Something Like Hate: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance

by Harloe Rae

“I’m booked solid through next year, so don’t expect my undivided attention.”

  Jordan chuckles. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

  “I’ll text you when my plane lands.” That’s all the confirmation he gets before I put an abrupt—albeit customary—end to our conversation with a resounding click.

  The fact I’m even considering this deal bounces off countless meetings and appointments that loom in the foreseeable future. I have no room in my calendar for an impulsive detour. But it won’t kill me to leave home base for a week.

  I’m often on the road, and never stationary for long. Handling deals in person is my preferred method of confirming partnerships and agreeing on investments. I believe a handshake is still the richest currency for sealing a contract. Staring a man in the eyes and watching for signs of deceit is my specialty. That’s how I found myself signing multi-million-dollar mergers by the age of twenty-four. Five years later and my title is surpassing billionaire status.

  My father trained me well, but I outgrew those flimsy molds before graduating from college. A narrow lane in financial consulting didn’t hold my interest. Why settle for less, when the potential for more was waiting at my fingertips? The old man wore bitterness as a second skin when I refused to be corralled as his successor. My younger brother willingly took my place and appears rather satisfied with his mundane career. If only our dad could see what we’ve accomplished in his absence. As if that would somehow appease him.

  Severing his influence that dictated my choices allowed me to prosper. Adding my seeds to another company’s pot is how I continue to expand my empire. The potential of a fresh deal gets my blood pumping faster. There’s something to be said about the rich being overly enthusiastic to get richer. Greed isn’t bad, unless it rules over principle. That’s not my problem. I press the direct line to Walt.

  He answers within seconds. “Yes, Mr. Winters?”

  “Get the jet secured for a flight to Minneapolis. I need to be there by tomorrow.”

  The typing from his keyboard clicks down the line. “Anything else?”

  “Ground transportation.”

  More tapping that suggests my demands are being executed. “Consider it done.”

  I disconnect without another word. He’s capable of managing the details and doesn’t expect a coddling farewell. A glance at my desk reminds me of the paperwork yet to be completed—or started for that matter. The cycle is an endless loop, but idle hands have never done me any favors.

  That doesn’t mean I enjoy being constantly buried. Tonight could’ve been designated to pleasure and relief. Instead, I’ll be stuck in traffic heading to O’Hare with the other miserable fools.

  These solar panels better pay off, or Jordan’s ass will be removed from the roster of calls I accept.

  I tap my pen to the same erratic bouncing as my knee. Waiting for this meeting—whether it reveals a spike or plateau—is scratching along my already short fuse. That phrase about watching paint dry has never been more accurate. When I glance at my boss’s closed door for the umpteenth time, Olivia’s glare is waiting for me.

  She makes a point of cutting her gaze to the offending sound, which is still rhythmically rapping against my desk. “Do you mind? Some of us are trying to do our jobs.”

  I wince and yank the pen out of sight. “Sorry. I’m a bit nervous.”

  Olivia rolls her eyes and returns to whatever task I interrupted. Not that I can blame her for the glower and gloom in this instance. I’m annoying myself with this jittery behavior. That doesn’t stop me from wrinkling my nose at her rude demeanor, even if it’s expected at this point. Many of my fellow real estate brokers are pissed that I’ve climbed the ladder faster and more efficiently than them. Some have been here twice as long, but haven’t made their mark yet. The corporate world isn’t made for wimps and slackers. I’d allow guilt to trickle in if they were nicer about their envy.

  Vince whips open his door, effectively cutting off those wayward musings. His authoritative presence ripples across the station of cubicles clumped in our otherwise open floorplan. I flip my mindset to become the calm professional I’m known as. When his hard stare lands on me, I’m ready and waiting. He makes a sweeping gesture into his office. “Can I see you for a moment, Vannah?”

  This is it. Whatever he has to tell me could boost or belittle my career.

  “Yes, of course.” I don’t let the nerves quiver my muscles as I stand and walk toward him.

