Page 19 of Thanks for the Love
I’m not the least bit surprised when I look out across the lawn to see Theo about to get into his fancy car. Admittedly, my stomach does a flip, and the memory of his arms around me flashes through my mind.
“Good morning, ladies,” he calls cheerfully.
Lila scowls. “Theo, quit trying to make a move on my new roommate.”
“Ah, it’s great to see you too, Lila,” he teases. “It’s been too long.”
“Not long enough,” she says under her breath.
“I’ll see you at the office,” she says.
“Have a great day, Lila,” Theo calls.
I try to hide my smile. He’s definitely trying to get under her skin.
She dramatically slides her huge sunglasses onto her face and slams her car door.
Theo walks over after she pulls out of the driveway. He’s changed into a pair of black slacks and a gray button-up shirt. He looks very nice, but I don’t think anything could compare to seeing him exit the pool earlier this morning. That image will probably be burned into my memory for years to come.
“She certainly hasn’t changed a bit, still a breath of fresh air,” he says sarcastically. “Have fun living with her.”
I chew on my lip. Should I be worried that my roommate and my newfrienddespise each other?
“Maybe you two need to sit down and hash things out,” I suggest. “You could call a truce.”
His jaw tightens. “Hmm … a truce. I’ll think about that. Although I’m not the one you need to convince.”
“But you’d consider it?”
He shrugs. “It depends.”
“On what?”
“What’s in it for me?” he asks, the corner of his mouth curling up.
Um … so many thoughts swirl through my mind.
“Just kidding. I’m willing to coexist with Lila … for you.”
My heart rate begins to speed up. It would certainly make it easier on me if Theo and Lila moved on from the past.
“I’ll talk to her about it,” I say. “Thanks again for breakfast.”
“You’re welcome anytime,” he says, flashing me his gorgeous smile, which causes my heart to flutter.
I slide into my car.
“Don’t forget to be careful with your wrist,” he calls.
“I told you I would,” I say. “I always keep my promises.”
Gah! It’s been so long since I playfully flirted, I don’t even know if I’m doing it right.
“I’ll remember that,” he says as he turns and strides back to his house.
As much as I wish I could stay and continue our banter, I need to get to the office. Especially because I’m probably going to have to park in the garage and walk miles uphill to get to work now. That’s an exaggeration—but I would do it to avoid parallel parking.
As I make my way out of my new neighborhood and past the guard, I’m in a daze. This is definitely not how I expected to kick off life in Miami. Sprained wrist aside, I’m enjoying it.
