by Harloe Rae
“Okay, quit stalling. We don’t need further delays.” A peek at my watch tells me we’ve already been dragging out this process for fifteen minutes.
“Quite the contrary, sugar. I’m ready to get this over with.” He motions at the entrance with a flick of his wrist.
I grab the folder with all the listing details from my purse. “If that’s the case, you could let the owners handle this menial task. Then you could vacate the premises.”
“Trying to get rid of me?”
I paste on my sweetest grin, holding the pose until my cheeks ache. “Just trying to make the customer happy. Is anyone else joining us?”
“Not unless you’re expecting a guest.” He crosses his arms, remaining firmly rooted in place even as I stride to the door. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume he’s trying to postpone us on purpose with all this back-and-forth bullshit.
I find myself, once again, wondering why this company is handing control over to him so effortlessly. “Aren’t Paul, Betty, and Riley”—yes, I remember their names—“interested to see where the money is going?”
“For your information, this site isn’t for Sunny Skies. It would make a fine distribution center for another project I’m involved in.”
“Don’t those owners want to be included?”
“No.” That brisk definitive suggests I drop the subject.
I’d be more open to accepting Landon’s vague responses if he hadn’t given me reason to be wary upon arrival. “Are you actually interested in purchasing this building? Or is this some warped ploy to waste my time?”
“I wouldn’t put in nearly this much effort just to fuck with you, Savannah.” He waves a sloppy palm to the side. “There’s no reason more than one person needs to be present for this step. It’s just a factory layout. They’re all the same. Any major issues will be weeded out by the assigned services once we reach that point.”
“So, why bother even looking at them in person? You could do this from your office in Chicago.”
“Call me old-fashioned.” His explanation is weak at best, but I don’t push harder.
“Fine, whatever. I’ll make the tour quick since you’re in a hurry.” I enter my temporary passcode into the security pad. The screen flashes green as the click from the lock disengaging interrupts our silence.
“That’d be much appreciated.” His slinky response does nothing to lower my suspicions. Pretend all he wants, his relaxed posture and body language don’t suggest we’re racing against a deadline.
I push open the door and motion him inside. “By all means, please go first.”
“Afraid of the boogieman?” But he strides across the dark threshold without pause.
“Can’t be any scarier than you,” I mutter. The lights in the foyer are on a motion sensor, flicking on as we walk into the empty lobby. Stale air greets us, reminding me that no one has been in residence for quite a while. I whip off my sunglasses while scanning the room from floor to ceiling. “This is the front of house for any administrative staff you plan to employ.”
Landon barely spares a glance at the office area. “Thanks for stating the obvious. The current owner is willing to just let us waltz in unattended like we own the place?”
I wrinkle my nose against the musky aroma. “Sure, why not? It’s just standing vacant. They’re motivated to get rid of it. Plus, my job and reputation are on the line if anything goes wrong.”
“Ah, yes. This is what’s considered exciting for your chosen career path.”
There’s only so much mockery I’m capable of juggling this early. “Isn’t there someone more suitable for this task? I imagine your priceless insight could be better spent elsewhere.”
“That goes without saying, but that doesn’t mean I’m required to follow standard protocol. There are people responsible for every aspect within my company. It can run fine in my absence for a week or two. Plus, I’m in constant communication with my staff.” His dull tone conveys boredom beyond measure, yet he’s making no move to leave.
“You sound inconsequential,” I note with my own nod to indifference.
“Or the big boss sprawled on his throne at the top of a very tall and efficient corporate ladder,” he fires back.
“I haven’t forgotten about your ego, don’t worry.”
Landon is quiet for a moment, staring at me long enough to send a quiver through my lower belly. “You’re very bold, Savannah. I find that quality extremely attractive.”
Oh, hey, left field. I didn’t see you there.
This guy certainly has a knack for keeping me on my toes. “Uh, thanks?”
“I’ll take these.” He makes a circular gesture toward the parking lot.
“Huh?”
“All of them.” His finger makes a wider motion, indicating what I’m beginning to assume are the bordering properties.
“Um, what?” I’m well aware that my vocabulary is receding to preschool status.
“You’ve sold me on this commercial compound setup, including their lackluster surroundings. That’s a big win in your column.”
I blink at him, trying to catch up with his impulse buying. “Just like that?”
“Don’t sound so shocked. You’ve impressed me with your grit and determination. A building is a building. I don’t feel the need to see more.”
He’s making my job seem ridiculously meaningless. The churning in my gut suggests this could be his way of claiming victory. I wouldn’t put it past him.
“We haven’t stepped foot in the warehouse portion yet.” These listings combined are valued well above seven figures. His total cost will be near ten million at that rate. I can’t imagine he’ll drop that amount without viewing the entire package.
“There’s no need for us to do that. We’ll hire the appropriate professionals and other quality control contractors. They’ll handle any issues. All those legal hoops and paperwork take months to sort through. You know how long this process takes. Why make this more complicated?”
“Are you pranking me?” I search the corners for hidden cameras. “Please forgive me for finding this hard to believe.”
The brown in his eyes seems to swirl with gold from the overhead lights. “I never joke about money, Savannah.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “If this decision was so simple, why did we drive over here?”