  “Take a load off.” Vince motions to the empty chairs in front of his desk.

  I lower onto the seat in an elegant display of poise and confidence. A dynamite combo. My exhale is slow, rallying against the pounding on my ribs. “I’m hoping you have good news for me.”

  Beating around the bush isn’t my style.

  His loose chuckle lets me know we’re on the same page. That eases a sliver of coiled tension from my shoulders. “I always appreciate your direct focus.”

  “That’s what earns me the big bucks.” I fold my hands in my lap, attempting not to fidget. The sugary scent of victory already infuses the bland air. Taking a long whiff is a reflex I don’t bother denying myself.

  “Yes,” he agrees. “You’ve only been with us for a year and are already making memorable impressions. Of the best variety.”

  I bob my head, trying to rein in the bubbles of excitement fizzing in my belly. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”

  He waves me off. “None of that. Your hard work is what got you to this stage so early in the game.”

  Those words have me scooting to the edge of my seat, all forms of controlled grace forgotten. “And what stage might that be?”

  Vince steeples his fingers. “I’m well aware that your aspirations involve landing a leadership role for this branch. That’s a hefty leap in the Brogen Realty chain. One I’m willing to grant.”

  My gasp is an audible boomerang between us. “Really?”

  His nod is sharp. “Yes, but there’s a stipulation.”

  I bite my tongue at yet another hurdle. But whatever stands in my way will bend like the rest. “I’m up to the challenge.”

  He laughs, the sound lacking his previous ease. “We’ll see about that, Vannah. This guy is a real shark.”

  Ah, a new case. The opportunity to prove myself—yet again—makes me grin. “I can handle him.”

  “That’s what I’m banking on. You’ll need to rely on that steel backbone.”

  I sit up straighter at the mere mention. “Absolutely. What are the details?”

  “Sunny Skies is a booming manufacturer and distributor of solar panels. They’re searching for a sizable warehouse to increase their production. Landon Winters is the lead on this expansion.”

  I glance up from my notes when his pause drags on. “Got it.”

  His penetrating look has me second-guessing that assurance. “Does that name mean anything to you?”

  Now it’s my turn to hesitate. He’s asking for a reason, and not having the correct answer is a weakness I hate having to expose. A pinch creases my forehead. “I can’t say that either rings a bell.”

  Vince muffles a grunt with a fist against his mouth. “The company is just starting out, so that’s no surprise. Landon is another story.”

  “Okay?” That word peels out of me on an extended breath.

  “This man is Fortune 500 big. He’s a top-tier investment mogul from Chicago with shares in countless companies.”

  “And he’s gracing us with his presence?”

  “He’s teaming up with a local business, which is apparently worth the trip. I don’t question a rare gift. If he wants our help, that’s what he’s going to get.”

  “Sounds familiar. I’m capable of landing this deal.” His message is coming across loud and clear. Mr. Bankroll is swooping in with the funds so Sunny Skies can turn into his next cash cow. Expansion for these rich folks is what pads my pockets.

  “Landon is an entirely different bracket. Each year his net worth seems to doubl
e. He delivers success and loads of cash. We’re talking full vaults. Our reputation will skyrocket just from working with him once.” Vince drags a hand through his salt and pepper hair. The agitated gesture twists a knot inside of me. My boss is rarely flustered. This Landon dude must be rather impressive.

  “No pressure, huh?” I gulp as the weight stacks on my chest.

  His flinty stare pummels me with the power of a gavel delivering retribution. “It’s nothing you can’t handle. Making him happy is top priority. Keep him chomping at the bit. Meet his demands. There is no limit to the schmoozing. I’ll increase your credit card limit if necessary. Take him wherever he wants.”

  If this was my first rodeo, I might assume Vince is suggesting I gain the upper hand by any means necessary, even sexual appeal. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Vince is passionate and fueled by the possibility of winning, but there are limits. If not, I would’ve walked after the first line was crossed.

