My Hot Neighbor (Completed)

CHAPTER ONE

You've got this Desi. Crunch time. 

I take a fortifying breath before delivering the bad news.

"Promise you won't be mad?" I asked in a frown tone.

"Just tell me, Desi. What is it?" Connor asked in a worry tone.

"I broke up with my ex... I bailed on my apartment lease, quit my office job, and now I work here, at the Neptune Bar." 

I open my eyes  and see my step-bother staring blankly at me over a cold plate of french fries. 

"So. What do you think?" I asked to Connor.

"I think..?" Connor asked.

"Well, you have to think something, Connor." I said to him.

"I think you should tell Mom and Dad." Connor said. 

"Oh, right. Like it's really that simple.." I said to Connor as I  frown.

"You're the only one making it harder than it really is." Connor said

"Not true. They loved  my ex, and they would be disappointed to find out I failed. Again." 

"How could they be disappointed with you? Take it from your older brother-- they would be more understanding than you think." Connor said with a gentle smile.

"Easy for you to say, you're a millionaire."

"Money doesn't solve everything you know." Connor said.

Connor is the best older step-brother a sister could hope for, and I know he would do anything for me. Which is why I decided to break the news to him first.

"Fine. I'll think about it, but in the meantime, this stays between you and me." 

"My lips are sealed. I'm just glad you came to me when you did." Connor said with a smile. 

Connor is leaving on a business trip and won't be back for a month. In the meantime, he had asked me if I could house sit his apartment while it's renovated.

"Here are the keys, as we agreed. You just need to make sure the builders don't trash the place while I'm away." Connor said as he hands me the keys.

"Thanks, Connor" I take the keys from him.

He nodded as he stand up his seat ready to walk out of the bar.

"Don't mention it. What else are big brothers for? Oh, and... one more thing." Connor said as leans over the bar. 

"Stay away from my neighbor, won't you?" Connor said in a serious tone.

My eyes widened in his expression. "Your neighbor... What's wrong with him? Is he dangerous?"

"He is not the kind of guy you should hanging out with right now. You're going through a lot... And he might try and take advantage of that." Connor said in a serious tone.

"You mean he is a player? Do you really think I'm that gullible?"

"Don't look at me like that! It's my job to protect you from people like him." Connor said with a worry tone from his voice.

He checks his watch and properly stands up. "Look, I have to go. My flight is leaving soon. But I'll see you when I get back?"

"Yep. I'll be... here!" I said to Connor with a smile.

I gesture at the empty bar, and he flashes me a reassuring smile before vanishing out the door with a wave.

******

I finish work late and arrive outside Connor's apartment block in the early hours of the morning. 

Connor was always a high achiever, but I had no idea he would achieved this much since we last spoke.