Page 55 of Claimed By my Frenemy

When Stella pulls back, she’s mirroring my goofy grin. “So how about movies for a year onme?”

“They’re already on Theo,” Zoey points out, but Stella just elbows her good-naturedly.

“Come on! Let me be the hero for once. I don’t have money to build a movie theater, but I want to see movies with my girls sometimes.”

“Watch them be all old movies,” I say, glancing in Theo’s direction to make sure he can’t hear me. “We think it’s going to be the newest romcom, and it’s actually something from five years ago.”

“Old movies are good movies sometimes.” Zoey always sees the positive side of things.

Stella makes a face, though. “He better not try to cheat the system like that. Besides, did youseethat guest room? I don’tthink people who are paying so much a night for a place like that are going to be okay with old movies. He’s got to keep his guests happy.”

“And everyone on Oak Island,” Zoey adds.

I smile just a little because it feels like Theo is partially doing this to keepmehappy. Maybe I’m too wrapped up in myself, and I think it’s all about me. But part of me loves the fact that Theo is doing something sweet.

I glance in his direction again. “Youknow,” Stella says, drawing my attention back to the conversation in front of me. “If you’rethatdesperate to talk to him, I can just call him over.”

She raises her hand like she’s calling a waiter, but Zoey and I work together to bring it back down.

“Stop!” I order. “Don’t! The last thing I need is you embarrassing me. I’m going to be a local business owner, too. I don’t need everyone from downtown thinking I’m some crazy owner. That’s not how to get guests at my bed and breakfast.”

Stella tucks her hands behind her back. “Fine, I’ll behave. But seriously. How are things between…you two? I was watching your conversation a few minutes ago, and it looked like you were at least not arguing.”

“No, we weren’t arguing.” I’m reluctant to say more. I don’t want to tell Stella and Zoey about the box of memorabilia. While I might not mind showing Zoey, sometimes Stella’s overeagerness spoils a moment.

Stella and Zoey are still waiting for more of an explanation. “Theo and I have been…getting along. His contractors have stopped ruining my property, so that’s a good starting point.”

Stella goes off on a tangent about how irresponsible some contractors can be while I sneak another glance in Theo’s direction. He’s still talking to a few people who are left in the room, but I can’t be disappointed. This is a big night for him. He needs to take advantage of it.

Zoey finally stretches. “Look, guys, I have to be at work tomorrow. I’m heading home.”

Stella squeezes my arm one more time. “Do you want me to walk you to your house, Mia, or are you waiting forsomeone else?”

It takes a lot of self-control not to glance in Theo’s direction again. “I can walk myself, Stella, thanks. I don’t think I’ll get lost.”

My friends laugh and hug me again, and I watch them leave. There are still about ten more people still hanging out in the lobby and talking. One of them has engaged Theo in what looks like a deep discussion.

I don’t want to look desperate. He already talked to me. I shouldn’t wait around any longer.

Even though all of that is true, I still take my time leaving the lobby. I pause just outside the doors and scan the street. There’s going to be parking on the lot, but right now, it’s just empty dirt. People have parked up on the curb and all along the street for at least this block.

I’m sure the neighbors are thrilled. I’ve walked partway back to my house when I hear my name behind me.

“Mia! Wait a sec!” I turn, and Theo is jogging toward me. He looks handsome in his suave outfit, his brown hair pushed back by the wind. A part of my heart jumps just to see him hurrying to me. I know I only have a couple of seconds before he reaches me and hopes to have some sort of conversation.

What am I going to say? Can he tell how much just his presence affects me?

I see the other people who were in the hotel lobby now spilling out onto the sidewalk and heading to their cars. Did he kick them out just for me?

I don’t have time to think anything else before he reaches me, running a hand through his hair to smooth it back into place. His smile is genuine as he lays a hand gently on my arm.

Theo's touch is warm on my arm, and it sends a shot of desire through me. He’s slightly out of breath when he says my name again, and it sounds so perfect on his lips. "Mia, I’m glad I caught you."

I return his smile, feeling my heart race. “I didn’t think I’d see you again tonight. It looked like you were busy, so I just decided to head home.”

He glances back at the dispersing crowd and then back at me. “I was, but I didn’t want to end the night without talking to you again. You’re…”

“I’m what?”

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