.

“I have to run Samantha downstairs to Aiden, I’ll be right back”

Samantha follows Ashley out, and a few minutes later Ashley returns with a bottle of wine and two glasses she must have gotten from her apartment

“I thought I’d bring us a little apartment warming gift” she said popping the cork and pouring us each a glass.

We finish the bottle and we’re both laughing and having a great time. I can’t remember the last time I had had so much fun.

“Well you are my favorite neighbor so far” I tell her. She laughs

“Glad to hear it” she glances at the time. “I should get going”

we both stand up and I hug her goodbye. Maybe it’s the wine but I really don’t want her to go.

Before she walks out she turns around “Spence, I’m happy you’re back” and then she closes the door behind her.

I clear the plates and dishes with a huge grin on my face. I have the same grin when I plop down in bed.

Tomorrow is another day…and another chance to see Ashley. This neighbor thing may work out very well.