But He's My Grumpy Neighbor (But He's a Carter Brother #1)

by Annah Conwell

“What do your spidey senses think of him?” I groan and the noise makes Murphy look up from his study of the grass. “You’ve got to quit calling it that.” “Would you rather me ask what your intense observancy and forced empathy that stems from childhood trauma revealed to you about him?” I snort and shake my head even though she can’t see me. “That is a mouthful.” “Exactly. So, what was his vibe?” Murphy abandons his leaf investigation and we continue our walk again. There are a few residents that we pass who I nod to with a smile. I glance down at the watch on my wrist to be sure we’re making good time. While I love letting Murphy explore, I’ll haul him back to the house if it means avoiding the dark. “He wasn’t trying to intimidate me in a cruel way in either of our interactions, but he also wants nothing to do with me. Doesn’t seem like much of a people person. I mean, he moved to Peach Hollow and he looks like he’s around thirty. That would lend to him wanting to avoid most social interactions considering everyone here is elderly and only leaves home to go to the market or church.” “You moved to Peach Hollow and you aren’t a total hermit.” “I moved here to escape, Care. That’s different.” “Do you think he could be escaping something too?” I lift my eyes and gaze across the lake at Adrian’s cottage. There are no lights on inside. He’s usually not home until after dark; sometimes I’m already in bed when he pulls into his driveway. I know the sound of his return well. The s...