I've always believed in fate. I've always believed that no matter what kind of life you envision for yourself and work towards, the universe has its own ideas already set in stone. I also believe that the sooner you accept that, the better things get for you. That theory definitely seems to be working for me.

Because how the hell else is it that of all people to move in to the empty apartment next to mine, it's Delilah fucking Stevens?

I thought I was fucking hallucinating when I caught sight of flowy blonde hair in my peripheral vision, only to double-take when I got a good look at who it was. Completely oblivious to my gaping, Delilah was busy jamming a door-stopper in place to keep the apartment door open and didn't even see me standing in the hallway.

"Del?" I'd called out to her.

Her head snapped up at the sound of my voice and her brows came together as recognition lit her eyes. "Nate? I didn't know you were helping with the move, too."

"Move?" I'd repeated dumbly.

"Yeah. To my new place." She gestured an arm at the general area of the apartment. "Isn't that why you're here?"

"No. I, ah, I live here."

"Wait. Where?"

"Just next door to you. Right there." I pointed.

Her eyes grew to an almost comical size as she finally caught up with me. "You're teasing me, right? This is one of your jokes?"

I wasn't sure if that was my cue to take offence. "I'm dead serious, Del."

"But...how is that...what?"

"Small world?" I shrugged. Internally I'd been freaking the fuck out because how the hell was I supposed to go about living my life when I knew that Delilah would be next door to me the whole time?

"Nate!" Both of us turned at the sound of Cameron's voice who sauntered over with a large box in his hand. "Finally met your neighbour, huh?"

"You knew?" Despite Delilah's gentle tone, the accusation in it had been clear as day.

"As soon as you told me your address this morning I recognized it. I've been to Nate's crib a couple of times. I figured you'd see for yourself." Cameron blinked innocently but Del and I saw right through it.

"You could've given me a heads up, too." I added.

"What difference would it have made? Delilah already payed the rent so she's fucking living here regardless. You two need to stop walking on eggshells around each other." Cameron sighed, only to suddenly stop short and grin at me. "Hey. Now she really is the girl-next-door for you."

"Shut up." I muttered underneath my breath and chose to ignore Delilah's confused expression.

"What's going on?" That time it had been Jaxon who joined us, also carrying a couple of boxes stalked on top of one another. "Nate? What are you doing here?"

"He lives here." Cameron answered for me. "He's Del's neighbour."

"No shit?" Jaxon barked out a laugh that made me scowl. The fucker was a pretty stoic guy when he wasn't surrounded by his family and yet he was having a field day with what he stumbled upon. "This is fucking awesome. I have to text Em."

"Lovely." Delilah mumbled and stood up, dusting off her jeans. "I'm going to take a look inside. Thanks again for the help, you two."

With that, she turned swiftly on her heel and all but ran inside the apartment.

"What the hell?" I muttered to no one in particular.

"Enjoy, man." Jaxon paused. "Or not. Depends on how this goes."

"Bets?" Cam grinned at him. "I say they do some bow-chicka-wow-wow by the three month mark."

"She's pregnant." Jax and I snapped at the same time.

"Oh, yeah." Cam tilted his head. "Fine. At least a hardcore make out then. Three months."

"Three months until they make out? Now that's being too generous. I say one month."

"Both of you shut it." I growled. "She's going through a lot right now and the last thing she needs is the two men in her life she actually trusts to be talking so disrespectfully behind her back. Don't give me a reason to beat your asses because I will. And don't think your professions will save you because I can put up one hell of a fight too."

My little speech hadn't had the effect I hoped for. Instead, they both smirked at me knowingly and went inside without a word. I figured it wasn't best to follow them and go into Delilah's home uninvited so I headed back to my own apartment reluctantly.

Which brings us to now, where I'm sulking in bed and staring up at the ceiling like I've been doing for the past hour.

