Page 2 of Claimed By my Frenemy

I blink, momentarily stunned. "Buy it? Why would you want to buy this old, rundown house? You just told me how little it’s actually worth, at least according to you."

"It’s not just according to me. It’s according to the research I’ve conducted, though you’re welcome to do your own research if that makes you feel better about it. The point is that the land it’s on is valuable. I’ve got plans to develop a small resort here. Your property would allow the plans to move forward unhindered.”

My heart sinks. Develop? That would mean tearing down my grandmother's house. "You want to tear it down?"

He nods. "It’s not in good condition, Mia. It would cost more to repair it than to start fresh."

I shake my head, feeling my temper rise. "This place has sentimental value, Theo. It’s been in my family for generations. You can't just put a price on that."

Theo’s expression hardens. "Sentimental value doesn’t pay the bills. Think about it. You’re looking at a lot of money here. More than enough to buy a nicer place elsewhere and have plenty left over. I’m even willing to pay you a little extra for a quick closing."

I cross my arms over my chest, trying to ignore the rapid beating of my heart. "It’s not just about the money. This place means something to me."

"And what, exactly, does it mean to you?" Theo challenges, raising an eyebrow. "It’s a house. A house that’s falling apart. Don’t let nostalgia blind you to a good opportunity. Not everyone will be willing to pay you more than it’s worth."

His dismissive tone strikes a nerve. "Nostalgia? This house holds my childhood memories, Theo. My grandparents lived here. I spent summers here, holidays. I might have grown up just over on the mainland, but I spent as much time here as possible. You can’t replace those memories with money."

He scoffs. "Memories won’t fix the mold in the walls or the water damage in the bedroom. Be realistic."

"Realistic? You’re the one being selfish. All you care about is your stupid resort and making a profit! You don't care about this place or what it means to me." My voice is rising, and I force myself to stop talking. My chest continues to heave up and down as my annoyance rolls through me.

Theo narrows his eyes, frustration flickering across his face. "You think I’m being selfish? I’m giving you a way out, Mia. A chance to start fresh. Wouldn’t you rather invest thecashI’d be paying you in a new property, one that you won’t have to worry about fixing up?"

"I don’t need a way out. I need you to leave. This conversation is over."

Theo takes a deep breath, visibly trying to control his temper. "Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you when this place falls apart around you."

I slam the door shut, breathing heavily. Theo’s muffled curses reach me through the wood, but I don’t care. How could he be so heartless?

Leaning against the door, I try to calm myself. I shouldn’t feel this way, so attracted to someone who’s only thinking about his own gain. But the memory of his dazzling smile and the way his eyes sparkled before I told him there was no way he was goingto buy my grandparents’ house out from under me… They still affect me.

I clench my fists, determined not to let him get to me. This house is more than just property. It’s my history, my family. And no amount of money will ever change that. Besides, I have big plans for this place, and Theo has no idea how profitable they will be. He has no idea about a lot of things, including how stubborn I can be.

2

THEO

I’ve setup an office for myself in the new property. When the resort is done, this will be a private area behind the front desk where staff can store their things and the resort can keep paperwork.

Right now, though, it’s mostly bare except for a large oak desk that I had brought in along with a comfortable, rolling desk chair.

I stare at the two sets of plans. One includes Mia’s property. The other doesn’t. Obviously, the bigger the resort, the more guests I’ll have paying top prices to stay here. There’s a third set of plans I’ve stuffed away, but I shuffle through the drawers until I find it now.

Without Mia’s property, my option is to lose guest rooms or amenities. I want to be able to offer a pool hall, movie theater, ice cream parlor, coffee shop, and bowling, as well as the pool, but I don’t know if it’s going to be possible.

I count the rooms again on the plan that keeps all the amenities and swear. It just doesn’t make sense to cut the rooms.

The only thing thatdoesmake sense is to buy her property, a property she probably won’t even be living in. Not only doesit keep my guests from feeling like the neighborhood is trash, but it will also give me the chance to let this resort be the best investment possible.

I shake my head and shove the papers back into a drawer, slamming it loudly as I do so to get out some of my frustration. I stride out into the lobby area and over to the window and stare out at her property, evaluating it from this view.

The house was built in the seventies style, and it’s out of place on this street of mostly new developments. I’m not the only one who’s been eyeing the property, wondering what will happen to it. Sometimes, when a property is passed on to children, they just want to sell it as quickly as possible, even if they don’t get the full value.

That was my thought in popping by today, to get Mia’s commitment to sell before anyone else could.

But, of course, she’s going to be stubborn.

Well, I can be stubborn, too.

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