The sultry air was sticky with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine. The humidity clung to my skin like a second layer of clothing as I stepped into the quiet hallway of the apartment complex. The soft padding of my flip-flops echoed against the cool tiles as I headed to the door of my friend’s place. Tricia was visiting family for the weekend, so I was stopping by to feed her cat.

As I fished Tricia’s keys out of my purse, a male voice called out from behind me, “Hey, Katie. How’s it going?”

It was Tricia’s hunky neighbor, Ben, who was leaning against his doorframe in a well-worn T-shirt and cargo shorts. He was all muscle — and all man. And I’d always thought he was hot.

Slipping the key into the lock, I tried to sound casual as I replied, “Not too... Read More