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.”
I match her glare and raise the intensity to sweltering. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
Vannah crosses her arms, effectively serving me her tits on a silver platter. “I can’t imagine how.”
“By making an offer you can’t refuse.”
“Will it send you back to Chicago faster?”
“Is that really what you want?”
“Yes.” She blurts her answer before I’m done speaking.