Every time I hear even a whisper of a noise I look towards it and wonder if it's Delilah. Is her bedroom adjacent to mine? Are the walls thin enough that I'll hear her laugh? Will we bump into each other when I step out of the house? Every question drives me more insane than the last and I know I can't live like this. I don't know how long she plans to live here or if it's permanent but I know that either way, this is torture for me. I won't be able to drink a glass of water without thinking about her. If I thought I was gone for her before, it's nothing compared to what's happening now. I thought Delilah being my neighbour would excite me or at least give me something to look forward to. So why the hell am I feeling dread? Dread and a whole lot of nerves.

But on the other hand our friendship has been improving lately. It feels just like it used to in some ways and even better in others. She's been opening up to me more and I actually feel like I'm part of her life instead of standing on the sidelines. I shouldn't jeopardize that just because I'm having issues getting a hold of my feelings. Besides, if I put my feelings aside this is actually fucking awesome. Del is one of the coolest chicks I know and to have her as my neighbour should be fun. It would make hanging out even easier and there's a better chance of us staying friends. And I really do want to be her friend. Just knowing that I can talk to her when I want to and see her when I want to and have her be such an important person in my life is enough for me. I'd rather have her as a consistent friend than a fleeting...whatever the hell this is between us.

Just as a I make up my mind to pay her a visit, a loud crash has me leaping to my feet and taking off without hesitation. There's no doubt it came from next door and my mind is racing with the possibilities, each one more unnerving than the last. Damn it. Is it really a good idea for her to be living alone when she's pregnant? What if she takes a bad fall? What if someone breaks in? Does she know how to defend herself?

"Delilah!" I call out just as I turn the knob and let myself in. I make a mental note to scold her for not locking it. "Delilah!"

"Nate?" She calls back tentatively and steps out of the kitchen with a hand pressed to her chest. Her eyes are wide and bewildered. "What's going on?"

"I heard a crash. I thought something happened." I grip both of her arms when I reach her. "Why the fuck didn't you lock the front door?"

"What?"

"Anyone could have broken in. And what was that crash? Are you hurt?" My eyes fly all over her.

"Hey, slow down." She urges in her soft voice. "Everything's fine. I just knocked one of the boxes over."

"You're okay?" I push because I need to hear her say it.

Her hand settles on my elbow. "I'm okay."

I blow out a relieved breath and level her with a no-nonsense glare. "That doesn't excuse you leaving your door unlocked. You gotta be careful of that shit, Del."

"You're right. That was stupid of me. But you have to calm down, too."

"The hell I do. You're a pregnant woman living on your own. You've got to be aware and alert at all times. You never know what could happen."

"Nate." She repeats, her tone even gentler now if possible. My stomach twists. I love the way she says my name. "You can't worry like this all the time. You'll drive yourself insane. I'm fine."

"Fine." I relent and release her arms reluctantly. "But let me install a security alarm for precaution."

"That seems excessive."

"These things always do." I shrug. "I don't trust the world, Del. Not with you or anyone."

She bites her lip in obvious thought and it takes all I have to not stare. Jesus, the things I would do to that mouth. "I don't know. Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Then...okay. I trust you."

"Thank you." I say. Those words mean more to me than she'll ever know. "I'll do it tonight."

I start to leave, not really knowing what I could say to stick around when I all but barged in here without permission, but she stops me with a tap on my shoulder. When I look over at her, she's twisting a stand of her hair and her usual blush is back in place. "Would, um, would you like to stay? For dinner? I mean, you could think of it as my thanks for everything you've done for me. Or something." She rambles nervously and it's so fucking endearing I can't stop my grin.

"Yeah. I'd love that."

That damned blush deepens. "Great. I'm just finishing up. Feel free to check the place out but there's not much."

"You'll settle in. Need any help?"

"I should be fine, thank you."

"At least let me help put all the heavy furniture in place. You shouldn't be handling all that weight on your own."

"I can call someone for that." She argues.

"But why would you do that when I'm right here?"

"Because...you just..." She looks exasperated. "You do too much. I feel like I'm taking advantage."

I can feel my lids drop. "Take all the advantage you want, Angel."

