The Neighbor

Chapter 8

Elodie's POV

My mind was racing. Thoughts of Arden occupied every thought. How was it that I couldn't clear him from my mind? He felt like a drug that was so addictive I couldn't quit. 

Everything about him was a mystery, but that's what made it exciting. I sat up stretching and checked my phone. 9am. Arden needed my help again. I stood up walking to my closet grabbing a pair of shorts and a halter top. I quickly changed and slid on my sandals throwing my hair up into a messy bun today. I didn't feel like styling it, and tonight I was going to wash it anyway. I unlocked my door and headed into the bathroom brushing my teeth before pulling my phone out. 

'Are we still on for today? :)'

I smiled as I began typing.

'For sure! Was about to go grab some breakfast :)'

I set my phone down as I finished up brushing and heard a ding. 

'Don't worry! I still have left over bagels here, remember?' 

I reacted to his chat with a heart as I headed out of the bathroom. I scooted down the stairs and saw Wyatt in the kitchen, cleaning??

This was unlike him. A smile spread across his face as he set the dishes down.

"Hey! Ellie- Elodie. Good morning! How did you sleep?" 

"Good, I am just getting ready to head out actually," 

Wyatt's smile faded and he ran a hand through his hair.

"Would you maybe wanna have dinner with me tonight?"

Dinner? After the bullshit last night? 

"Can I think about it? I'll let you know?"

Wyatt sighed nodding his head forcing a smile.

"Of course, take your time. Have a good day! I love you."

I forced a smile as I grabbed my keys. I wanted to say it back, but couldn't. Saying it meant that I'd give Wyatt hope, and right now, I didn't know if that hope existed. Or if it'd ever come back. I opened the door and walked out shutting it as I took a deep breath. 

I headed across the street and up Arden's driveway. He stood in the doorway, his hands gripping onto the door frame as he leaned his upper body outside smiling. 

"Happiest of mornings to you Elodie!"

I let out a laugh as a smile spread across my face. 

"Happiest of mornings to you Arden," 

Arden's eyes lit up as he looked down at me, and I raised my eyebrows.

"Are we going to just stand here all day or continue unpacking?"

Arden let out a laugh and moved away from the doorframe holding his arm out ushering me in. I let out another laugh as I walked in, Arden following me after shutting the door.

"I already toasted the bagels so you just need to grab whatever you'd like from the fridge. It is actually restocked! I took your advice and did that grocery delivery app, and it is life changing!"

I nodded my head and opened up his fridge grabbing out the cream cheese and orange juice. I turned around setting it on the island as I looked for silverware. 

"Where is-"

"First drawer on your right."

"Ah,"

I grabbed out a knife and then looked at a smiling Arden as he sat down at the breakfast bar.