  My nod is a natural extension of his pep talk. “Yes, of course. I’ll deliver nothing less than his complete satisfaction.”

  He points at me. “That’s why I chose you for this. Even the most pretentious suits listen to you.”

  The fact he trusts me with this potential jackpot spreads warmth through me. “I won’t let you down, sir. Thank you for your faith in me. Do you have a dossier on this guy?”

  “It would be beneficial for you to gather more background info, but there’s just no time. Making him wait isn’t in our best interest.”

  “Understood.” I stand without additional prompting, ready to get this power player on our side.

  With a stretching grin, Vince passes me a folder. “I gathered a handful of properties as a launching pad to test his appetite. See what he thinks and go from there.”

  “That’s an excellent plan.” I begin flipping through the listings, hiking my brows at the price tags. Closing this deal would provide an astronomical commission.

  “Vannah?”

  I rip my gaze off the spec sheets. “Yes, sir?”

  “Always with the formalities.” Vince rolls his eyes.

  “Force of habit when dealing with the likes of these guys.” I slap the folder against my palm.

  “Good point. Don’t stray from those manners.” He clears his throat. “You land this client, and that lead position is yours.”

  I can read between the lines. If I screw this up, the promotion is gone. With that as motivation, I start backing to the door. “Nothing can stand in my way.”

  Vince gives another harsh jerk of his head. “Let’s sure hope he doesn’t.”

  “I’ll get Nancy to set up reservations at Manny’s this evening if Landon is available.” In my experience, the billionaire types usually prefer handling business while savoring an overpriced meal and bottle of equally expensive liquor.

  “You can ask him yourself. He’s waiting in the main conference room for you.”

  “By himself?” Showing up alone for a deal of this magnitude is slightly out of the norm.

  He holds up an open hand. “I didn’t question his methods.”

  I keep my composure in check at that shocking revelation. There isn’t a spare moment to prepare myself. The clock is already ticking. “Then I’ll update you on my progress sooner rather than later.”

  “Looking forward to it.” He pins me with his trademark stare that everyone in the office cowers from. That look sends another shot of adrenaline through my system. There’s no one to fear but myself.

  With my shoulders rolled back, I stride down the hallway. This client is my meal ticket to the next level. A long sigh decreases the strain in my stomach. I didn’t get this far by slacking off. That job is as good as mine.

  I open the door and slam to a halt. A familiar face stares back at me without a hint of recognition shining in his brown gaze. Go figure. Not that I’d expect him to remember me. I would’ve gladly erased his existence from my brain if he didn’t unravel a disastrous chain of events where dating is concerned. Unfortunately, this asshole has left a lasting impression.

  One word catches on my tongue, breaking the silence without warning. “You.”

  The redhead pausing in the doorway is frozen stiff, her green eyes wide enough to get lost in. What crawled up her pert ass and farted? Or at least what I’m assuming is round and firm. I don’t bother checking out the merchandise because she appears to be a clingy sort. That trait tends to accompany enough emotional baggage to dissuade any interest on my part.

  There’s no denying her beauty, though. Too bad that glossy appearance seems surface-level. It’s almost as if she’s imploring me to recall a significant event. I’d be hard-pressed to forget a stunner like her. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Women throw themselves at me faster than I can reject their advances. Nameless faces blur into muted shadows eventually.

  Something about her seems familiar, but I can’t place what that is. She’s most likely one of the masses. Maybe that’s cause for her strange attitude. “Have we met?”

  Or does my reputation stretch far enough to reach these parts?

  “Not officially.” Her posture remains ramrod straight as she struts forward and sets a folder onto the table.

  If I were shocked by this clipped reception—which I’m not—it sure doesn’t register on my features. I remain neutral and devoid of emotion as always. “That’s one way to greet a potential client.”

  My words seem to snap her out of the dazed stupor she’s caught in. With a subtle clearing of her throat, she pastes on the fakest smile I’ve ever seen. That phony compliance almost puts me at ease, since most people pretend to be pleased with my company. I’m well aware that the opposite is true.

