October 2021, 3pm
"Howdy, neighbour ;)"
It’s a little after 3pm on Tuesday afternoon and Kiara Carrera’s at her desk willing the inspiration to come. She lives in a high-rise apartment and from the open window, she can see onto the street below. Usually, there'd be crowds of people making their daily commute but these days it’s practically empty.
She’s a journalist so her job can be done remotely but the fact that she can’t write a single word is a big problem. No scratch that, it’s a huge problem given her column’s due by 10pm that night.
When Kiara finished college she'd followed the predictable route into journalism and had enjoyed it to a certain degree. However, the current world crisis has not only sent her into isolation, but it also sent her into isolation with a column.
Kiara doesn’t write columns mostly because she isn't an expert at anything, least of all what she's been assigned by her editor. This isn't How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and she isn't Andie 'how to girl’ Anderson she’s Kiara 'single in quarantine' girl. No this isn't a joke, even if her friends think it is.
Cleo, her best friend, has had a field day with it. She's entertained herself through self-isolation sending Kiara links to the best dating apps. Just because she’s on Hinge talking dirty to a few people and loving it doesn’t give her the right to interfere. It’s only when her cell beeps, indicating an incoming message that she’s averted her gaze from her computer screen and to her phone wondering what she's signed her up to now. Although, it isn't Cleo this time.
She reads it then weighs up her options. Kiara knows the guy, albeit barely, and given the tone of his message she doesn’t think it deserves much of a response. So she ignores it at first until two minutes later her cell beeps again.
"I know you're there; I’m on my balcony and can hear you sighing extremely loudly through the open window. Have you had anyone look into that?"
"Who is this?"
"Cute, Carrera."
"I only gave you this number for emergencies, you know, like if the building’s on fire."
"Or in case you need my help with spider disposal ; )"
"That was only once and it was gigantic with beady eyes."
Kiara can only really recall one thing that night and it wasn't the spider, it was the half-clothed Adonis disposing of it. She shivers involuntarily wishing he doesn’t still have that effect on her, but he does. Hence, why she keeps her space, at least now it’s mandated that she has to stay away.
"That's not how I remember it but if you say so."
"Why are you messaging me, Maybank?"
"I'm bored ; )"
"Okay, just so you know, a winky emoji isn't going to make me sleep with you, in fact, the whole human race would have to be wiped out first for me to even consider that scenario."
Lies, I mean it’s all lies. But as long as he can’t see through her, that’s all that matters.
"Okay you're on, I'll take a post-apocalyptic hook-up ; )"
The Winky-face emoji guy is her artist neighbour to the left. Yes, he’s good looking but he knows it. Which is his biggest problem in her view. Their entire history consists mainly of thinly veiled flirting disguised as insults in the elevator. If he wasn’t such a man whore maybe Kiara would take him seriously. But until then it’s all just harmless fun.
Then an idea comes to her. If she’s basically stuck in self-isolation next to this guy she might as well use him for research.
"Are you on any dating apps by chance?"
"Is that a trick question?"
Kiara stands up from her desk deciding she needs a change in scenery. She stretches her arms over her head before making her way onto the balcony. There’s a thin partition between their apartments. Kiara figures it’s probably best she doesn’t see his face when asking such personal questions because she might get tongue-tied, especially if he flashes those disarming dimples in her direction.
"I'm doing research for a column and I figure, well you know, given you're a womaniser, you might be able to assist."
She’s now standing right up against the partition hoping he'll answer.
"Way to ask a guy for a favour," he chuckles. His voice is rich and charismatic and it’s hard not to feel something.
"Well, do you have anything better to do?"
"I'm painting," he murmurs.
"I know it's difficult for males to multi..."
"I multi-task just fine, sweetheart," he says, emitting a low, throaty growl and Kiara feels a hot blush cross her cheeks. Yeah, much better they’re separated. "What do you want to know exactly?"
Turns out her column was a hit, so much so that it became a series. Kiara knew without her secret weapon she would never have done it. And for that she was grateful. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all.
October 2022, 10pm
"That's the fifth time your cat has broken into my apartment," he growls, handing over the wriggling, furry and extremely guilty party to her owner.
"Broken in? What? Did she have a key and turn the door knob herself?”
“That’s not remotely cute even though you seem to think it is.”
“What do you want me to say? Marley likes her freedom."
“Well, not in my apartment, she doesn’t.”
“You know, maybe it’s all your late night booty calls leaving the front door open, did you ever think of that?”
“Have you been keeping tabs on all my visitors, Carrera?”
“No, but if the shoe fits.”
“You certainly like to think you know me,” he muses, leaning lazily against her door jamb.
Kiara’s beginning to realise maybe there’s more to him than she thought. And she’s not just talking about the generous package she can make out within the confines of his boxers. He’s briefly attired, something Kiara should be used to after all this time but somehow she’s even more affected than the last time she spied him washing his car half naked on the weekend.
