His Heart Knew Before He Did novel Chapter 5

Lydia blinked awkwardly and quickly averted her eyes.

Never mind.

He was arrogant down to his bones. There was nothing pleasant about him at all.

Once the wound was treated, the car hit the road.

"Got plans in the county?" Xavier asked, hands draped over the wheel.

"Yes."

"What kind of plans?"

"Looking for an apartment."

A fleeting flash of surprise crossed Xavier's eyes before he smoothly prodded for more.

"Planning to settle down in Larkspur County?"

Lydia gave a noncommittal reply. "I guess."

She was broke and her health was failing; staying in her hometown was her only option for now.

After the holidays, she'd find a job in the county, build a nest egg, and figure things out from there.

After a brief exchange, silence settled over the car again.

Lydia was exhausted, so she closed her eyes to rest.

When she woke up, they had arrived, and a black jacket was draped over her shoulders.

The cheapskate was surprisingly considerate.

The driver's seat was empty. Lydia glanced around and spotted Xavier through the windshield.

He stood outside taking a call. His tall, broad frame was accentuated by a tight black sweater that clung to his muscular build, exuding an undeniable, rugged magnetism.

Just then, Xavier turned his head and caught her staring.

The coldness in his eyes instantly dissolved, replaced by a devastating, roguish smirk. He raised an eyebrow and mouthed, "Awake?"

Through the glass, Lydia read his lips perfectly.

She stepped out of the car and handed him the jacket. "Thanks."

"Friend," Xavier drawled, draping the jacket over his arm. "You're being polite again."

She wanted a cheap place she could pay for monthly, but the agent bluntly told her that even a basic studio would cost way more.

Just as Lydia was about to give up and head home that afternoon, the agent called.

He claimed a fully furnished one-bedroom near Century Plaza had just opened up. The owner was leaving town tomorrow and needed a tenant immediately. Rent was dirt cheap, and they allowed month-to-month payments.

It fit her budget perfectly.

It was an absolute miracle.

She rushed over to sign the lease, terrified someone else would snatch it up.

Right after securing the apartment, her phone rang again. It was a translation agency calling her in for an interview.

She had only submitted her resume the night before, and the office was conveniently near Century Plaza.

The interview was a breeze. The owner was a lively, straightforward local woman with red lipstick and curly hair, looking mature and stunning.

Impressed by Lydia's degree from Capital North Languages Academy and her experience at a top firm, the owner hired her on the spot, telling her to start after the holidays.

The only catch was that the salary was a fraction of what she made in the city.

After the interview, Lydia took the elevator down, only to hear a loud, excited shout behind her.