our carpet is a great distraction from their grumbling.
This collection must’ve cost Landon at least a grand. Maybe more. That amount is a slight drop in the bucket to him. With a loud scoff, I rip a note from a nearby bouquet.
You wanted me to tell Vince. Now you can do the honors.
A hiss escapes me as I grab another one.
Is this committed enough for you?
The bastard is using my words against me. Real clever.
I snap a picture and send it to Landon, attaching an appropriate caption.
Me: Desperate much?
Lannie: I’ve never had any complaints.
I gag to avoid choking on his arrogance.
Me: I find that hard to believe since I’m literally complaining with this message.
Lannie: For the wrong reasons.
Me: There’s nothing right about this. You’re giving gentlemen a bad name.
Lannie: That’s their own fault for being mushy losers.
Me: You’re just jealous.
Lannie: And you’re picturing me naked.
I wrinkle my nose as the visual assaults me. Scrubbing my brain with bleach is in my near future.
Me: In your dreams, Lannie.
Lannie: You’re reusing phrases. Get fresh material, sugar.
I tamp down a scream. Even his texts make me stabby. I might need to reevaluate my objectives for this revenge scheme. Convincing Landon to fall in love was a lofty goal to begin with. Each combative interaction makes the odds tip farther toward highly unlikely. At this rate, getting him to catch a single feeling seems like a mighty feat. Knocking him down a peg or five will have to suffice.
Me: Repetition will get the memo through your thick skull faster. Don’t be intimidated by your shortcomings. I’m here to help, remember?
Lannie: This has been captivating—really—but I have actual problems to deal with. Enjoy cleaning your mess.
I’m busy cursing his existence when a stern voice slices into the chaos.
“Vannah, can I see you in my office?”
Static crackles in the air as I turn to address my boss. Shit. I pocket my phone and tuck tail toward Vince. “Yes, of course.”
He motions to a chair. “Quite a hectic morning, huh?”
I sit down with a fake nonchalance like the professional I am. “Yes, it seems everyone is in a tizzy.”
His eyebrows lower to scolding levels. “Let’s not beat around the bush.”
“Excellent idea, sir. Efficiency is always best.” It takes great effort to squash the old habit of fidgeting under his intimidating scowl. I’m a boss bitch, dammit. This is just a minor obstacle in my otherwise pristine career.
“I’m all for love and displaying affection, but this is over the top.” He points to the offending area.
“I couldn’t agree more. It’s a terrible distraction.” If I reveal who’s behind the delivery, there’s a shot at escaping this lecture. It’s probably slim and definitely not in my favor.
Vince’s glower doesn’t lift. “Tell the dude to cool it, yeah?”
“Absolutely. He’ll be getting reprimanded shortly.” That’s the appropriate way to describe my revenge.
“Is there a plan in motion to remove all that? There have been countless complaints already.”
I bob my head. “Yes, it’s my top priority.”
“Good, I’m glad we’ve settled that.” He relaxes in his seat, the leather creaking in earnest. “How’s Landon Winters?”
Cocky as ever, and a massive pain in my ass. I mask my sneer with a tight smile. “Fine, I think. He’s been quiet today.”
He jabs a finger onto his desk. “Fine doesn’t cut it, Vannah. You better make sure he’s doing damn great.”
I exhale through flaring nostrils. That man is going to be buying me veneers for all the grinding I’m doing. His name alone makes my jaw ache. “I’ll check in with him once the flowers and such are handled.”
“Last I heard, he’s very pleased with your progress so far.”
Surprise punches me in the sternum and I nearly gasp. Did he actually say that? I can’t imagine Landon providing positive feedback on anything, let alone me. “That’s comforting.”
It really isn’t. Quite the opposite, if I’m being honest. Suspicion—my trusted confidant—huddles on the bench, waiting to be called forward. I make a mental note to predict his strategy if there’s hope to stay ahead. It’s clear he’s not above resorting to manipulation tactics.
A breath that’s plump with relief deflates Vince’s rigid posture. “I won’t lie to you, Vannah. This entire situation makes me itchy.”
Oh, shit. That expletive might as well be on a constant loop at the rate I’m using it. My grin remains plastered in place as I feign ignorance like a puffy cloud on the verge of a storm. “Why’s that, sir?”
“Landon Winters isn’t some average Joe we’ve gained from a cold call. He’s capable of