"I need a shower." She mumbled, pulling the hair that stuck to her skin.
Jaz was out of bed now but didn't focus on getting dressed. "I got a hotel for the night if you want to use the shower there."
Julia couldn't help but shake her head no as his words seemed too hopeful. "No, I will figure something out."
He nodded, turning on his side as he stared at her body. "Could I ask you a question?"
She nodded.
"The marks." He motioned to the burn marks on her wrists and ankles. "Is that something you are into?"
Julia looked over herself in thought. "No..." She replied, putting her back to him as she stepped into the main bathroom.
Jaz noticed her mood changing and followed after her. He was walking up to the doorway. His muscular body filled the frame. He was no longer eyeing her seductively as he was before but in worry.
She was cleaning herself off with a hand towel and water bottle when she saw him blocking the door. She frowned at him standing at her only exit and motioned him inside.
The bathroom was large with a standing shower, a separate large jacuzzi tub at the center, and his and her sinks on either wall. Julia sat on the counter as he moved to sit on the edge of the bath.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"Can we refrain from any more questions?" Julia said in annoyance. She moved to pull a robe from a box labeled restroom before motioning to the opposite counter. "There is a rag and water bottle if you wish to clean up here. Once done, you can get dressed and head back to your hotel."
Jaz nodded, slightly hurt. "Apologies, Sweetness."
"You can stop with the sweet talk. You got what you came for." Julia slipped off the counter and left him in the bathroom.
Looking around the apartment for her cleaning supplies, she grabbed what she needed before entering the kitchen to clean. Glass and green tea covered the floor around the table, and the chairs were up against the wall. A small scuff in the paint proved they were tossed down carelessly.
How embarrassing. No wonder the neighbor stopped by. She tossed the clothes the mover so easily ignored onto the couch and closer to the door.
Jaz finally exited the room to see her kneeling down in a robe, cleaning up their mess. "May I help?"
Julia dropped a shard of porcelain into the bag on the floor and looked back at him as he towered over her. She couldn't hold his gaze long before she found herself staring back down at the shattered mug. "I left your clothes on the couch."
He turned to see them. "Oh, thank you."
"You should get going."
He didn't argue as he moved to get dressed. The only sounds of the room were that of glass and bags. Jaz couldn't help but watch her. He couldn't deny his attraction, but something about her seemed to pull at him.
"I'm glad I got to spend the evening with you." He said with a smile. "The name is Jasper Cowan. AKA Jaz."
She turned to look at him in surprise at his introduction. Wiping her hands down her robe, she stood. "Julia Wilde." She said softly. "Just Julia."
"We planned on spending the next few nights in town before returning. If you would actually like help unpacking, you can call on me. I would love to see you again."
Julia nodded. "I will think about it."
Her words caused him to grin as he bent down and picked up his toolbox. "Packing boxes as well if you find you are interested... again."
Julia laughed, shaking her head as she moved to the door and opened it. The mover paused in the doorway, still looking at her expectantly.
"I will think about it." She repeated, pushing him out the door.
Alone again, she locked the door and returned to the kitchen. She had placed her gloves on the table and pulled out her phone. It was past midnight, and she had an early morning.
Ridiculous.
Julia rubbed her eyes as she went to her recent calls and saved Jaz's number under Movers before placing it back onto the table so she could finish cleaning.
***
Julia returned to her bedroom. The quiet of the night surrounded her as she lay down on her bed, ready to unwind and drift into sleep. Just as she was about to close her eyes, a soft, melodic tune reached her ears from the room next door. The mysterious neighbor, who had intrigued her with his crass charm, played a gentle acoustic melody that seemed to fill the silence like a soothing lullaby.
Oddly enough, Julia found herself captivated by the music. It carried a sense of tranquility, a balm for the day's stresses. As she listened, her mind wandered, and she imagined the face of the man who created such gentle melodies. While she hadn't anticipated forming connections with those around her, she realized that living in close quarters meant considering others' needs.
Suddenly, the music halted at the sound of a light ringing.
"Yes- That is what I said," came the voice, its tone tinged with a hint of annoyance. "The new neighbor has been quite the disruption, to be honest. It's been a challenge to sleep, so no... I won't be in..."
Julia strained to listen, her heart sinking as she realized the conversation was about her. The robotic response on the other end of the line was difficult to decipher, but it was clear that the man was discussing something related to meetings. She realized that he must be referring to things he was needed for.
"Fine... send the details to my home office," the man continued, his frustration palpable. "I'll take the call here- Yes, noon is fine."
Julia felt a mix of embarrassment and guilt wash over her. She hadn't considered that her activities might disrupt her neighbor's work. It was a stark reminder that her actions had consequences beyond her own space.
As the conversation continued, she caught fragments of his words. He seemed meticulous, almost perfectionistic, about his work. His annoyance with her for potentially interfering with his productivity was evident. He had a strict sense of professionalism and took his job seriously.
Feeling remorse, Julia withdrew from the wall and lay back on her bed. She pondered her actions and the impact they had on her neighbors. While she hadn't anticipated forming connections with those around her, she realized that living in close quarters meant considering others' needs.
Before she knew it the phone call ended, and the creak of the bed sounded behind her, causing her to look at the headboard as if she could see him. Slowly, the soft acoustic melody started again and drifted into her room.
Her body relaxed at its sound. She was oddly feeling comfort from it. She closed her eyes, the music becoming a backdrop for her thoughts. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but wonder if perhaps a connection with her mysterious neighbor would grow beyond the walls that separated them.