Page 86 of Claimed By my Frenemy

Mia and I discuss different ideas, from a boutique hotel to luxury vacation rentals. She has a knack for envisioning how spaces can be transformed, and I’m grateful for her creativity and insight.

As we drive to the final property, a beautiful estate nestled in some greenery with almost a mile drive to the beach, Mia turns to me with a thoughtful expression. "You know, Theo, while we’re looking at properties for the next project, maybe we should also consider finding a place for us to live together."

Her words catch me by surprise but in the best way possible. The idea of finding a place where we can build a life together fills me with excitement. "You really think so?" I ask, glancing over at her.

“We haven’t talked about it…but I could rent out the room I’ve been staying in, especially during the summer. And if I don’thave to be there at four in the morning to cook breakfast, then a commute of a couple of miles to greet my guests isn’t so bad.”

“I like the idea of living together instead of me trying to sneak over so your guests don’t see.”

We both laugh.

“I know you have extra rooms at your hotel, but that doesn’t feel permanent. It just feels like a place to sleep.”

“You’ve never even seen my place.”

“You have aplace?” Mia covers her mouth and laughs at her own astonishment. “I mean, of course you do. I knew you didn’t just live at the resort. It just seems like you’re over there a lot.”

“I’ve been staying there a lot because it’s been in the final stages, and…I like having you so nearby. But yes, I have a place.”

“Let’s go see it.”

I shake my head. “No, that’s not going to happen. It’s a one-room apartment, condo thing that’s not up to the standards of where I would want you living.”

“What? Theo the billionaire lives in a one-room condo?”

Theo laughs. “Just because Ihavemoney doesn’t mean I spend it on myself.”

“Well, maybe we should change that. Besides, we’re already spending so much time together, and it just feels right to move in. But I might want a little more space than one bedroom."

I reach over and take her hand, squeezing it gently. "I love that idea, Mia. Let’s keep an eye out for something that could be our home. A smaller property but big enough that we can have friends stay with us if we want."

We arrive at the estate and take our time exploring the grounds. The property is expansive, with beautiful gardens, a spacious main house, and several outbuildings that could be converted into guest accommodations. It’s a bit more than what I initially had in mind, but as we walk through the sun-dappledgardens, I can see the potential for both a new business venture and a home for us.

"This place is amazing. It’s got so much potential. And the views are incredible. It’s like we’ve gotten just far enough away from the beach to make it feel like we’re staying in a jungle."

"I agree. It’s definitely worth considering. What do you think about living here?"

She laughs, a bright, joyful sound that makes me smile. "It would be like living in a dream. But it’s a big property. Do you think we could handle it? I mean, I don’t know about cutting the grass for a property this big."

"We’ve handled everything else so far, and we’d have help. We could make this work together. Besides, I won’t be making you cut the grass. I’ll take care of all that.”

“Oh yeah? What would you be making me do?”

Theo bites his bottom lip. “Oh, I could think of a few things you could do in the bedroom.”

Mia peers through the windows on the ground floor. “Sorry. It’s locked up tight. No bedroom action today.”

“What about if I take you back to my place?”

“Ooh, I’ll promise you anything to see how Theo the Billionaire lives.”

So, even though I feel nervous, I take Mia to the tiny one-bedroom I live in when I’m not working on a property.

As I push open the front door, I realize I didn’t exactly clean up from the last time I was here. A cereal bowl sits in the sink, and there are two empty beer cans on the counter. Some articles of clothing decorate the couch. Luckily, they aremyarticles of clothing.

Mia raises an eyebrow at me as I throw the beer cans in the trash can and smile sheepishly. “It’s not too bad for someone who lives alone.”

“Do you need me to show youmyroom? It’s spotless.”

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