From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 509

Anthea typed back: “Where are you right now?”

Sherman replied, “I live right next door to you.”

“Seriously?” she shot back, adding a laughing emoji.

“Seriously,” he confirmed.

“Then come over to my room.”

A minute later, Anthea heard a knock at her door.

Wait—he really does live next door?

She set her phone aside and walked over to open the door.

Standing outside was a tall, well-built man, his features half-shadowed under the crystal hallway light. His lips were pressed into a reserved line, a quiet chill clinging to him, but at the corner of one eye, a tiny red birthmark caught the light, matching the small cross ring on his finger.

A strange mix of priestly calm and devilish allure.

“You really do live next door?” Anthea asked, surprised.

He nodded, just barely. “Yeah.”

Anthea had just showered. Her hair fell damp around her shoulders, and she wore a silk camisole nightdress that showed off her pale collarbones and smooth skin, the delicate fabric tracing elegant lines down her body.

The silk was thin, and Sherman, who stood a good eight inches taller than her, only had to glance down to catch a glimpse of—

Something inside him seemed to explode.

Heat swept through him.

Look away, he reminded himself.

He shifted his gaze without missing a beat, keeping his composure. “I just moved in today. Want to go grab a late-night bite?”

“Sure, but let me change first.”

Sherman nodded again. “Okay.”

Anthea closed the door.

Three minutes later, she reappeared. “Ready.”

She’d changed into a plain white t-shirt, ripped jeans, and a pair of clean white sneakers.

The sharp edge from before was gone, replaced by a lively, youthful energy.

She could make anything look good—clothes seemed to come alive on her.

Sherman fell into step beside her.

“Where should we eat?” Anthea asked as she turned to him. “You’re from Capital City, right? You must know the best spots.”

“I know a place nearby that’s pretty good,” he replied.

She nodded. “Lead the way.”

As they stepped outside the hotel, a sleek luxury car rolled up to the curb.