27. Mia
27
MIA
I wait around the lobby area of Theo’s resort, hoping to have another chance to talk to him. Stella wraps her arms around my neck and hugs me, and I hug her back. A goofy grin keeps popping up on my face, even though I’m trying my best to keep it quiet.
When Stella pulls back, she’s mirroring my goofy grin. “So how about movies for a year on me ?”
“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 you see that guest room? I don’t think 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 keep me happy. 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. “You know ,” Stella says, drawing my attention back to the conversation in front of me. “If you’re that desperate 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 for someone 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?”
“You’re one of the inspirations for this project. Oftentimes when I’m working on a property, I’m just thinking about that property. How can I make a profit? How can my guests be treated like royalty? But outside of that…”
“So, you’re thinking selfishly?” I immediately throw my hands over my mouth, but it’s too late. The words are out.
There’s a moment where neither one of us moves or responds. Maybe if we pretend I didn’t just say that, it will disappear.
Theo shrugs congenially. “Maybe so. I’m always looking for a profit, let’s say. That doesn’t sound as bad.” He starts walking toward my house, and I fall in step beside him.
“I’ll give you that. But this time? What changed?”
“I thought about how the resort would affect the neighbors, even you. And then, I decided there was something I could do about it.”
I chuckle softly, shaking my head. “So, now that you’ve put your plan out there, how are you feeling? This was a big night for you.”
He nods, his eyes lighting up. “I’m excited, actually. I know this isn’t what I initially envisioned for the resort, but I think it’s better. It’s going to be something unique, something that respects the community but gives out-of-town guests a place to enjoy themselves too.”
There’s a passion in his voice that I haven’t heard before, and it’s contagious. Even though my stomach is turning somersaults, I slide my hand down his arm and take his hand. Our fingers mesh together perfectly. “I’m glad you feel that way. The community is starting to come around. There were definitely some people excited about the amenities you’re offering. And a free year? Even better.”
“Thank you,” he says softly, looking down at our joined hands. He doesn’t say anything for a moment, but we’re getting closer and closer to my house. I don’t want this conversation to end. “Now, I just have to get Steve on board. He’s a tough nut to crack, but I’m hoping tonight will make him see the potential. The community’s positive view of the resort will do the marketing itself.”
“I’m sure he’ll come around. This project is important to him, too. And you’ve shown that you’re willing to make compromises for the right reasons. Besides, how could he not like you getting people on board?”
Theo squeezes my hand, sending a warm shiver up my arm. “You’re right. I just need to present it to him the same way I did tonight.”
We fall into a comfortable silence, and there’s only a minute more, just a few more steps until we reach my front porch. My heart is thumping hard, and I know what I want to do. Now the question is am I going to act on it? Our hands remain intertwined as we reach my front porch. I turn to face him as we both pause.
“Do you…want to come in?” I ask, barely getting the words out.
Theo looks at me, and I see the question in his eyes. He doesn’t even have to ask it. I give a tiny nod. I want what he wants. I don’t want to think about the realities of tomorrow or the resort or anything else.
Theo pushes the front door open once I’ve unlocked it, holding it in place for me before passing through himself.
Inside, the atmosphere is charged with electricity. I close the door behind us, and before I can turn around, Theo’s hands are on my waist, pulling me close. His lips find mine, and I melt into the kiss. The house feels hot despite the a/c, and I want to take off all my clothes.
Theo runs his hands up my back, and I can feel the trail each one of his fingers is leaving. Tingles spread down my spine as his lips turn me on.
I want more of him. I want to kiss him, but not just on his lips. I want to kiss every part of his body. His fingers slide under the hem of my shirt, pressing directly against my skin.
I gasp against his lips, and he takes the opportunity to deepen the kiss, his tongue exploring my mouth. My fingers fumble with the buttons of his shirt, eager to feel his skin against mine. But I can’t get them off fast enough.
