Page 43 of Claiming My Nemesis

Ethan leaned over and kissed my temple, a silent agreement to what I had just said. The feeling of unity between us was stronger than ever, and it gave me confidence that we could face whatever challenges came our way.

After a delicious Italian meal prepared by Mom, Ethan and I were shown to the guest room where we’d be staying for the night. As we stepped inside, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of two twin beds placed side by side, separated by a small nightstand.

“Well, this is... nostalgic,” I said, stifling a laugh. The room reminded me of childhood sleepovers, but it was clear that my parents had chosen this setup for propriety’s sake.

Ethan chuckled, his hand grazing the top of one of the beds. “It has a certain charm, doesn’t it?”

“Charm isn’t the word I was thinking of,” I teased, but there was no malice in my voice. I appreciated the humor in the situation, and I could tell Ethan did, too.

After Mom closed the door, we exchanged a mischievous glance. Silently, we shifted the nightstand and pulled the bedsides together, erasing the gap between them.

“There,” I said, hands on my hips as I admired our handiwork. “Much better.”

Ethan stepped closer, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me into him. “I couldn’t agree more.”

We slid under the covers, the twin beds forming a makeshift double bed. It was a little snug, but I didn’t mind. I needed to be close to Ethan, feeling the comfort of his body next to mine.

As we settled in, Ethan pulled out his phone and dialed Sophia. I listened as he explained the new plan for the Whitmore deal, giving credit to my parents for their help. I could hear the relief in Sophia’s voice, and it made me happy to know that we were one step closer to resolving the issue.

As soon as the call ended, Ethan rolled towards me and looked at me with his piercing eyes. "Natalie, you're a force to be reckoned with. Seriously, I owe you big time."

I couldn't help but grin as I reached out and playfully swatted his arm. "Oh please, we're like the ultimate duo." Our lips met in a kiss that spoke volumes without any words needed.

We snuggled closer, the twin beds barely able to contain us as we drifted off to sleep. I felt safe, content, and ready to face whatever challenges tomorrow might bring.

Twenty-Three

Ethan

Two Weeks Later

The journey to Telluride was a stark contrast to the bustling energy of Dallas. As the plane descended, the vast expanse of snow-capped mountains and pristine blue skies spread out before us. Telluride was breathtaking, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where the air was crisp, and the landscape seemed untouched by time. The town's beauty always grounded me, reminding me of the importance of what I was here to do—not just for the deal but for the legacy it would protect.

As we stepped off the plane, the cool mountain air greeted us, a welcome change from the oppressive Texas heat. The smell of pine trees mingled with the faint scent of wood smoke in the distance, making the whole place feel like something out of a dream.

Standing by my side, Natalie gazed out at the scenery with wide eyes, taking in the beauty of the place where the next chapter of our journey would unfold. Her awe was palpable, andI couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride—not just in the deal we were here to close, but in the fact that she was here with me, fully a part of my life.

“This place really is incredible,” Natalie said, her eyes wide as she took in the snow-capped mountains and the sparkling river rapids that twisted through the valley below.

I smiled, feeling a surge of pride as I held her hand. “It’s one of the reasons I’m so invested in this deal. The Telluride Resort has a certain magic to it that I want to protect. It’s more than just a resort. It’s a piece of history, a place where memories are made. I want to make sure Whitmore understands that.”

Natalie squeezed my hand, her warm touch reassuring. “You’ve got this, Ethan. And I’m here to support you every step of the way.”

Her words held a depth that resonated within me, their significance surpassing mere words. Natalie was my constant, grounding me in the profound transformation her presence had brought to my life. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine our future—one where she was a part of every decision, victory, or challenge. The thought filled me with a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Sophia joined us, her stride purposeful as she approached with her usual air of efficiency. She had been instrumental in getting us this far, handling the legal complexities with the same precision she brought to every aspect of the business. Her sharp mind had caught several potential issues long before they became problems, and I knew I could also rely on her today.

“The car’s waiting,” she said, her tone all business as she adjusted her scarf against the cool breeze. “We’ve got about an hour before the meeting. Enough time to get settled and go over the final details.”

I gave her a nod of acknowledgment, then turned back to Natalie. “Ready to see this through?”

She smiled, a mix of determination and pride in her eyes. “Absolutely.”

The drive to the resort was serene. The road winding through dense forests and along mountain passes offered stunning views at every turn. As we pulled up to the resort, the grandeur of the place struck me anew. I’d been here numerous times before, but now that Natalie was a part of my life, I found myself appreciating its beauty in a way I never had before. It was easy to see why Whitmore wanted it so badly and why the government was so keen on protecting the forest around it.

The resort itself was a masterpiece of architecture, blending seamlessly into the rugged landscape. The stone façade and wooden beams echoed the natural surroundings, while the large glass windows offered uninterrupted views of the mountains beyond. It was the kind of place that made you feel connected to the land in a profound way, a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human endeavor.

We stepped out of the car, the imposing structure of the resort rising before us. This was the culmination of months of work, negotiations, and planning—and it all hinged on today. The moment’s significance weighed heavily on my shoulders, but I felt prepared—I had to be.

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