His bland expression leads me to believe he doesn’t appreciate me questioning him. “It would be rather careless to make an offer without ensuring the walls are standing.”
What is this dude yammering on about? The thought of being so wealthy to drop millions with the snap of a finger makes me dizzy. I can’t fathom the fortune he has access to.
“This is too easy,” I murmur.
“Only if you overthink it.” He’s doing this on purpose, so I let my guard down.
I squint at him, refusing to lower my shield. “How can I not?”
He begins backing toward the doors we just came in through. “Your stubborn streak is very refreshing. Let’s discuss the details over dinner.”
“Just the two of us?” That wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. There’s something about being in that private setting with Landon that seems different.
“My preference is to have you alone.”
I nearly swallow my tongue. “That’s entirely unnecessary.”
“And I’d strongly disagree.”
“I knew there was a catch.” The sinking sensation in my stomach makes me cringe. Dammit, that lofty commission was close enough to taste. “We’re not having sex, Lannie.”
“What was your first clue?” He motions to my fully clothed form.
I roll my eyes. “I meant in general, as in never going to happen.”
“Yes, you’ve already informed me. This isn’t about sleeping together.” He props open the door, ushering me out.
“That’s another thing I find hard to believe.” But I set the alarm and join him on the sidewalk regardless of my hesitations.
; “You’re not swayed without more proof.” He steeples his fingers, studying me with harsh scrutiny. “I have a proposition for you.”
I snort in a very undignified fashion. “This ought to be rich.”
“It could certainly make you wealthy. If you agree, that is.”
“Go on, spill it.” I make a rolling motion with my finger.
“I have an endless demand for acquiring real estate, and you’re a broker skilled for the task.” Landon spills that seemingly simple explanation at the tip of my stilettos.
I flatten my lips into a firm line. “Are you suggesting we continue working together, beyond this deal?”
“Precisely.”
“Why would I ever agree to spend more time with you? We hate each other.”
He frowns with enough exaggeration to reveal that the expression is entirely for my benefit. “That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?”
I squint off into the distance, making sure we didn’t wander into the Twilight Zone. “We’ve been fighting constantly since I found you in that conference room.”
“Most of that was staged on my part,” he confesses.
“You’re admitting to acting terrible on purpose?” I don’t mask the blatant disbelief from bleeding into my voice.
“Is it so hard to believe that I’m not a total bastard?”
“Yes,” I reply instantly.
“Then I’m more unpredictable than you’re giving me credit for.” His smirk gives him a sexier edge that he doesn’t need, especially if I’m expected to resist. “Come on, sugar. You have to eat, right?”
“I don’t trust you.” The tugging in my gut is screaming at me to get the hell away from him.
Landon rolls his eyes. “As you’ve already mentioned. You don’t have to accept my terms this instant, Savannah. Just agree to share a meal with me this evening.”
Call me a daredevil, but I’m considering his invitation. I don’t have to decide right this minute. There will be time for an adequate risk analysis later. “All right.”
“You won’t regret it.”
“We’ll see about that.” I strut to my car, adding more swing to my hips than necessary.
But what’s the worst that can happen? The clock strikes midnight and he reverts to Angry Lannie again? I can handle it.
He walks to the only other vehicle in the vicinity, where his driver waits for him. “I’ll see you this evening, Savannah. Don’t keep me waiting.”
I wiggle my fingers at his retreating form. “Then don’t tempt me to.”
“Must you always have the last word?”
A final retort escapes just as I’m about to sit behind the wheel. “Against you? Absolutely.”
Fredric pulls over at the curb and shifts the car into park. He glances at me in the rearview mirror. “We’ve arrived, sir.”
I flick my eyes over our destination. Sunset Perch comes highly recommended by Jordan, reluctant as I was to ask. A crowded restaurant in downtown Minneapolis couldn’t be more predictable if I paid him for choosing this location. The brick style isn’t noteworthy in the slightest, regardless of housing an award-winning steakhouse. With a glass wall facing the street, I’m free to leer at patrons shoving food down their gullets. It appears that offering their guests privacy isn’t a priority.
The design makes no difference to me. So long as Vannah doesn’t stand me up, this place will do just fine. Her presence is required for my plan to take root. Let them watch as I swoop in.
I tuck my phone into my suit jacket. “I appreciate the ride, Jeeves.”
His stoic expression doesn’t so much as twitch. “Just doing my job, sir.”
“Don’t wait around. I’ll call when we’re done.” Giving him a timeframe is a bit hasty for my taste. Knowing what I do about the woman I’m meeting, this could take hours. Call me cocky, but I’m willing to bet that she will remain in my company until the bar closes.
Feeling out Vannah’s mood on the drive over would’ve been my preference, had she accepted my invitation for a lift. She vehemently refused to be chauffeured—her words, not mine. Her independent streak refuses to be argued with, and I find that so damn arousing. Just recalling her outright rejection gets my blood pumping south faster. That infernal woman won’t budge unless she damn well pleases, which might be her detriment at the end.
