Desiring My Older Neighbor by Lisa Freed

Can a disagreeable lawyer and an upbeat young woman find happiness?

Jubilee:
My grandmother’s greatest desire was for me to embrace my creativity and find what brings me joy. She left me a sweet apartment and loads of cash to do just that. Except I’m not as creative as I thought and I’m bombing at everything I try. Even worse, the apartment comes with a sourpuss neighbor whose deep scowls and disagreeable attitude make it hard to keep a smile on my face. Yet underneath his stern exterior I find a man just as lonely and confused as me.

Nathan:
My life was going great. After five years I’m about to make partner. Until I don’t get it and my boss informs me that clients don’t like me. Nobody does. Well, maybe one person. My annoyingly chipper neighbor. She’s always happy and inviting me along for silly pottery and paint nights, tapestry weaving, and other such nonsense. I’m the last person in the world capable of bringing someone happiness, but I can’t help wishing for once that I could be the reason she smiles.