My Neighbor Joel

✧*̥˚ Move-In Day *̥˚✧

I had finally made it. At 25, I bought my own house. I was in a new town, far away from anyone who knew me. Some might say I was running away, but I just wanted a fresh start.

I watched from the doorstep as a stream of movers carried my boxes into the open space of the first floor.

The thought of unpacking everything made me feel overwhelmed. I had so much to do, including ordering a new bed frame and mattress since I had to leave my old one behind... with him...

I quickly shake thoughts of him out of mind and take in a deep breath. The past was finally behind me. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter where I gained my independence and relied on no one but myself to get shit done.

As the last of the movers placed my things in the living room, I walked to the truck and thanked the supervisor for the help.

He hands me a clipboard and pen with papers to sign. "No problem, ma'am. With the service fees and taxes, that comes out to $530."

I snap my head back up and look at him, my brow furrowing in confusion. "I thought we had agreed on $350?! I don't have any extra cash but-"

Before I could finish my sentence, a low voice cuts in behind me, "Here you go, sir, keep the change." A rough hand comes from behind me and tucks a wad of money into the supervisor's pocket.

I spin around and come face to face with an older man. He is probably in his late 40s to early 50s with tanned skin, dark gray curly hair, and a lightly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard and mustache. He has deep brown eyes outlined with well-defined wrinkles that I imagine crinkle up when he smiles.

I'm slightly taken aback as I drink in this gorgeous but gruff man. He towers over me with his broad shoulders and muscular build. I'm stuck in awe for more than a moment.

He dismisses the supervisor and peers down at me. "Hi there darlin', my name is Joel. Joel Miller. It looks like you're my new neighbor." He points to the house to the left of mine.

"H-hi, my n-name is Kestrel. But you can c-call me Kes." I cringe at the way my voice stutters and breaks. Pull yourself together, Kes. Remember why you're here.

Joel gives me a half smirk before nodding his head in the direction of my home, "That's a nice place you got there. Do you live alone?"

I quickly answer, "Yes, I just moved here on my own from Colorado." I scowl as I internally chastise myself for telling this stranger that I live alone far away from anyone I know.

Seemingly reading my mind, Joel laughs, "Don't worry, this is a safe little spot here, and I'm always next door if you ever need anything."

I try not to lose myself in his deep, booming voice dripping in southern drawl. "T-thank you, sir. But I wouldn't want to impose on you and your family."

He cocks his head to one side and gives me a bemused grin. "I live alone sweetheart, and don't you worry about bothering me. I'm all yours next time you need me."

I try not to think about what that might imply, but I'm failing hard. "Oh! I'm so sorry you had to pay the movers, I will pull cash out of the ATM tomorrow and-"

He interjects, "Darlin, don't worry about that. Think of it as a housewarming present."

He seems like the kind of man you can't argue with, but I really do not want to rely on this man the first day I start my new life. I made a promise to myself that I would be more self-reliant.

"No really," I say, "I insist on paying you back. I'll stop by tomorrow and drop off your money."

His mouth forms a tight line, and I think he is about to argue when he says, "How about we make a deal instead? Why don't you cook up something good to eat tomorrow night and fix me up a plate too. I can help you unpack some of your things and carry them up the stairs for you while I'm at it."

I huff. Who the hell is this guy? I'm more than capable of taking care of myself. I bite my tongue to keep from snapping at him. But before I can decline he chuckles at my obvious frustration.

"Darlin', I'm only here to help, but if you don't want it, thats alright. I'm only a house away in case you change your mind." He spins on his heels and walks off back in the direction of his house.

I roll my eyes and walk back to my home. Once back inside I lock the door and let out a deep sigh.

I hope that wasn't too harsh. The first day of my independence and I already have a man who thinks I can't rely on myself.

Calm down, Kes. Joel was just being nice. I doubt I'd lose too much autonomy if I allowed him to help me unpack. I look at the looming pile of boxes stacked haphazardly around the room. Fuck. Maybe I could use the help.

I shake my head, deciding that this is a problem for another time. Right now it was getting dark, and I'd like to go upstairs and take a nice hot bubble bath in my new master suite.

I grab a box labeled 'toiletries' and head upstairs to my empty bedroom.

The room was larger than I knew what to do with it. The vaulted ceiling extended high above my head and the huge walk-in closet complete with shoe compartments, drawers, and accessory wall beckoned for my things. That would have to wait however because I was exhausted.

I walk past the large window on the western wall and stop in my tracks, having to do a double-take.

I realize my room is facing towards Joel's house and I can see directly inside. As my curiosity gets the best of me, I set my box down and peer through the blinds. From what I can deduce, the room adjacent to mine is Joel's bedroom.

Inside I can see a well-made bed covered in a plaid duvet, and a nightstand with a drawstring lamp. His room feels so bare and it makes me feel kind of sad for him.

Fuck. I spin around and look at my emtpy room. Where the hell am I supposed to sleep tonight? I don't have a bed, so I guess I'll be sleeping downstairs on the couch tonight.

As I turn back to peer through window I immediately panic as I saw Joel enter his bedroom. I duck under the window and pray he did not see me snooping.

I wait a few seconds and lift my head up just high enough to see if he was still there. To my surprise, he was wrestling with his belt buckle. He pulled his belt open and slipped it through the loops of his jeans with strong muscular hands.

Oh. Fuck.

I have a weakness for men with belts, and that seemingly innocuous action sent an animalistic thrill down to my bones.

I shake my and head and try to pull myself together as I continue to watch Joel from my crouched position. Next, he grabs the back of his shirt and pulls it over his head revealing a toned abdomen and hard biceps, both of which I had previously noted through his tight green V-neck.

I think I'm in trouble. I knew the man was hot, but this is fucking unreal. I hope I'm not drooling.

I try to rationalize how I'm feeling. "Okay Kes, you just moved out of your ex-boyfriend's house and you haven't touched, or even looked at, another man in awhile. Your neighbor is hot, but he's probably too old for you and not interested."

I snap out of my reverie just in time to focus in on Joel looking at me through the windows with hooded, unreadable eyes.

Oh fuck. I'm busted. I'm the creepy neighbor. I duck back down and crawl away from the window before burying my face in my hands. "You are so stupid. Now I won't be able to look him in the eyes." God this is embarrassing.

The last thing I want is to piss off my neighbor the first day in my new home. I grab my box of toiletries and head to the large bathroom to draw my bath, trying to forget what just happened.