Twelve Days of Christmas Read Free Page B

Bond.
    Silence, followed by “What do you want?”
    “I come bearing gifts.”
    “I’m busy.”
    “No problem. I’ll lean it against your door.”
    “Lean
what
against my door?”
    “You’ll see. Don’t you like to be surprised?” she called out.
    The door flew open and he stood in front of her, his face covered in shaving cream, with a razor in his hand. His leg blocked Schroeder from jetting into the hallway. The Irish setter’s tail wagged. His master might not be friendly, but Schroeder was. Cain’s gaze narrowed. “I don’t like surprises.”
    “Here’s your newspaper.”
    He grumbled and took it out of her hand and tossed it onto the table next to his door.
    “You’re welcome,” she said pointedly at his lack of appreciation.
    Turning away, she was fairly certain she heard him grumble, and knowing she was getting his goat, she added, “Have a good morning.”
    “Whatever.”
    She grinned. “You say that a lot, don’t you?”
    “Would you mind? I’d like to finish shaving.”
    “Of course.” Julia did her best to keep her voice friendly and good-natured. This was working so well, she could barely stand it. Cammie was right. Kindness was going to torment him, and the truth was, Julie really wanted to annoy him the same way he annoyed her.
    With a game plan in mind, she returned to her apartment and waited until she heard his door open as he left for work. Making it seem like pure coincidence, she stepped out of her apartment at the same time and met him at the elevator.
    “We meet again,” she said in a cheerful voice that would rival Mary Poppins’s.
    His gaze narrowed at her before he looked away.
    She smiled when she noticed he had his morning newspaper tucked under his arm. It was then that she noticed a piece of tissue stuck to his chin. He’d apparently cut himself while shaving. Her eyes widened. “I hope my interruption wasn’t responsible for you nicking your face.”
    “No.” Cain impatiently hit the button for the lobby for the second time, as if that would cause the elevator to descend faster.
    “Those little cuts can be annoying.”
    “So can pesky neighbors,” he muttered.
    Julia smiled. Oh, this was good. “I don’t mean to be pesky. I was just collecting my newspaper and thought I’d get yours at the same time. I’m happy to do that for you. I’ll set it outside your door and give a gentle knock so you know it’s there.”
    “Don’t.”
    “Don’t knock?”
    “Don’t get my newspaper.”
    “Why not? I’m getting my own. It isn’t any trouble.”
    “Just. Don’t.”
    “Okay, if that’s what you want.”
    As soon as they reached the lobby and the elevator doors slid open, Cain made his escape. Looking at him rushing away, one would think he was running for his life.
    “Have a good day,” she called after him and waved. As soon as he was out of sight, she nearly doubled over with laughter. He couldn’t get away from her fast enough. This was turning out better than she’d hoped.
    Feeling like she’d made progress, she decided to treat herself to a latte at the corner Starbucks. Luck was with her, and she noticed that Cain was three people ahead of her in line.
    Unable to resist, she called out loud enough for him and the entire crowd to hear. “Cain, I didn’t know you came here for coffee. I can pick one up for you some morning, if you’d like.”
    He glanced over his shoulder and she could have sworn she heard him groan.
    Phil, Julia’s favorite barista, looked up and waved. “Morning, Julia.”
    She raised her hand and wiggled her fingers back at him. “Morning. That’s my neighbor. I’d like to buy his coffee.”
    If she hadn’t gotten Cain’s full attention before, she did now. He whirled around so fast he nearly knocked the man behind him off balance. His gaze shot straight to her. “I’ll buy my own coffee.”
    “It’s my way of apologizing for tormenting you with my Christmas music last night.”
    Phil looked from one to the