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?”