Chapter 2 The Neighbor

Emily pulled up to the cottage, her heart racing with excitement. It looked exactly as she remembered it - the same weathered wooden siding, the same bright pink shutters, the same winding path leading to the front door.

As she stepped out of the car, a figure emerged from the neighboring cottage. He was tall, with a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes. His dark hair was messy, and he had a scruff of stubble on his chin.

"Hi," he said, ambling towards her with a lazy grin. "I'm Jack. I've been keeping an eye on the place for your aunt."

Emily's eyes narrowed slightly. "Thanks," she said, trying to sound friendly. "I'm Emily. I inherited the cottage from my aunt."

Jack's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Welcome to the neighborhood, Emily. I'll have to show you around sometime."

Emily felt a flutter in her chest, but quickly pushed it aside. She was here to renovate the cottage, not get tangled up in a romance.

As Jack helped her unload her bags, Emily couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled in the sunlight. She quickly looked away, focusing on the task at hand.

"I'll let you get settled," Jack said, handing her a key. "But if you need anything, don't hesitate to knock. I'm just next door."

Emily smiled politely, feeling a sense of relief as Jack walked back to his own cottage. She was here to focus on herself, not get distracted by a charming neighbor.

But as she unlocked the door and stepped inside, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she never expected.