I instinctively stepped back, but he moved forward with me, blocking my path. “Are you going back to blind dates, or maybe looking for a friend?”


    The jealousy was thick in his voice.


    “Josh,” I said, backing up until I had no more space. My hand instinctively came up to stop him as he approached.


    Before I could say anything else, he spoke. “I have feelings for you, but you rejected me. So I won’t keep pursuing you.”


    Now I was confused.


    Josh’s sharp, handsome features were serious, his deep eyes staring straight at me. “I’m living across from you now, just as a normal tenant. Don’t read too much into it. Nothing is going on.”


    I didn’t know how to respond. Was he implying I was the one who was overthinking?


    Before I could figure out what to say, Josh cut in again. “What was the call about earlier?”


    It was a perfect way to shift the conversation, and I followed his lead. “What time is it? Are you off work yet? Did the amusement park tests go well?”


    “No,” he replied without missing a beat.


    I smirked, pulling my lips into a mocking smile. “Josh, how are you off work already when the tests aren’t even finished? Is this what you meant by finishing on schedule or maybe even ahead of time?”


    “I said I’d do it,” Josh said, confidently.


    I couldn’t help but shake my head. “But if you change the way the adjustments are done, what if there’s an issue with the final check? That would only waste more time.”


    “I know, but I’ll handle it. If there’s any problem, I’ll take responsibility,” Josh said, with the kind of certainty that made it sound like the sky could fall and he’d still stand tall under it.


    I almost wanted to ask where his confidence came from.


    But then I remembered-he was the one in charge of the lighting adjustments, so I couldn’t argue.


    After a moment’s hesitation, I said, “Josh, even though I’m not responsible for the lighting anymore, if the final result isn’t what I expect, I’ll never forgive you.”


    Josh’s sharp features remained unchanged. “I’ll keep my word. You don’t need to worry.”


    What more could I say after that?


    “Fine. I hope you keep your promise,” I muttered, turning to leave, but Josh stepped in front of me.


    I didn’t know what he was nning, but I had no intention of staying. So I tried to move around him, but he mirrored my steps, blocking me again.


    Frustrated, I snapped, “Josh.”


    “I need a favor,” Josh said, suddenly looking vulnerable in a way I’d never seen before.


    He was someone who could fix plumbing-what else could he possibly need help with?


    Curious, I asked, “What do you need?”


    “I cooked too much food. Can you help me with it?” For a moment, I was speechless, but then I almostughed.


    All the anger I had felt since I discovered he was my neighbor crumbled in an instant. I lifted my leg and kicked him lightly. pping him on the arm as I said, “You’re still messing with me, Josh. Do you think I’m a child?”


    He let me hit him a few times before grabbing my wrist, his tone suddenly soft. “New neighbor. Let’s get along from here on


    out.”


    “Josh!”


    He dragged me to the dining table, where four dishes and a bowl of soup were neatlyid out.


    Did he really need all that food for himself?


    Or had he already known I’d find out he lived here?


    No, that wasn’t it. He couldn’t have nned it. He just decided that tonight, he’d make sure I knew he lived here, even if I didn’t identally stumble upon it.


    The realization hit me hard-he had me right where he wanted me. My anger red again, and I snapped, “Josh, you…”


    Before I could finish, his deep, smooth voice cut through the tension. “Zoe, it’s just one small favor. Help me out, will you?”


    田


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