I step onto the sidewalk without providing further instructions. Fredric learned the hard way that I’m fully capable of opening my own door. I’m not so high and mighty to deem that task beneath me. To be fair, I can understand how he might have assumed otherwise.
Artificial light replaces the sun as I stride into the lobby. A host attempts to block my path, but I’m already looking past the flaying employee. The cluttered décor with too many hanging lamps and vases fades into the background where such nuances belong. We could be at a fast-food joint for all I care. My attention is solely snared by the redhead primly balancing on a tall barstool. She’s a hellcat, but I’m drawn to her with the addictive intensity that a pyro is to flames. Her graceful poise alone demands notice.
Vannah is angling sideways with her legs crossed in a subtle come-hither position. Auburn waves spill down her back in a glossy cascade. Even with her facing the opposite direction, I’m willing to guess that she’s wearing a dress meant to trip me over my own feet. The emerald color compliments both her skin tone and the mid-June humidity. She looks more appetizing than any overpriced item I’m likely to find on this menu. I’m ravenous, but it isn’t for a prime cut of beef. This woman could replace a gourmet buffet and satisfy all my needs in one serving. It’s a rare occasion I go back for seconds, but I might consider it for her. I’m not about to tell her that, though. Not yet, at least.
Regardless of her fuck-hot appearance, my features are encased in stone. I cover the remaining distance between us at a fast clip. When I’m close enough to lick her ear, I allow my exhale to skate across her exposed lobe.
“Are you waiting for someone special?”
She swivels with a gasp. Her green eyes are bright and wide as she gapes at me. The shock melts from her expression a moment later with a deflating sigh. “Oh, it’s just you.”
“Don’t sound so disappointed, sugar.” Fuck, if I had half a shit to give, she might’ve wounded me just then. “Were you actually expecting another guy to approach you?”
Vannah lifts a martini glass to her painted lips, sipping at the pink liquid with practiced finesse meant to tease. “Are you suggesting a man wouldn’t find me appealing enough?”
Ah, she’s already setting a sticky trap for me to step in. “You look too expensive. These saps can’t afford you.”
She glances down at her outfit, giving me an ample opportunity to stare at her lush tits. Whatever bra she’s wearing is doing wonders for her cleavage. I would gladly chug a shot of whiskey from those generous handfuls. When her gaze returns to mine, she catches me gawking at the goods.
A slim brow arches skyward. “Are you calling me a hooker?”
There’s no stopping my chuckle. “I wouldn’t dare.”
Vannah scoffs into her drink. “Yes, you most certainly would.”
“There’s no fooling you.” I pause while giving her a once-over scalding enough to leave a burning trail behind. She’s sleek and polished, everything that belongs on my arm. If only she had any desire to hang there. “How do you expect me to avoid hitting on you?”
“Picture your grandmother.”
“That’s just cruel. My Nana is dead.”
Her flawless mask crumples. “Shit, I’m sorry—”
I hold up a palm. “Save it. We’re not here to share sob stories. Now, where was I?”
Her answering frown has the opposite impact of what she’s probably trying to convey.
“Ah, yes. You’re doing a shitty job dodging my advances. I’m not the least bit discouraged from further attempts.”
She ticks her jaw forward. “That’s your problem.”
I flare my nostrils, inhaling
ripe denial and the promise of chaos. Bathing in her scent will be a great pleasure. “Don’t pretend you’re not attracted to me.”
Vannah tilts her chin at an angle that can only be described as haughty. Taking her down several pegs is a privilege I look forward to. “You’re a jerk, Lannie.”
The fact she gave me a nickname—appalling though it might be—is a notch in my favor. “That doesn’t mean I’m not feeding your fantasies.”
She snorts, betraying her elegant exterior. “In your dreams.”
“Yes, I look forward to them.”
Her eyes narrow into slits. “Is this your new strategy?”
I shake my head in the negative. “I was already trying yesterday. You shot me down hard.”
“And what do you think has changed?”
“Everything.” I drift a finger along her smooth cheek. “I’m thinking a truce might be in order.”
Her coy smile prepares to call bullshit. “Long enough to bang me?”
“So brash, Savannah. I find that very exhilarating. My interest in you streams beyond sex.”
“With you, it comes natural to assume otherwise. You do bring out the worst in me, after all.” She bats her impressively long lashes in a very false fashion.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“No surprise there, Mr. Modest.” Her ability to fling clever jabs is a talent I’m not accustomed to. That’s a major reason she’s still in my presence.
A muscle tugs near my mouth, but I refuse to reveal any genuine emotion. “I see you’re armed for the part.”
Once again, she doesn’t miss a beat and sweeps a palm down her torso. “As your adversary? Why, yes. Thanks for noticing.”
A low rumble rises off my chest. This woman is becoming quite skilled at pushing my buttons. The need to regain ground propels through me. “As my employee.”
“You’re not my boss.”
“Yet.”
Vannah stands from her stool. “If this is how we’re kicking off the negotiations, I’ll walk out before you can make the pitch.”
Fucking stubborn minx. I’m certain my scowl sinks to Antarctic levels. “Sit down, sugar.”
She makes no move to follow my command. “I’m not sure that’s wise.”