Page 39 of Claimed By my Frenemy

As the waiter brings our food, the conversation shifts to lighter topics. We talk about our favorite movies, places we’ve traveled, and our dreams for the future. It’s easy to forget theannoyance I just felt toward Theo, and I start to see a side of Theo that I haven’t seen in years.

“So, where’s the best place you’ve ever traveled?” I ask, taking a bite of my pasta.

“Honestly? I think it’s right here. There’s something about this place that’s always felt like home to me. It’s why I started investing in property here instead of somewhere else.”

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at his words. “Yeah, I know what you mean. There’s something special about Oak Island. It drew me back after I left years ago.”

“I think that’s why we both care so much about what happens here.”

My eyes catch on Theo’s, and I feel my breath in my throat, like I can’t breathe for a moment. I want to reach for Theo again, feel his skin against mine. But I don’t. I control myself, because I know if I start falling for Theo again, I’m just going to get hurt.

I imagine us in a relationship years down the road and him still trying to convince me to let my grandmother’s house be bulldozed so they can expand the resort.

Still, I have to admit as we finish our meal that Theo’s not so bad. Maybe we could find a way to make this work.

I keep glancing at him and seeing the ways our eyes catch. It makes me breathless. All it would take is an invitation from my part. I could invite him back to my place. He would follow me in his car, and I’d let him in the front door.

He would start kissing me with his savory, dinner-tainted breath and press me against the wall. I start to feel hot imagining it, but I don’t want to stop.

Next, he would undo my jeans and push them to the ground. His fingers would play over my skin, his fingers pushing into the folds of my pussy so that I start screaming his name. Then, he would step back and get naked for me, letting me see every partof him. I know he would be hard. He would press his erection into me, and I’d…

“What are you thinking about?” Theo cuts in.

I know my cheeks are red, and I wonder if he can really read my thoughts.

“I was just thinking about what needs to get done…when I get home.” I lick my lips and know I’m not going to invite him over. I have to be smart, and having sex with Theo… again…would not be smart. Right?

The waiter brings the check. Theo insists on paying, and I don’t argue. As we stand up to leave, he looks at me with a serious expression.

“Mia, I really do want to find a way to work together. You let me know if you need my help in that sunroom.”

“I’d like that.” The words slip out of my mouth without me realizing that they’re coming. “Sure. You can come over on Saturday, and we’ll get started then.”

Theo smiles, and for the first time in a long time, I feel a glimmer of hope. Not only did our “business” dinner feel positive, but I’m also excited to spend more time with Theo on Saturday.

I want to get to know him better. And, I tell myself, spending time with him doesn’t mean anything physical will happen, but I like the possibility of it hovering in the air.

20

THEO

On Saturday morning,I arrive at Mia’s house just as the sun is peeking over the horizon. The air is cool and crisp, promising a beautiful day ahead.

I park my truck and grab my toolbox. I’m assuming Mia has all the materials she will need, but I’m prepared just in case she didn’t think of everything.

Today is a big day—not just for the renovation, but for us. Working together could either bring us closer or drive us further apart, and I’m hoping for the former. I like spending time with Mia. I feel like we’ve only had a few, good, unargumentative moments, but I want to share more of those with her.

I knock on the door, and Mia answers almost immediately, looking a bit surprised to see me so early. “You’re here already?” she says, raising an eyebrow.

“Figured we’d get an early start. There’s a lot to do, and it’s going to feel like hell when the sun really starts heating up that porch.”

She nods, stepping aside to let me in. “You’re right. The sooner we start, the sooner we finish. And…thanks for coming.”There’s a little bit of shyness in her voice, and I like it. I like the timidity. She’s not 100% sure of herself, and that’s sexy to me.

I follow her through the house to the sunroom. The first thing I notice is she’s absolutely right. It looks like this room was turned into an extra attic. There is junk scattered in every corner, and what little I can see of the flooring shows it’s been abused.

Even so, I can see the potential. I set my toolbox down and take a deep breath, ready to dive in.

“Where do you want to start?” I ask, looking around.

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