The next morning, I decided I needed to regain control of my life. Today, I would be cool, collected, and completely unbothered by him.

That resolution lasted until I went down to the laundry room.

I was loading my clothes into the washing machine when I heard the door open behind me. I didn’t even need to turn around. I already knew who it was.

“Well, well,” Charles’s deep voice echoed off the tiled walls. “If it isn’t my favorite angry neighbor.”

I turned slowly, trying to look unimpressed.

He was leaning against one of the dryers in a simple black t-shirt and sweatpants, holding a basket of laundry like...