With her tee shirt glued to her back with sweat, Julianne carted the last milk crate from her Honda Fit. Summer had been just a long spring with days of gray skies and rain. It had been damp cold until today. Today was a scorcher. Just my luck, she thought looping her mega purse around her neck.

Her right hip ached. Julianne shifted the pack on her back and headed for the staircase. She looked up the long flight. Sweat burned her eyes. For a moment she longed for Chris. A foot taller and a hundred pounds more, Chris would’ve completed this move in no time. Chris and his muscles can go get bent, Julianne thought.

The stairs had seemed easier when she picked up the keys from Mrs. Bolander. Maybe it was lucky that she left nearly everything with Chris. On the landing, Julianne took a breather halfway up. A feeling of calm settled on her shoulders. That was also a sure sign of impeding misfortune. At least the rent was cheap.

She took the last step. Everything ached. Loaded milk crate on her hip, Julianne fished for her keys. Her parents told her she was lucky to snag Chris. Her girlfriends told her to give him a second chance. Remember it’s not what he does or doesn’t do. It is about me being happy again, Julianne thought.

“Well hello my lovely,” a genteel voice said.

Julianne looked up. A breathtakingly beautiful shirtless man looked down from the flight above. Luscious curls and a Byronic smile, the stranger looked like sin. Shaking her head, Julianne unlocked her new apartment door.

“Yo yummy you the upstairs neighbor?”

“Yes, if you are ever wish to borrow a cup of sugar or pledge your immortal soul,” the neighbor said with a devilish wink.

“Do you tap dance? Play loud music? Hold ninepin competitions?” Julianne asked over her shoulder.

“ what? No. I mean I commune with the angels of the night and plot world domination but that’s it,” the neighbor said.

“Good.”

“I do play a mean fiddle,” the neighbor said holding a violin.

“No playing after nine, Mr. Hot Pants,” Julianne said.