Chapter 021

***~Michelle~***

“So, what are you having?” Richard asked, staring at me. I shrugged, looking at the menu. It was hard to choose from the options lined up.

It wasn’t my idea to go out for dinner that evening. If I had my way, I’d have gone straight home, curled up with a book, or binge-watched a show until I fell asleep.

But Richard had insisted. He’d come by the office to leave with Jack and ask me to join them for dinner, just like last time.

I almost refused—almost. I didn’t want to be a third wheel, but the thought of sitting alone in my apartment, with only my thoughts for company, made me hesitate.

I knew I needed to get out, to think about something other than the tangled mess that was my life. So, I said yes.

When we arrived at the restaurant, Richard had already booked a table for three, as if he knew I’d come along.

They sat next to each other. The warm candlelight softened their faces, and for a moment, I felt like I was intruding on something intimate. I looked away.

“I don’t know,” I said, glancing at Richard, whose attention was fully on me. I gave him the faintest smile, trying to ignore the way his gaze lingered just a moment too long.

“Well, I’ll decide for you, then,” Jack said, rolling his eyes as he plucked the menu out of my hands. He scanned it briefly before waving the waiter over.

“She’ll have the steak and a simple pasta dish,” he said, gesturing toward me. I relaxed into my seat. Pasta wasn’t a bad choice.

The waiter scribbled quickly in his notepad.

“I’ll have the salmon, please,” Richard said, and the waiter nodded before walking away.

“I miss Italy at times like this. Their dishes are always worth it,” Jack muttered, grabbing the glass of wine he’d ordered earlier and taking a sip. I followed suit.

“No need to rub it in that you’ve been to Italy,” I said sarcastically. His lips tipped up into a smirk.

“Oh, please. You’ve been to most parts of the world,” he shot back, and I rolled my eyes, taking a longer sip of my drink.

“I don’t think New York counts,” I said dryly. Jack muttered something under his breath and turned his attention to Richard.

His expression softened as he intertwined his fingers with Richard’s.

Do I feel like I’m interrupting something? Yes.

They spoke quietly, their words too low for me to catch. I busied myself finishing my drink and taking in the restaurant.

Judging by the couples scattered around, it was obvious this was more of a spot for romantic dinners than a casual night out. The name Love Nest was a dead giveaway.

When the waiter finally brought our dishes, we dug in. Jack and Richard took turns telling jokes.

As for me, I laughed when it felt appropriate, nodded when their attention turned to me, and kept my hands busy with my fork and glass of wine.

It was during dessert that Jack veered the conversation into an unexpected territory.

“So, Michelle,” he began, leaning back in his chair with a grin. “What’s going on with Jaxon?”

I froze, my fork suspended halfway to my mouth. My cheeks burned as heat crept up to my ears. “What do you mean?” I asked, feigning nonchalance.

Jack chuckled, a playful, knowing laugh. “Come on, don’t play coy. I want details.”

“He...uh, texted me. Barbara must’ve given him my number. He just checked in,” I said, keeping my tone casual.

“Checked in?” Jack repeated, raising an eyebrow. “That’s it? No secret declarations of undying love?”

“Jack!” I exclaimed, laughing despite myself. He was always teasing. Besides, Jaxon and I hadn’t even known each other long enough for such dramatic declarations.

As we bantered, I caught Richard watching us out of the corner of my eye. His expression was unreadable. Then, as if on cue, he smiled—a quick, practiced gesture—and looked away.

“Are you okay?” I asked him, leaning slightly across the table.

Richard’s gaze met mine, and for a moment, something in his eyes made my stomach twist. It wasn’t anger or sadness. It was quieter—more subdued.

It sent a shiver up my spine. I straightened in my seat.

“I’m fine,” he said evenly. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

The evening wore on, and we all had a good time. Richard laughed and chimed in when necessary, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about him.

Jack, oblivious as ever, didn’t notice. He was too busy teasing me about Jaxon or recounting his over-the-top stories.

By the time we finished and the check arrived, I was ready to leave.

As we stepped into the crisp night air, I reached into my bag and pulled out a small keyring. “Jack,” I said, holding it out.

He looked puzzled.

“I need you to hold onto this for me. It’s a spare key to my apartment—just in case Barbara drops by while I’m gone this weekend.”

“Gone?” Jack asked, taking the key. “Where are you going?”

“Just a short trip,” I replied, brushing off the question. I needed the break for myself. This past week had been more emotionally draining than I cared to admit.

Jack pocketed the key with a nod. “Okay, I’ll keep it safe.”

Richard said nothing, but I caught a flicker of something in his eyes as he watched the exchange.

Weird.

We parted ways soon after. Jack and Richard bade me goodnight.

When I reached my apartment, exhaustion hit me. I knew I’d crash the moment I got inside.

Then I saw a figure near my door, and my heart stopped for a moment before recognizing who it was.

It was Jaxon.

He leaned against his doorframe, keys in hand, as though he’d just been about to go inside.

“Michelle,” he said, straightening up when he noticed me. A small smile touched his lips.

Heat crept up my neck. My body always betrayed me around him.

“Hi, Jaxon,” I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His gray eyes scanned me briefly, leaving warmth in their wake.

It was just a glance, but maybe I was reading too much into it.

I sighed inwardly. I shouldn’t be attracted to my next-door neighbor, for crying out loud.

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