“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 delusional.”
“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?”
“Conducting business elsewhere, I assume. This is just an initial test run. Paul, Betty, and Riley will join in on this process eventually.”
“Don’t they want to be included in all of the stages?” Her eyes dart to the vacant seats beside me.
I swat at the stale air separating us. “Consider me the key component to finalizing this expansion. I just signed on as their partner yesterday.”
“And they already trust you to speak on their behalf?”
“Their confidence isn’t misplaced. I’m quite capable. This is what I do.”
“Harass seemingly innocent real estate agents?”
I stab a finger in her direction. “Watch your language, or the backlash will be much worse for you.”
Her eyelid twitches, as though a war is being waged behind the scenes. “I can’t believe I’m still sitting here.”
In all honesty, a speck of surprise flickers at me as well. How much does she have to gain? I’m willing to bet more than her pride is worth, because Vannah doesn’t appear to be comfortable as a doormat. “I’m spearheading