Theo steps back from me, forcing me to breathe again as he takes his time unbuttoning his shirt. He’s clearly not in a rush. My eyes trail down his shirt as he buttons it all the way down, exposing his abs and pecs. I reach for him, my fingers finding only smooth, smooth skin until they tangle with his dark chest hair.
Theo lets me touch him as his shirt falls to the ground. He just waits, just letting me explore him however I want.
I can’t breathe. I can’t even swallow. I’m having trouble doing anything except letting my fingers explore Theo’s skin.
I find my way to the waistband of his shorts, and I undo the buckle on his belt. His shorts slide down a centimeter or two, and I’m left with a dry mouth as I see the dark blue of his boxers underneath.
“Go on,” Theo encourages me. “I’m yours. Do whatever you want with me.”
I can see the thick length of his dick pressing against his shorts, wanting to get out. And I want to let it out. I want to take it and make it mine…again.
“You might not say that when you know what I want to do with you.”
I unzip Theo’s pants and drop them to the ground. His dick looks even bigger now, pressed against his leg by his boxers. I grab him through his boxers and slowly slide my hand down his shaft.
“What do you want to do?” Theo asks. He’s trying to have a normal conversation, but it’s clear that my touch is affecting him.
“I want to suck you.”
Theo swallows with an audible click. “Well, I’m not going to stop you from doing that.”
I get down on my knees as I pull Theo’s boxers down, shoving them out of my eyesight as his dick springs upright in front of me. I begin teasing him with my tongue, running it up and down his dick before twirling it along the head of his dick.
Theo throws his head back and begins groaning, the sound of him filling the house. “Keep going. Just like that. Oh, Mia!” He’s nearly shouting.
I pull him toward me and wrap my lips around the end of his dick, moving my head back and forth so that I’m taking almost all of him into my mouth.
Theo’s groans continue until he suddenly pushes me off him. He’s breathing raggedly. “I don’t want to…not yet. I want to be inside you when…”
Despite his cut-off sentences, I understand exactly what he’s trying to say. “You want to be inside me when you come,” I tell him.
“Oh, don’t say things like that or I’ll push you against the wall and make you come in just a few seconds.”
“Challenge,” I whisper.
Then, Theo follows through on what he says. He pushes me up against the wall and lifts one of my legs so that it’s resting in the crook of his elbow. I’m already wet from having him in my mouth, but he teases my pussy with the head of his dick.
I bite my bottom lip as I try to remember how to breathe properly.
“You wanted me inside you, right?” Theo asks, his voice low in my ear.
“Yes, yes, Theo!” My word turns into a shout as he makes good on his promise. He shoves himself inside me, and my back arches. I go up on my toe, but Theo forces the rest of himself inside.
Pain and pleasure course through me as Theo thrusts himself inside again and again. “More! Harder!” I encourage, and Theo does just that.
I close my eyes and let my orgasm wash through me, a groan filling the room. Theo is watching me, and when he watches me finish, I can see him letting go.
His fingers dig into my hips, and he jerks me harder onto him.
Both of us breathe heavily, not wanting to move.
When we finally collapse in a tangled heap of limbs, our bodies spent, I feel a sense of contentment I haven’t felt in a long time. Theo holds me close, his hand stroking my hair.
“We should talk about what this means,” I finally suggest.
“What this means? If it’s not clear enough, I can do it again to make it clearer,” Theo offers with a chuckle.
“No!” I laugh though, despite my best effort to keep a straight face. I snuggle deeper into Theo’s chest. This will be easier to say if I don’t have to look him in the face. “I want us to have a real relationship, Theo. No more games, no more uncertainty. Just us, figuring things out together.”
He smiles, his eyes shining with happiness. “I want that too, Mia. Let’s make this work. Boyfriend and girlfriend, for real.”
I grin, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “For real.”
I kiss Theo then, like a pinky promise but with a kiss instead. This is what I want. I think.