Window Games

Chapter 1

Gilbert scowled at the windows, hating winter more than usual. It was cold, and at four in the afternoon it was already getting dark. It wasn't like he wasn't used to it, having grown up in Germany, but it was irritating for someone who wanted to get out and do things as often as he did. He wasn't so weak that he'd be bowled over by a little cold or anything, but he wasn't stupid enough to raise the risks of getting one either.

Deciding that the better option here would be to just grab a beer and watch reruns of Survivor, he shed his jacket and made his way to the kitchen. Everything was going according to plan until, on the way back to his overstuffed armchair, he happened to glance out the window.

Oh, that was new. The windows of the apartment across the street were lit up, revealing rooms crowded with cardboard boxes. Normally Gilbert wasn't the type to pry in things that weren't likely to concern him, but anyone would be curious about a new neighbor, right?

Since the windows of the next room revealed roughly the same view, he made his way slowly through the doorway and flicked on the TV, still watching for any signs of life. There didn't seem to be anyone in the street or any trucks in the process of being unloaded, so maybe the inhabitants were just out getting something to eat.

At that moment, Gilbert's stomach chose to remind him that it had been hours since his last meal. He didn't want to leave in case he missed the newcomer's return, so he had to either get takeout or stick with something from the freezer. Neither sounded too bad as long as the food was warm, but after the day he'd had, Gilbert wasn't looking forward to having to do more work just to fill his stomach. Takeout, then.

Keeping an eye on the windows, he grabbed his laptop and pulled up the page for the Chinese place around the corner. Even as he ordered, he could hear his brother's lecturing tone in his mind. Ludwig always worried too much, but Gil would be lying if he said he didn't appreciate it. Neither Ludwig nor their father were particularly affectionate, so to Gilbert, those concerned lectures were about equivalent with a big hug from his little brother.

There was a little smile on the blond's lips as he hit the button to submit his order, then looked up again and froze.

There was movement in the apartment across the street. Gilbert stood and crossed to the window, trying to get a better view. It looked like a man, and the German wondered if he was the only one there. From here, the short brunet was all he could see. The apartment was directly across from him, so he could see inside clearly.

The man stood in the doorway, hands on his hips, and surveyed the room. He was well dressed, though his tie had been loosened and the top few buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a hint of lightly tanned skin. His dark hair shone under the light, and as he ran a hand through it, a wayward curl bounced wildly.

As Gilbert watched, he entered the room and began to search through the boxes. For some reason, the blond watching still couldn't bring himself to pull away. Then the man bent at the waist, pawing through some of his belongings, and Gil's brain short-circuited.

Oh, he was in love.

Anyone with a body like that—specifically an ass like that—couldn't possibly be single. Even as what little hope he'd started out with waned, Gilbert's interest skyrocketed. No one else had come into view, making Gilbert wonder if he was new in town. If he was, maybe the German still had a chance. Of course, that would mean getting the guy's attention and getting to know him and then wooing him...It sounded like a lot of work, but based on looks alone, the payout was probably worth it.

He watched the other man a bit longer, telling himself he was just trying to figure out if there was anyone else living there. Unlike Gilbert's shabby little one-bedroom apartment, the place across the street was surprisingly classy for the neighborhood. It had to be a lot of room for one guy, and yet, there had been no activity except the brunet he could see.