I rub my temple and head back to my office. Ryan is reading a manuscript on his desk when I come in and he immediately gestures my office with his head. I am sure L. C. Bennett is already in my office by now. I nod my head and turn the door knob. A bright red head is sitting on my couch, looking uneasy. She has her head down and weighing it with her two hands.

“Ms. Bennett.” I call her to announce myself.

She is startled but immediately stands and turns around to face me. When she removes her hands out of her face, I am the one who is startled.

“Mr. Jac….. Kyle?” She tilts her head.

My new neighbor in my office.

“Oh, my god!” She tucks her hair behind her ear.

“You’re L. C. Bennett?” I snap out of my head and walk to her.

“Yes. So, you’re the editor.” She stops. “Right?”

“Yes. Please, have a sit.” I offer her the couch.

I was about to sit in front of her when my phone rang. I take myself to the phone on my desk and Ryan tells me that there’s a problem with another author.

“Tell her that I don’t give a damn! Put her on!!” I put my free hand on my waist.

“Yes, sir!” Ryan connects me to the Peach Jenkins herself.

"Hello!" I exclaim to the phone.

“Hi, I am sorry, but there’s an emergency.” Her voice is shaking.

“You can go wherever you want just give me the manuscript tomorrow!” I raise my voice.

“That’s the point. I can’t.” She argues. “I’ll be back in three days.”

“It’s only a few sentences left. I gave you the notes. Fix it! If I don’t have it by tomorrow, you’re free to go!” I smash the phone back on my desk.

I turn to Lara and I find her head down again. Even after I sit in front of her, she is still not moving. She does not look okay.

“Lara…” I call her name softly.

“Yeah?” She rises her chin up.

“Are you okay?”

“Yup.”

Our eyes meet again but hers are shaking. She swallows her nerves and look away. I don’t expect to meet her again after yesterday. I left so early this morning to drop my kids at school and I even drove to my mom’s to drop Keaton with the thought of her in my head. She disturbs my peaceful night last night with her lights on. I wonder if I should tell her about it.

“How’s the new neighborhood?” A very dumb question.

“Oh, it’s lovely.” She smiles.

Awkward silence.

“I heard you moved all the way from Seattle.” I begin the conversation again.

“Yes, when I sign with JP, I decided to move here.” She tucks her hair again.

“Why?” Why do you have to show me your beautiful neck line?

“Um, a fresh start.”

“You only published one book in Seattle. It’s pretty good actually. Why don’t write the sequel?”

“I am writing it right now, it’s just not finished yet.”

“I see.”

“You think it’s good?” She asks me.

“It is.” I assure her. “I finished your book in two days.”

“Really?”

“I couldn’t put it down.” I better stop scanning her body.

She is flattered. I could tell. Her cheeks are warmth and her smile are widen. It’s very entertaining to see.

“Thank you.”

“You brought the manuscript?” I am still smiling.

“Oh, right!” She alerts herself.

When she reaches out for her giant purse, her white cardigan distracts me as it falls slightly, leaving her shoulder out in the open. That dress is a trouble. The cutting is too moderate to hold her magnificent lady parts. She quickly fixes her stupid cardigan and hands me the manuscript.

“It’s the first chapter.” She informs me.

“I saw the potluck announcement at the board. Is that a thing in the neighborhood?” She does not let me to read her chapter.

“Yes, it’s like a mini festival. Make sure you tell Mrs. Gunther before submitting the food.”

To my surprise, she giggles.

“Is something wrong?” I raise my eyebrow.