A midnight alarm yanks Kavya Rao from the ruins of a divorce. Her downstairs neighbor, Mateo Cruz, arrives with a toolbox, a steady voice—and a vow he made to her grandmother. They write their rules on no debts, no saviors, a yes for every touch. Between storms, outages, and a city that keeps testing their building, desire learns to wait—and then to ignite. When a smug ex, hungry owners, and a failing roof all knock at once, Kavya must decide if she can be brave without burning. Mateo will stand beside her… but never in her way. In hallways lit by emergency lamps and kitchen-light kisses, they build something consent, trust, and a home that refuses to be bought. Their yes tastes like rain—and it might change more than a heart. It might save a house. 🏠 Neighbors to Lovers 💘 Slow-Burn, Consent-Driven Romance 👥 Found Family & Community Rebuild 🏙️ Contemporary Romance ⚠️ For readers 18+