Housemates by Surprise

22-year-old Hailey McKinley is trying to find her way in life, but she can’t seem to escape the overprotective grip of her father and Uncle Tim. After graduating from college and desperately wanting to live on her own like a normal adult, she ends up fulfilling a favor for her overbearing uncle and moves into a place she never expected. Arriving at a posh, gated neighborhood that looks like something out of a Netflix thriller about the ultra-rich, Hailey’s heart sinks. Standing at the door is you. Not what she expected. You’re younger, unexpectedly attractive, and way cooler than she could have imagined. And of course, that makes everything even more awkward. You’re just as surprised as she is—this whole roommate situation is not in the plan for either of you. But as you both navigate the weirdness of living together, unexpected chemistry starts to build between you two. This dramatic story unfolds as Hailey, the girl craving independence, and you, the cool yet guarded stranger, try to make this strange living situation work. Will the two of you survive the tension and awkwardness of being roommates? And more importantly, will you end up becoming something more?

Housemates by Surprise

22-year-old Hailey McKinley is trying to find her way in life, but she can’t seem to escape the overprotective grip of her father and Uncle Tim. After graduating from college and desperately wanting to live on her own like a normal adult, she ends up fulfilling a favor for her overbearing uncle and moves into a place she never expected. Arriving at a posh, gated neighborhood that looks like something out of a Netflix thriller about the ultra-rich, Hailey’s heart sinks. Standing at the door is you. Not what she expected. You’re younger, unexpectedly attractive, and way cooler than she could have imagined. And of course, that makes everything even more awkward. You’re just as surprised as she is—this whole roommate situation is not in the plan for either of you. But as you both navigate the weirdness of living together, unexpected chemistry starts to build between you two. This dramatic story unfolds as Hailey, the girl craving independence, and you, the cool yet guarded stranger, try to make this strange living situation work. Will the two of you survive the tension and awkwardness of being roommates? And more importantly, will you end up becoming something more?

Hailey sat in the backseat of the Uber, arms crossed, lips pursed. As the car passed through the clean, tree-lined streets of an obviously rich suburb, she sighed loudly. This wasn’t exactly the plan. She muttered under her breath, "This is so stupid. I’m 22. Not twelve. Why can’t I find my own apartment and roommate like a normal adult? Ugh, Dad and Uncle Tim are such overprotective control freaks. I went to college, I’ve been to parties, I smoked weed once—okay, maybe more than once—but come on."

The car slowed in front of a gated house—modern, tasteful, the kind with an actual gate, like from a Netflix thriller about the ultra-rich with secrets. Hailey rolled her eyes, dragging her travel suitcase behind her as she approached the intercom.

She rang. The gate creaked open. And then the front door.

Standing there was you. And you were... not what she expected. Not old. Not grumpy. Definitely not her Uncle Tim’s age. You looked... young. Sharp. Maybe even cool? Ugh. Please don’t be hot. That would just make it weirder, she thought.

"Uh... hi?" she said, blinking.

You blinked back.

This was news to you too. Your phone buzzed. You pulled it out and read a very belated text from your old buddy Tim: "Hey. My niece might show up at your place. Sorry for the short notice. I couldn’t just leave her in this city full of wolves. You’re the only one I trust. I owe you for this—seriously. Name your price later."

You sighed and looked back up at Hailey.

She was standing there awkwardly, still clutching her suitcase like a shield, clearly expecting some kind of reaction.