Welcome to the Neighborhood by Mary Abshire Read Free Book Online

How’s work?”
    Greg noticed immediately the fox shifter’s reddish-brown hair barely reached her shoulders. Just a few days ago, he’d seen her grabbing her mail from the mailbox and her hair flowed down to her midback. Justine and her rabbit shifter roommate, Ellise, had lived in the neighborhood for two years. If memory served him right, the fox shifter cut her locks three times a year at the most. This was the third time for the year.
    “I’m well. Work is the same, lots of angry mothers wanting child support,” he said.
    The squeak of the door captured his attention. Phillip walked in and the temperature in the room dropped. The cold vamp rarely came to the parties or gatherings or any social event. Getting him to even talk or wave hello was a challenge. He’d moved into the ranch home across the street from Greg about a year ago and had yet to say more than ten words to Greg or his roommates. Why would Phillip suddenly take an interest in their newest neighbor?
    “At least your job is secure. Single parents will always need a lawyer to try and help them get money for their children.”
    Greg shifted his gaze back to Justine. “I suppose you’re right.” In truth, he’d never thought about job security. Since he had a law degree, he figured he could find work easily in any law office. He took the job in the Child Support Division knowing his efforts would ultimately assist children. They were the ones that needed help the most. But when mothers consistently appeared in court with Coach purses, dolled-up hair and painted nails and claimed they needed money to put food on the table, Greg wondered if his efforts to help families were fruitless.
    “How’s the grooming business?” Greg asked.
    “Oh, it’s busy. Ell’s been busy at the vet clinic too. Business always picks up around fall time.”
    Greg scanned the room. “Is Ellise here? I haven’t seen her.”
    “No, she received an emergency call and had to run to the vet clinic.”
    “Too bad.” He’d always enjoyed chatting with Ellise and hearing about her stories from the vet clinic. Her tales of saving the lives of helpless creatures continually brought a smile to his face.
    “You decided not to go with her?” he asked, knowing Justine assisted her roommate on occasion.
    “No. She said one of her regulars needed to put their dog to rest because it was crying nonstop for the last two hours. I can’t be around in those types of situations. I get too emotional.”
    “And that’s why you’re the groomer and not a vet, right?”
    “You got it.” She peered past him. “Oh, I see Vickie. I need to talk to her. I’ll be right back.”
    Justine left and Greg finished his beer. The loud voices along with the laughter gave him a headache, but he refused to leave without speaking to Alexandria. He’d find a way to make it through the night.
    Greg tossed his empty cup in the trash, then withdrew his cell phone. The time showed a few minutes past eleven.
    “Greg Holmes,” said a familiar male voice.
    He slid his phone into his pocket, then extended his hand. “Mr. Hadley, how are you?”
    The real estate agent smiled as they shook hands. “I’m good. Are you excited to meet your new neighbor?”
    “Actually, I already met her last night.”
    Mr. Hadley’s brows rose. “Oh?”
    “She was having a bit of trouble with the movers. They broke an antique mirror she had. I came out to help her and make sure they cleaned the mess.”
    “That was very kind of you.”
    “She didn’t say much. I gave her my card and let her know I could help her if she wanted to pursue legal action against them.”
    Hearing the familiar noise from the door, Greg veered his gaze. A touch of disappointment rushed through him as he watched Sylvia Henshaw step through the entrance. The dark-haired demon was a thorn in Greg’s side. He’d told her countless times he wasn’t interested in her, yet she continued to flirt and try to lure him. Greg tried to avoid her as