a house that embodied the stunning view outside?”
Standing alongside her, I quickly envisioned the picturesque view. “With our bedroom taking front and centre stage, blessing us with that splendid sight every morning.”
“Precisely,” she chanted, slinking her arms around my shoulders. “Doesn’t sound any more perfect, or enticing.” Laying those luscious lips to mine, she recited her thoughts between soft, seductive kisses. “Lazing about. In bed. Eating breakfast. Every. Single. Morning.”
A clearing throat swiftly reminded us we weren’t alone, drawing our attention away from our lovesick behaviour and back to our overzealous agent. Both our gazes turning simultaneously to find Drew smiling broadly at us.
“Mr Jaeger, Ms McGovern, I take it you’re both pleased with the house?”
“The house, no, but the location, yes,” I conveyed respectfully. “Do you mind if I email you tonight once Ms McGovern and I have discussed this further?”
“Of course. But please be aware this house has other interested parties, ones who are considering placing a substantial offer.”
My eyes rolled. Mr Griffyn was ignorantly unaware of my reputation it seemed. “Mr Griffyn, please, I researched the property market thoroughly prior to our contact, and this anaemic residence -,” I gave a vague wave of my hand, “- has been listed for quite some time, correct?” I fought the smile threatening to grace my face as he reluctantly nodded. Slipping my hands back into my pockets, I stared him down. “So, knowing that’s not the case, I shall inform you sometime later this evening with an offer, how’s that for you?”
Caught by the short and curly’s, he rapidly cleared the lump of bullshit choking his throat. “Of course, Mr Jaeger.”
I smiled triumphantly. “Right, now that’s sorted, we ought to get going so we can view another property.”
Teddy raised a questionable brow, sandwiching one of my hands between hers. “Where’s this one, may I ask?”
I smirked. “Mickleham. So either way, Mr Griffyn, there shall be a sale by the day's end.”
“Thank you, Mr Jaeger.”
With that in mind, we took off leaving our grinning agent behind with eyes as big as saucers spinning big dollar signs. With the commission received, not only from the sale of the new property but my house in Beaumaris as well, he might be able to retire. Well, almost.
Whilst I quietly stood aside, Teddy quietly inspected everything the empty block in Mountainview Lane had to offer. Or lack thereof in its current state. Except for the cows lowing from a field in the distance, or the odd crow cawing alongside the screeching cockatoo’s in the branches of the gum trees overhead, there wasn’t a sound to be heard for miles, not even the bustling freeway. To my mind, a cul-de-sac this far from the city meant tranquillity: an ideal place to recharge one’s batteries after a long day at the office.
“What’s the land size again, Ari?” she asked, carefully tiptoeing through a blend of long grass and weeds in strappy four-inch heels.
“Just under six acres. Plenty of space for a big house with a growing family.” Linking our fingers, I led Teddy by the hand, taking her to the fenceline. We stood in front of a sagging, and rusting wire fence held up by equally ancient, rotting boxwood posts. “Well, which one would you prefer; the beach house or the rural property? The choice is yours. Or I could painfully continue my search if either doesn’t suit.”
She contemplated, chewing on the corner of a glossed, plump bottom lip. “Living close to the beach would be lovely. However, the location along that main road was horrid; all that bustling traffic would eventually drive me bonkers, and unless my mother takes the Cowes house as part of the divorce settlement we’ll still have that as our beachside residence.”
“If that occurs, we’ll buy a house there too.”
The thoughtful gesture had Teddy’s lips curving into a radiant smile. Pushing up onto her toes, she pressed her lips softly to mine. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I murmured gliding an arm around her narrow waist. “So, which one?”
“Let’s buy this property. Albeit it’s quite the mess, it doesn’t mean we can’t make this place beautiful. It also has another advantage,” she sassily informed me.
I cocked my head and waggled my eyebrows. “Besides the wide-open spaces without having to worry about pesky neighbours catching us naked – outside.”
Teddy shrieked with laughter. “No!” But after giving my idea some thought, her tune changed rather quickly. “Hmm, that is an advantage I suppose…” I chuckled. “But it also means there’s enough room to build a set of stables for that temperamental horse of yours.” She giggled as I lifted her off the ground and spun us around. Only I was forced to swiftly stop and set her down as she clapped a hand to her mouth. Not that the threat of vomiting stopped her from mocking my prized thoroughbred stallion. “Bear’s just like his owner; cantankerous and whines a lot.”
Laughter rumbled in my chest. “What do you expect? We’re both British.”
I was barely off the phone from our overeager agent when I made the mistake of walking directly into a room full of incessantly nattering women. My exuberant sister was the first to congratulate me.
“Ari!” Dominique squealed, throwing slim arms around my waist. “That’s so exciting, you and Teddy building a house together; a fresh and untainted start for you both.”
I smiled perceptively; she understood all too well. “The prospect is exciting, yes, but what I’m most enthused about is the fact Teddy’s designing our home. It shall be one of a kind,” I proudly stated. “How about we go out for dinner to celebrate?”
“Yes, please!” she gleefully replied, clapping her hands together. A little too enthusiastic for my liking, there had to be a catch. “But you’re paying, bro!” A restrained breath escaped, I knew it.
“Um, I’m broke.” I tugged at my empty pockets. “See, moths… Perhaps you could kindly pay instead. Surely you’ve dipped into that trust fund you have by now?”
A well-shaped eyebrow raised sharply. “Don’t give me that crap, brother! You just dolled out half a mil purchasing five acres –“
“It was closer to a million for nearly six acres, actually,” I smugly corrected.
“Whatever,” Dom scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. “The point is you just parted with a shitload of cash buying a property in an upcoming suburb – without a frigging house!”
“Precisely why I’m now broke,” I dryly countered and received quite the resounding slap to my chest for my troubles with an eye roll added for good measure. “Ow! I’m telling mum.”
Sardonic eyes rolled at me again. “Oh, grow up!”
I watched my sarky sister with merriment as she proceeded to marshall her roommates, all the while elatedly informing them I was indeed paying. The whoops of delight that ensued making my head shake whilst rigidly remaining rooted to the spot, arms crossed, with my gaze following the wild trio up the stairs. But