He’s wearing a pair of brief, boxer shorts and a fitted grey henley, his wild hair rumpled just the right amount like some Abercrombie and Fitch model. If Kiara’s being honest she can see his nipples hardening through the thin fabric and is struggling to concentrate with that discovery as well as the generously endowed one below. She shakes her head trying to concentrate on the matter at hand.
“Well, after being neighbours all this time you tend to pick up on things. Like the fact you seem to cook bacon twenty-four seven so no wonder Marley loves your apartment more than mine."
"It's not that often and how is that my fault exactly?"
"I'm a vegetarian so Marley has a tendency to forage elsewhere," she adds by way of explanation. "Apparently, tofu doesn't really make the cut."
"You don't say," he smirks, those dimples deciding to show themselves just at the wrong time.
"Um," she stalls, trying to focus. "Look, it won't happen again."
"That's what you said the last four times," he argues.
"You make it sound like I did this on purpose," she huffs, folding her arms defensively over her chest.
“You know, it’s a shame your cat, your best friend and your boyfriend seem to like me more than you, just saying.”
“Well, Cleo is just friendly, period and John B isn’t my boyfriend, not that I owe you an explanation.”
“He certainly comes over a lot for not being your boyfriend.”
“Now who’s keeping tabs on whom?”
“I thought we were friends again after I helped you with your column and saved you from that spider. Not to mention watering your plants and collecting your mail when you went away. Then there were those cookies I baked for you a few months ago.”
“Ah, since when did you water my plants and collect my mail?”
“Your friend, Cleo is it, said…”
“That’s the last time I trust her with anything,” she mutters. “So, what? You were just roaming around my house free range.”
“Yeah, I conducted a panty raid while you were away,” he teases. “Carrera, you seriously need to relax, you know, maybe get some…”
“Excuse me?”
“I was going to say, before you interrupted, get some therapeutic bath salts, they're amazing. I know a girl who sells them, I can give you the details.”
“Oh you mean the same girl who baked me those ‘special’ cookies because she felt bad for screaming so loud during the night?”
“I can’t help it, I’m just that good.”
"I’m surprised your head can still fit in this hallway, your ego is that inflated. Anyway, as much as I enjoy shooting the breeze," she mutters sarcastically. "I promise I'll keep her under control. Goodnight."
Kiara gives him a curt nod and shuts the door in his smug face.
"You know, a simple apology wouldn't go astray, sweetheart," he yells through the closed door.
She leans up against it, closing her eyes just to try and steady her breathing. JJ Maybank really is going to kill her. Marley has since squirmed free and is slinking her way across the room.
"You felt it too, you big flirt.”
6 hours later
Kiara wakes abruptly from a dream, or was it a nightmare? She isn't quite sure why she was wearing a Zorro costume and being chased by giant avocados but knows she'll need to hit up google in the morning to find out why.
Her eyes slowly adjust to the dim glow of the street lights creeping through the edge of her blind. She turns over noticing that Marley isn’t in her bed. She sits up abruptly thinking she should’ve named her Houdini instead. If she isn't there, Kiara knows exactly where and whom she'll be with and she suddenly feels full of dread. Not because he'll come over and deliver another lecture but because he'll probably be even less dressed given the time.
She throws off the covers, busily making her way toward the front door without even bothering to check her attire. Hopefully Marley will only be roaming the hallway given it’s the middle of the night. She creeps into the hall. Luckily it’s lit, so she can search the area. Unfortunately, Marley is nowhere to be seen. Knowing her pet, Kiara is fairly certain she'll be hiding around a corner, she always loves a game. Kiara drops onto her hands and knees. The fact her pale blue, skimpy nightie rides up mid-thigh is the last thing on her mind.
"Marley!" She whispers, her eyes flickering to the gold number 9 on his door and praying JJ won’t appear. "Get your furry ass out here!"
"I'm kind of offended you think my ass is furry, Carrera," a familiar and extremely smug voice answers. Kiara doesn’t even bother getting up, just knocks her head on the carpet a few times. "What? No snarky come back?"
"Urgh," she growls, her forehead still firmly on the ground, her chestnut waves fanned out around her.
Kiara lifts her head slowly, dreading his knowing expression. What she finds isn't helping her bad mood. If she thinks his appearance was brief earlier, his now bare chest and fitted bottoms are bordering on almost naked. She gulps, trying to compose herself but notices a familiar cat nestled happily in his arms.
She feels her night dress brush her panties and realises how practically naked she must look. Kiara stands up shakily, her hands tugging at the nightie and willing it to go lower.
"It’s not my fault," she sighs, trying to ignore his blue eyes hovering on her lace hem that is riding dangerously high on her thighs again.