"Nate." She laughs nervously. Her breath hitches when I take a step towards her. My arm comes up between us and the back of my hand goes to her cheek, dragging down. Those big grey eyes grow even wider but she doesn't say or do anything as my thumb brushes over her bottom lip. God, what the fuck am I doing? I know I'm playing with fire but for her, I would burn.

"You need help with dinner?" My voice sounds several octaves lower.

She shakes her head only slightly, keeping her eyes on me. Fuck if I don't love that. I push my luck and take another step forward and this brings us close enough that our legs brush. That seems to snap her out of whatever daze she's in and she moves back, nervously crossing her arms. When she speaks, her voice is not much higher than a whisper. "I'm just going to set the table."

With that, she heads back into the kitchen and leaves me standing in her living room. I close my eyes briefly and clench my fists. I really need to get my shit together. If this continues, it'll only be a matter of time until I cross a boundary and be kicked out of her life for good. I had to stop testing my luck when it came to her. I'm sure I was only confusing us both.

I decide to do what she asked of me and take a look around. The set-up of her apartment is exactly like mine except it's mirrored. Her kitchen entrance is by the right side of her front door whereas mine is on the left. The living room is the first thing you see when you enter the house and the small hallway that leads to a small bedroom is on the left. It's a one bedroom apartment but I'm sure Del chose this setting on purpose, probably wanting to sleep in the same room as her baby when it gets here. The only other room is a much smaller space that could probably be used for an office at most. The place is mostly empty save for all the boxes and furniture scattered about and I know she has her work cut out for her. I also know she'll insist on doing it herself but no fucking chance in hell will I let that happen so I guess I'm about to be spending a lot of time with my new neighbour. I have to stop my smile at that thought.

"Take a seat." Delilah peeks her head into the living room and ushers me over.

I walk the short distance across the living room and into the open space where a small dining room table is set. It holds four chairs and images of Del being the only one sitting here alone tightens something deep in my gut. I don't like that. I don't like that at all. I know she's a girl who's comfortable in her own company and prefers it even, which is something I love about her, but the idea of her being by herself just doesn't sit well with me. I know I'm coming up with every excuse in the book to all but wedge my way inside of her life but I can't help it. I tried staying away from her. Honestly. But after everything that's happened between us lately and now this—her being my fucking neighbour of all things—I have to wonder if the universe is telling us something. I don't know if Del believes in that kind of stuff but I do and I also believe that I won't be getting over this girl anytime soon so...why fight it? Wherever this leads, that's where it leads. Simple.

"Not hungry?" She asks a little timidly when I don't even touch my food. I quickly shake my head to ward off the mess of thoughts distracting me and pick up my fork, slicing it into the lasagna. As soon as I take a bite I groan deeply and lean back in my seat.

"This is the best fucking lasagna I've ever had." I mumble around a mouthful. "What the hell did you put in it?"

"It's a secret." She smiles and takes a bite of her own.

"What'll it take for you to tell me?"

"Hmm." She tilts her head in contemplation. "I've always wanted a customized bookshelf, now that you mention it."

"Done." I say immediately. She sputters on her bite and regards me with wide eyes.

"That was a joke, Nate. Don't you dare take that seriously."

"Why not? A bookshelf would look nice in your room and I know you have tons of books."

"Absolutely not." Her eyes narrow the slightest and I know I won't be able to change her mind about this. She could be stubborn as hell when she wanted to be. "You've got to stop doing that."

"Doing what?"

"Handing everything to me like it's no problem. It's nice that you give me things and help me out from time to time but I'm not your responsibility, Nate. I'm not a damsel in distress that needs saving or whatever. I...I know you pity me but—"

"Woah." I hold a hand up. "Let me stop you right there. I do not pity you."

"Yes, you do." She insists quietly. I don't think I've ever heard her yell but I can tell she's upset right now. "You treat me like I'm made of glass. You're always watching what you say around me and you go above and beyond to please me and sometimes that means doing things I didn't ask for. I know you're a great guy Nate but you have to stop treating me like a charity case. I may be a soon-to-be single mom but that doesn't mean I'm helpless."

