Hush (Just This Once)

by Deborah Bladon

  I’m not shy. I’ve slept here for the past four nights and I haven’t bothered to look out any of the windows to see if the people in the building next to mine are looking in.

  “This is Manhattan.” I stop what I’m doing and look at the wall of windows. “People are too busy to stare in here.”

  “What if you bring a guy home?”

  “A guy?” I pause as I push my pink hair back behind my ears. “You’re worried that my neighbors are going to watch me fuck? Is that what you’re asking.”

  She laughs. “It’s a possibility, no?”

  “Not right now.” I give an exaggerated shrug. “I don’t have time to meet men. You can rest easy tonight knowing that my neighbors won’t be getting a free show.”

  Her dark brown hair sways as she moves across the room to pick up her purse from the edge of my bed. It’s one of my latest designs. Sophia is my walking and talking billboard and so far, I’ve had a few customers seek me out because of her.

  “I have to get home.” She shoulders the bag. “I need to make dinner. Do you want to come by for a bite?”

  I look around the apartment. I have too much to do tonight. There’s no way I can spare the time it would take to get to her place, eat, visit and then trudge back here. “I’ll pass this time.”

  “I’ll talk to you later in the week.” She moves to give me a warm hug. “Call me if you spot any peeping Toms.”

  “Will do.” My reply is swift. “I’m not sure what you’ll do about it, but I’ll shoot you a text if I catch one.”

  ***

  I arch my back in a stretch as I finally put away the last of my dishes. I don’t have many, but they’re enough to keep me eating at home.

  I ate a bowl of cereal for dinner, taking a spoonful in between my work.

  I’ve accomplished more tonight than I thought I would. I glance at my phone on the counter and realize that it’s nearing midnight.

  Since I need to be at work by nine a.m., sleep has to be next on my schedule.

  I cross the space toward the bed. It’s not the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, but it’s large and right now it’s calling my name.

  Just as I’m about to pull my pink T-shirt over my head and unbutton my jeans, I turn to the windows.

  The building next door is close. It’s an apartment building as well with dozens of windows.

  Many of the windows are shuttered with curtains and blinds; the hint of light playing around the edges. A few are backlit enough that I can make out what’s happening in the homes of my neighbors.

  Television sets flicker, a woman dances past a window, and then my gaze settles on the apartment directly across from mine.

  I know that the low light coming from the lamp in the corner makes me visible to the person standing with their back to me.

  There’s a light in their apartment too. It’s not too bright, more of a gentle glow that casts just enough warmth that I can make out the shape of a man. He’s tall with broad shoulders.

  When he turns, I lean closer to the window to get a better look.

  He does the same and when his gaze locks with mine, I feel a shiver run through me.

  I can’t make out all of his features, but it’s obvious that he’s gorgeous. He has dark hair and a chiseled jaw and when he slides his suit jacket off, I long for him to open each of the buttons on his white dress shirt.

  He does. He unbuttons them one-by-one and as he reaches the last, he stops and leans both hands on the glass.

  I hold my breath wanting more, but then he turns abruptly, walks away from the window and leaves me wondering when I’ll see him again.

  Coming Soon

  THANK YOU

  Thank you for purchasing and downloading my book. I can’t even begin to put to words what it means to me. If you enjoyed it, please remember to write a review for it. Let me know your thoughts! I want to keep my readers happy.

  For more information on new series and standalones, please visit my website, www.deborahbladon.com . There are book trailers and other goodies to check out.

  If you want to chat with me personally, please LIKE my page on Facebook. I love connecting with all of my readers because without you, none of this would be possible. www.facebook.com/authordeborahbladon

  Thank you, for everything.

  JOIN DEBORAH’S MAILING LIST

  To receive exclusive updates from Deborah Bladon, please sign up to be on her personal mailing list! Be the first to see cover reveals and win exclusive giveaways reserved for newsletter subscribers only!

  Subscribers are the first to receive information on release dates, so if you want to be the first to buy Deborah’s new books, sign up now!

  Click here to subscribe now!

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Deborah Bladon has never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She's a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you can often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan is definitely her second home.

  She cherishes her family and believes that each day is a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.