"Another excuse?"
"I'm not lying," she scowls. "In fact, Cleo says I'm probably the most unapologetically honest person she's ever met."
"Really?" His eyebrow cocks curiously.
"Yeah apparently I'd suck at poker. I have this tendency to..."
"Ramble when you're nervous?"
"At least I'm not a smug, know-it-all that delights in the misery of other people," she accuses, feeling her nipples spring to attention and crossing her arms over her chest to hide that particular fact.
"Says the girl whose cat keeps breaking into my house?"
"All her," she replies gruffly. "I'd be the worst burglar. Now, if you would just relinquish my little thief, I'll be on my way."
"I would but, between you and me, she doesn't seem to want to go anywhere."
"Sell out," Kiara says for her cat’s benefit. "Hey! Since when do you like her so much?"
It’s the first time she’s realised just how much he seems to be enjoying her company given the way he’s patting her so affectionately.
"I suppose you could say she's growing on me," he admits.
"Oh really?"
"Okay, you caught me. I might’ve lied earlier when I said I was angry about her trespassing."
“Great, you can keep the little traitor overnight then, I mean it’s the least you can do after making me feel so bad, neighbour.”
She doesn’t even wait for him to reply, just goes back inside and slams the door shut.
October 2023, 11:30pm
“I’m going to kill him,” Kiara growls, looking through the peephole into the hallway.
It’s empty at the moment but you can’t mistake the loud music blaring from behind her neighbour’s door.
“Are you still pissed about the panty raid or the fact your cat likes him better?” Cleo jokes, placing a piece of candy on her outstretched tongue and sending her a mischievous glance mid-bite.
“No, but thanks for the reminder that you gave a stranger the key to my house and let him rifle through my mail.”
“He’s not a stranger, Kie, he’s been your neighbour for three and a half years. We even had beers the other night I came over and you weren’t home,” John B offers and Kiara sends him a dirty look for his trouble.
“Do you think maybe it’s time you stop pretending and just get down and dirty instead?” Cleo asks, her expression surprisingly stoic given the conversation content. “The sexual tension between you two is palpable and I don’t need that kind of bad karma.”
“You, of all people, don’t like sexual tension?” John B teases. “Well, that’s a first, Cleo.”
“That’s not what I mean,” she scoffs, throwing some candy corn in her friend’s direction. “I don’t want their inability to seal the deal to rub off on my chances of getting some tonight.”
“I’m so glad I invited you both over tonight. You know sugar isn’t good for you, right?” Kiara says, pulling the sweets away from their greedy grasp. “I detest the idiot and any way to make his life miserable is welcome.”
“Well, given the noise coming from his Halloween Party a little call to the cops would most definitely be unwelcome.” John B suggests.
Kiara thinks he might have a point and returns the candy to their outstretched arms.
“You do realise we could be at said party having fun and not trying to hatch revenge plans on our pathetic lonesome,” Cleo pouts. “I think my costume this year is my best yet, it seems a waste.”
She did look extremely cute in a naughty nurse get-up, John B too, looking good as a roman gladiator. Angel Kiara is dressed in head-to-toe white with a golden halo nestled in her chestnut waves. Someone has to balance out Cleo.
“I’m not invited so I think that means you’re not either. I swear, he knew how loud the party would be and did it just to annoy me again.”
“So, you do want to go?” John B asks, slightly perplexed.
“I wouldn’t be caught dead going to his party.”
‘Why don’t I believe you, Kie,” Cleo murmurs.
Kiara had grown increasingly frustrated at JJ Maybank and his unrelenting mission to annoy her. There’s no way she’s going to show up at his party and stroke that over-inflated ego any more than is necessary.
It’s only when multiple pieces of candy hit her that Kiara knows her best friends are close to a full on revolt.
“Wait here,” she replies. “I’ve got a phone call to make.”
It’s petty, yes, but Kiara is in a petty mood and JJ Maybank has driven her over the edge so she can’t be responsible for her actions. Or at least that’s what she’s telling herself.
25 minutes later
There’s a loud, purposeful knock on the door.
“Yes?” She calls out, like she has no idea who’s on the other side.
“Trick or treat?”
Kiara rolls her eyes at her friends. Of course it’s him and of course he’d say something like that.
She opens the door not expecting the devil to be on the other side and by that she doesn’t just mean his personality. It suits him perfectly. His fitted, black costume with red accents is like a second skin and his horns are perched perfectly in his unruly, blonde hair.
Then she remembers what she’s wearing and can’t believe her bad luck. He’s noticed too given the way his eyes flicker appreciatively over her outfit making places that haven’t tingled for a while do just that. He really is evil like Lucifer.
“I don’t remember coordinating costumes, Carrera,” he smirks and both dimples come out on cue.
