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Nate grins. “Kingston Marina’s portfolio grows again, your picks, my builds, his gadgets.”
We clink glasses, but I’m still not fully present. Because as much as I tell myself it’s just a house…
Emma’s face from today still lingers. Her fragrance, lavender and fresh air, won’t leave my head. And that ticks me off more than anything.
Liam leans back, watching me too closely. “That cliff house… If you restore it, it’ll sell for two mil, easy.”
Nate nods. “Could be worth the investment.”
I pretend to consider it casually. Because, yeah leveraging it makes sense. But we all know that’s not why I’m really staying.
Liam smirks, it’s like he is reading my mind. “Sleep on it. Might not hate it as much as you think.”
Am I that predictable with my thoughts? Or they just assume she is rattling me? I grit my teeth. “Shut up.”
Nate laughs. I push up from the booth, tossing cash onto the table. “I’ll see you at the office.”
Nate winks. “See you at your new home.”
I growl at him as I stride out, Buddy trotting at my side. The cool night air does nothing to clear my head.
Tomorrow, I move in. Not for her. Not for the past. Just to win. Buddy nudges my leg, as if he doesn’t believe me either.
I exhale sharply, muttering, “Three months living together is nothing. I'll just pretend like she doesn't exist, easy.”
And for the first time in years, I’m not sure who I’m trying to convince.
***
It’s morning as I pull into the gravel driveway, killing the engine with more force than necessary.
The house looms ahead weathered, worn, and stubbornly standing against the ocean wind. Just like its last owner.
I exhale sharply, gripping the steering wheel. Three months. That’s all. Three months, and I’ll be out of here.
I push the door open, stepping out as salty air whips against my face. Buddy jumps down from the passenger seat, tail wagging, already eager to explore.
Lucky him. He doesn’t have to deal with all of this emotion.
I grab my duffel from the backseat and sling it over my shoulder. The house groans in the breeze, the porch sagging slightly under my weight as I climb the steps. I shove the key into the lock, twisting… Only for the door to yank open from the inside.
Emma.
Frozen mid-step, her hand still gripping the handle, eyes wide with disbelief. My grip on the duffel tightens.
Her hair is pulled up, a loose strand falling against her cheek. I notice, hate that I do. She’s in worn jeans and a faded tee, nothing special, but somehow it still makes my gut twist in ways I don’t want to acknowledge.
Her gaze sharpens, snapping out of her shock. “Hi,”
I scoff, shifting my bag higher. “Hello.”
For a moment we stand frozen, I stare at her unable to stop my heart from racing faster. She is beautiful, in every sense of the word. Well, expect for her heart. She is selfish, a woman who made me believe in the fairy tale of love but has none to give.
I'm still dwelling on this when Buddy rushes towards her. He starts jumping trying to get her attention. I raise my eyes at this. Buddy isn't usually this friendly with strangers. I watch as she squats and rubs him making him even happier.
She chuckles as Buddy licks her face. The sound going straight to my heart. She is beautiful. Absolutely stunning.
"Can I come in now?"