"Wow." My laugh is humourless. "Not a single thing you said is true. It's the opposite, in fact."

"Is it?"

"Yes, the fuck it is." I lean forward and make sure she has all my attention so she can hear me loud and clear. I'm fucking fuming that she could even think all of that about me. About us. "Everything I do for you is because I want to, not because I have to. I know you don't need my help and I know you can do a lot of these things on your own. You're one of the strongest women I know, Del. I don't doubt your capabilities for a second. You, however, constantly doubt yourself. You think you're helpless and you think you're lacking but you're not. It's not fair for you to dish out your insecurities on me just because you're scared of how much I believe in you."

She inhales softly and rears her head back. My gut drops and I immediately want to take my words back but without warning, she pushes herself to her feet and crosses her arms. "I think you should go."

Shit. I know better. Delilah's a sensitive girl and I all but threw my words into her face in the worst possible manner. I can be such a fucking asshole, sometimes.

"Not like this." I argue but in a softer tone this time. I need to handle this with a level head. "I don't want to fight with you. I'm not leaving like this."

"I don't want to fight either but I can't do this, Nate." A clear sheen of tears gather in her eyes and I have to curl my fingers into my palm to stop myself from touching her, comforting her. "You're right, okay? You do scare me and everything that you do for me is equally terrifying. If there's one thing that you are it's being someone dependable and I haven't had a lot of that in my life. Every time I feel like I can count on someone they leave. And that's okay, you know? I can get through it. But you?" She shakes her head, a tear finally slipping down her cheek. "I don't know if I'd be able to handle it if you left, too. And this baby cannot have a mother who's a hot mess so I can't afford to put myself in a position where I could lose myself."

Aw, fuck. I swear she's ripping my heart out of my chest right now and doesn't even know it. All my anger fades and is immediately flooded with an unrecognizable warmth that calms me down. I slowly but confidently close the distance between us, settling my hands on her shoulders and tugging her towards me. This time, there's no hesitation as she winds her arms around my waist and hugs me back. I rest my cheek on her head, inhaling her scent as it makes my gut twist.

"I'm sorry." My throat is practically full of gravel. "You're right. Sometimes I push too hard. I know I'm a stubborn and overbearing guy that makes everything my business. Guilty as charged, okay? And maybe you're not ready for that kind of force to suddenly be part of your life and that's okay. As long as you don't mistake my intentions. I'm here because I want to be and that's not going to change anytime soon, Del. It's almost laughable that your biggest fear is that I'll leave and my biggest fear is that I don't know how to stay away. You're too important to me to walk out on and if there's another thing about me, it's that my loyalties are for life. I take pride in that. I hope that'll console you and if it doesn't, I'll just keep showing you until you believe it. You're stuck with me whether you like it or not. But hopefully you like it."

She laughs quietly into my chest and I smile instantly at the sweet sound, my shoulders dropping as they relax. "Fine. But that works two ways. I may be kind of shy but that doesn't mean I'm a total pushover. If a decision you make is going to affect my life even slightly, you have to discuss it with me first. Don't just do it and say that's that. You can't swoop in to save me when I didn't ask for help. That's kind of useless, Nate."

"Oh, please. Don't hold back on my account. I love getting my ass verbally kicked."

"Shush." She pokes me in the ribs and pulls away to look up at me. "Deal?"

"Deal." I nod, brushing her hair back from her face. I consider it another win that she doesn't stop me or shy away from my touch. "In fact, I'm going to kick this off by telling you I have plans to help you set everything here in place. You not lifting heavy things isn't my opinion, it's a medical fact. So, ha. In your stupidly pretty face."

She shakes her head at that but I don't miss how her lips are slightly quirked up. "The furniture. That's all you get."

"You sure you don't want to take a look at my Pinterest boards? I'm a total whore for interior designs."

"You are something else, you know that?" She mumbles. I kiss her temple without a second thought. I've never been good at keeping my hands off of her.

"Damn straight, Angel."

"Well, come on then. I don't want you working on an empty stomach. If you insist on being put to work then this is going to take a while."