  This nameless woman folds herself into the chair across from me with the comfort of a predator among prey. Her shift in behavior is abrupt enough to garner my attention. I sit forward, propping an elbow on the table.

  “How about we start with what you’re looking for?” The click of a pen signals her readiness to listen.

  Suddenly she’s the epitome of professional? Highly doubtful.

  The low scoff I release vibrates with admonishment. “I’m going to stop you right there. Vince assured me that you’re the best agent he has. Less than five minutes in your presence is proving the opposite. I’m beginning to believe you’re either sleeping with him to receive favoritism or you have a pre-established issue with me.”

  “You’re mistaken, I’m afraid.” Her firm tone rolls off my shoulders without a hint of impact.

  “Prove me wrong,” I goad. I feel zero remorse for lashing out at her after the way she fumbled into this room.

  “I don’t have to do anything for you.” Her eyes are little more than blazing slits.

  “Pretty sure you have more riding on this deal going right than me.”

  Her lips pinch tight enough to turn the skin white. “Oh, I’m sorry. Were you expecting me to hop on your lap and beg for your business? That disgusting assumption would make sense, since you’re accusing me of fucking my way to the top.”

  I probably deserve that. Not that she’d hear me admit it. “Your attitude problem is directly related to me then.”

  “I apologize if your inflated ego is wounded by my ability to deflect your… charms.” Spitting out those words seems to pain her, if the curl of that plump upper lip is anything to go by.

  “You haven’t even introduced yourself.” The fact that I’m required to voice that error further speaks to her incompetence.

  She flutters her lashes at me in an exaggerated manner. “I’m Vannah Simons.”

  That name ignites a memory, sending our brief encounter to the forefront of my mind. I snort as the entirety of our pathetic exchange reflects in her fiery features. “Ah, it’s all coming back to me. We met at Josh’s wedding. You wanted to bang me, and I turned you down. Are you still salty about that?”

  Vannah’s jaw popped open halfway through my recollection. She’s still gaping at me. “You’re delu
sional.”

  “And you’re a shitty liar.” I scrub over the subtle twitch that’s attacking my mouth. The last thing I should be doing is rewarding her snarky personality. I can’t afford to give this woman any form of ammunition. The thought of that slithers beneath my skin, like a deadly mistake I’ll bleed myself dry paying for. That’s concerning enough to reinforce my stony expression.

  “It was a terrible lapse in judgment. I’ve since learned my lesson,” she snaps. If looks could cause bodily harm, I’d be skewered and roasted.

  “Why don’t I believe you?” More importantly, why the fuck do I bother asking?

  “That’s not my issue. I’m solely dedicated to solving your property purchasing needs.” That false smile makes a blinding reappearance. Her deflection and pivoting skills are almost admirable.

  That’s the only reason I allow the subject to drop, swerving our conversation back on a profitable track. “I’m looking to acquire several buildings within twenty miles of the downtown area.”

  “More than one?” The way her lips droop informs me that this is a surprising detail.

  I brush some imaginary lint from my sleeve. “Multiple other offers have been thrown across my desk once word of my arrival spread. Why not grab opportunity by the horns, right?”

  Her eye roll is subtle, but I catch it nonetheless. “That’s convenient.”

  “Glad you agree.”

  Vannah’s puckered expression screams otherwise. “Isn’t there a lackey better suited for this gig? Why waste your precious time?”

  I sneer at the implication. “When I choose to invest in a company, you can be damned sure my involvement doesn’t end with cutting a check. I prefer to see firsthand that my funds are being spent on quality. It’s not difficult to be diligent. If my name is tied to a project, I’ll take full responsibility and follow through accordingly. I can guarantee the expansion proceedings go off with seamless execution. Considering I’m now a major shareholder in Sunny Skies, I have enough influence to sway important decisions. Spending millions on a new location falls under that umbrella.”

  She levels me with an unflinching stare, refusing to wilt under the intensity of mine. “Where are the owners?”