Anastasia Cole, a 22-year-old nurse at Mayfield International Hospital, liked to keep her life calm and drama-free. That changed the day her new neighbor moved in. Thanks to a mix-up, a rude stranger barged into her apartment-just the start of her problems. Her new neighbor? Newton Bradford. He was 28, rich, charming, and trouble. The son of a billionaire and Mayfield's newest resident doctor, Newton had a long list of flings and no interest in settling down. His transfer was meant to clean up a scandal, but Newton had other plans. Anastasia wanted nothing to do with him-until she broke up with her boyfriend and needed help winning him back. Newton agreed, but what started as a fake plan slowly turned real. Now, Anastasia must decide if she can trust a man with a messy past. And Newton must face feelings he never planned to have. Will they risk it all, or walk away before it's too late?
Chapter 1 THE NEW PLAYBOY NEIGHBOR!
ANASTASIA'S POV:
Some days at the hospital drain the life right out of me-and today? Today was one of those days. Twelve straight hours, non-stop emergency cases, and an intern who nearly gave a patient the wrong dosage. My nerves? Shot to hell.
By the time I finally walk into my apartment, I feel like a zombie. I peel off my scrubs, sink into a warm bath, and let the heat do its magic. But what really revives me is the smell of fresh coffee as I collapse onto my sofa. One hand on the remote, the other around my mug, I hit play on Grey's Anatomy, ready to escape into their drama for once-not mine.
But peace? Yeah, life rarely lets me have that.
Just as I take my first sip, there's a loud knock on the door.
I freeze.
It's almost midnight. Who knocks at midnight?
A neighbor? Doubt it-next door's empty. Delivery? Didn't order anything. My landlord? Rent's paid.
A burglar?
Phone in hand, I tiptoe to the door, heart pounding, ready to call the cops if needed. I grip the handle, yank it open-and blink.
A woman.
But not just any woman. She's standing there in a silk robe that's basically just a suggestion of clothing, sky-high red heels, and legs for days. One hand clutching a champagne bottle, the other on her hip. Her lashes lift as she gives me a full-body scan, the judgment practically dripping off her face.
"Who are you?" she snaps.
I raise an eyebrow. "Pretty sure I should be asking you that."
Her eyes narrow. "This is my guy's place." Her tone? Icy. "So, who are you?"
I glance at my apartment number, then back at her. Is she serious?
"You sure about that?"
She scoffs, like I just insulted her intelligence. "Obviously. Now answer the damn question."
I almost laugh. Seriously? "Lady, I live here."
Before she can even process that, she takes a step forward-like she's about to barge right in. I instinctively move back, muscles tense, but before things get physical, the door next to mine swings open.
Out steps a man. Tall. Shirtless. Dark hair, six-pack abs, and a face that says trouble.
"Rita, right?" he says, voice deep and amused.
Suddenly, her whole vibe shifts. Gone is the hostility-now she's all smiles and flirty eyes. "Oh hey," she purrs, like she didn't just threaten to fight me.
"Wrong apartment," she says breezily, then struts away like she's on a catwalk, heels clicking, confidence unshaken.
I just stare after her. Did that actually just happen? And the guy... he didn't even seem sure of her name.
Unreal.
"Sorry about that," he says, finally turning to me. He's got that laid-back smirk that makes me instantly annoyed. "I'm your new neighbor. You can call me Newton." He holds out a hand.
I glance at it, unamused. "Next time you invite someone over, maybe make sure they know which door to knock on."
And with that, I spin around and slam my door shut.
I lean against it, exhaling slowly.
Nope. Don't like him.
He's got that look-too smooth, too smug. The kind of guy who lives for chaos and casual flings. Not my problem. I barely have time for myself as it is.
I sigh, grab my coffee, and flop back onto the couch. Grey's Anatomy resumes, and I do my best to pretend Newton doesn't exist.
Newton's POV
I run a hand through my hair, staring at the door that just got slammed in my face.
Well. That was... something.
My new neighbor's got attitude.
I let out a quiet laugh as I walk back into my place. "Not even a handshake, huh?" I mutter.
Inside, sprawled across my couch like she owns the place, is Rita-the hookup I ordered tonight. She's sipping straight from the champagne bottle she brought, looking way too pleased with herself.
"That was awkward," she says with a smirk.
"You don't say."
"She your neighbor?"
"Something like that. A very grumpy one." Rita chuckles.
But honestly? She kind of intrigued me.
She's not like the women I usually meet-no fake giggles, no instant flirting. She looked at me like I was an inconvenience. Folded arms, sharp glare, total ice queen.
And for some reason, that only makes me more curious.
"You gonna keep staring at the door or come sit?" Rita calls, patting the cushion next to her.
I shake the thoughts off. Right. I've got better things to do tonight than obsess over a girl who clearly wants nothing to do with me.
New city, new job tomorrow. I deserve one last night of fun before the grind begins.
I smirk and head toward the couch. "Alright, let's see what you've got."
Chapter 1 THE NEW PLAYBOY NEIGHBOR!
13/04/2025
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