“What are you doing at my door, Maybank? I thought you’d be too busy with your little party.”
“This is the part where you give me candy, sweetheart.”
“I sure as hell won’t waste my candy on you.”
“I’m pretty sure candy is just a euphemism,” Cleo notes from the couch. Kiara closes her eyes momentarily, willing her friend far, far away right now.
“They’ve had too much candy and need to be cut-off,” she explains, through pursed lips. “You know, you’re insufferable. Has anyone ever told you that?”
“Says the girl who called the fire brigade to my party.”
Kiara’s shocked but desperately trying not to show it. Okay, it isn’t her finest hour but she figures it would be anonymous. How JJ knows she doesn’t understand.
“Bite me,” she hisses. JJ arches his left eyebrow curiously. “Wait no, no, I was being sarcastic I didn’t mean...”
“Are you sure because I'm not at all opposed to that?”
“Do you need us to leave?” Cleo asks, gesturing to John B. “I’m sure we can make ourselves plenty comfortable at JJ’s party. Right, neighbour?”
“By all means,” JJ offers. “ Just because your friend isn’t invited doesn’t mean you can’t come over, the more the merrier.”
“Great,” John B smiles. “Sorry, Kie, we’ll, ah, see you later, okay?”
Cleo doesn’t bother to say anything, just drags John B out the front door. Traitors. Clearly, they’ve been getting tips from Marley.
“You obviously called the fire department to get my attention so here I am,” he says, pushing his way past Kiara and making himself comfortable on the couch.
“I lost Marley in a tree obviously they mixed up the apartment numbers,” she lies.
“Marley is curled up on my bed as we speak.” Of course, that little hussy. Was she the only one not at this party? “And for future reference we don’t rescue cats from trees you need to call an arborist.”
“Well…”
“There’s no point in denying it, Kiara, I’m a firefighter and half the brigade is at my party next door.”
“No, you’re an artist.”
“In my spare time, gotta pay the bills somehow. For someone who thinks they know everything about me, you really don’t.”
“Trust me, I don’t want to know everything about you.”
“You say that but your actions are saying otherwise, Carrera,” he smiles, removing his devil horns. “What if I was to tell you that I’m actually a stand up guy in addition to saving people from burning buildings. I mean I volunteer for charity.”
“Oh, so we’re playing that game,” she murmurs, taking a seat on the opposing couch. “What exactly do you do for charity?”
“Well, I’m in an annual calendar the proceeds of which go straight to charities for wildfire victims and animals.”
“A calendar, which one?”
“The San Francisco Fire Departments Calendar.” Of course this guy’s a calendar model. “I’m Mr July.” Of course, it’s the hottest month of the year too.
“Well, that’s, uh, admirable but I don’t need you to give me your resume, Maybank, this isn’t a job interview.”
“But isn’t it?”
“I don’t follow,” she murmurs, noticing he’s now standing and coming closer which could be a very good thing or a very bad thing given her willpower is teetering around a 3 at the moment.
She blames the Mr July visions clouding her judgement.
“If you knew everything about me then you’d know I’m crazy about you, I have been since circa 2021. So, I’m more than happy to interview to be your boyfriend.”
“Are you drunk?”
“Not even a bit, I’m on call remember,” he smiles teasingly, his lips only a few inches away from her now. “But, you know, if you don’t want me to be your boyfriend then I can just go.”
Kiara’s mouth is dry and her heart is racing and she’s desperately trying to will herself to tell him to leave but her body and heart won’t let her.
“Okay, if we’re going to do this then we need some ground rules,” she says, trying to maintain some composure although it’s difficult.
“Here’s a crazy thought, maybe we don’t have rules and just see how it goes. I know it’s a foreign concept for you, Carrera, but you’ll have so much more fun and I think that’s the one thing you’ve been missing.”
“Do you always insult women you’re about to kiss?”
“So, does that mean you want to kiss me?”
“If I say yes,” she begins, her arms snaking around his neck. “When we tell this story in the future everyone needs to know you made the first move. I have my pride to think about.”
“I think that can be arranged,” he smirks, pulling her closer and placing kisses on her nose and eyes followed by a lingering one on her lips.
After three and a half long years the wait is definitely worth it.
She comes up for air only briefly to jump into his arms and wind her legs around his waist. Now she’s got him Kiara isn’t going to waste another minute wanting what she always thought she couldn’t have.
“Your guests won’t miss you I hope.”
“What guests,” he asks, sending her a wolfish smile. “What party?”
“Well, you’re more than welcome at my party, Maybank.”
October 2024, 5pm
Twelve months later there's another party except this one is their wedding. John B and Cleo are in the bridal party alongside JJ’s sister Sarah and his friend Pope while Marley is their ring bearer.
Even though they made a deal about the story of how they first got together the two would always argue over who actually gave in first, not that it really mattered.
