Watch Me (Private Listing #1)

He takes my hand and helps me into the car before he shuts the door and climbs into the passenger seat. After Hope gives her address, I give mine.

The car stops at Hope’s apartment building. She hugs me. I’m not sure what to do, so I pat her awkwardly on her back.

“I’m an affectionate drunk. Just go with it,” she says.

Noah gets out and opens her door for her. She climbs out and waves before ducking into her apartment building.

He slides into the back with me and those tingles from earlier ripple through me. A partition comes up between us and the driver. Noah moves closer and I can make out his intent in the flickering streetlights.

I smile as his head lowers and his mouth claims mine. He’s the only one who has kissed me so far. It’s like fireworks burst inside me. Our tongues tangle and caress. We make out for the ten minutes it takes to get to my apartment building.

When the car comes to a stop, Noah lifts his head with a sigh. Our breath shudders in and out like we ran the entire way here. My panties are damp, and I’m tempted to invite him upstairs to finish what he started.

His thumb traces my cheekbone. “I’d ask to come up, but it’s too soon.”

I open my mouth to protest, but I also know my apartment isn’t anything like what he’s used to. He kisses me briefly and then gets out. Leaning down, he reaches his hand in to help me out.

“The car will be here for you tomorrow at seven,” he says.

“Okay, thank you.”

He kisses me again and then walks me to my door. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Smiling, I let myself in. My feet feel like they barely touch the ground. I turn and he’s still standing there, a frown between his eyebrows as he takes in my apartment building. It isn’t much, but the doors lock.

It’s hopefully only for two more weeks.

When his eyes meet mine, he smiles and waves before returning to the car. I sigh as I climb the stairs.

My lips still buzz from him and that taste of mint. I want more. I know I need to be patient, but today was amazing.

Robert’s door opens as I pass. My shoulders tighten.

“Hey, Madison.” He steps out behind me.

“Hi, Robert. It’s late and I have an early start tomorrow.” I don’t even turn back as I approach my door. There’s a paper on it. I stare at it, not comprehending.

“The landlord stopped by earlier. I told him it must be a mistake.”

Eviction Notice is stamped across the top in huge letters. Removing it, I read down the paper. Nonpayment of rent. What? I paid the rent this month.

“It’s a mistake.” The words fall from my lips.

“You can go to the office tomorrow morning. I told him you would be able to figure this out.” Robert beams at me.

This can’t be right.

“Good night.” I unlock my door, still in shock.

“Hey, if you can’t fix it, you can live with me. I’ve got a great couch. Do you want to come see it?” Robert starts toward his apartment, gesturing for me to follow him.

“Not tonight, Robert.” A slice of anxiety winds through me.

He keeps asking me over and I keep saying no. I want to think he’s harmless, but I know he’s more powerful than me.

I slip inside my apartment and lock the door. My eyes go to my roommate’s bedroom. I haven’t seen or heard from her in over a week. If she didn’t pay… fuck. I could barely afford my half of the rent this month.

The apartment office opens early. I should be able to take care of it before going to work.