Something Like Hate - Harloe Rae Page 0,56

achieve?”

“Our business is far from done, sugar. We just need a change of scenery.” I wave a hand forward. “Ladies first.”

She snorts. “It’s a little late to start acting like a gentleman, Lannie.”

I rest my hand at the base of her spine as we walk down the hallway. “I’m just trying it on for size. It might bode well with my new improvements.”

Her eyes roll to the mirrored panels along the ceiling. “I won’t hold my breath.”

I steer her toward Brance and Jordan before she can protest. They stand from their stools as we approach. Jordan is still grinning wider than a clown at the fucking carnival. His broody counterpart is scowling like someone pissed in his whiskey. Business as usual, it seems.

“Apologies for being late,” I mutter to no one in particular.

“Not a problem.” Jordan’s gaze bounces from Vannah to me. “You’ve been well occupied.”

Brance is squinting at the redhead standing rigid beside me. “Have we met?”

Vannah offers a tight smile. “My father is Phillip Simons.”

Recognition relaxes his expression. “Ah, yes. Savannah, right?”

“Just Vannah,” she corrects.

I smirk at her. “That depends on who you’re talking to.”

“Yes,” she hisses. “You’re proving to be a very special case.”

Brance lifts his chin at me. “This is the girl?”

Vannah’s eyes swing between us. “What am I missing?”

“Nothing of value,” I reply to her, choosing to ignore Brance.

He focuses his attention on her. “Your boyfriend is a hothead.”

“First of all”—she holds up a finger—“he’s not my anything with a positive connotation attached. Second, I’m well aware that Landon has anger issues.”

“Only when you piss me off,” I retort.

“Which is every other second,” she volleys.

“Maybe you could try being less annoying.”

Brance and Jordan exchange a glance. They nod in unison but say nothing. Jordan’s smile manages to stretch wider. “Fine, I’ll be the loudmouth. Get a room, you two.”

“Wow, that’s clever.” I check my watch, already running out of patience.

“So,” Jordan drawls with his focus pointed at Vannah. “How do you know Landon?”

I intercept just as she parts her lips. The possibilities that could pop from her mouth are too unpredictable. “She’s my commercial realtor.”

“Which makes this situation even more awkward,” she grumbles.

“I think you need a better title.”

She tips her head toward me. “Oh?”

“Calling you my real estate agent is too basic.” Especially for someone as brazen as her.

“What do you suggest?” A twinkle in her eyes leads me to believe she’s not taking this seriously.

I decide to go big—it seems fitting. “Property investment advisor.”

“That has a fancy ring to it.”

“Glad you agree.”

Jordan laughs. “I had no clue that position came with added—”

“Shut up, Hughes.” Brance slaps his nape. “Being a dick isn’t your specialty.”

He grunts and rubs the back of his neck. “Afraid I’ll wear it better than you?”

Brance snorts. “Not possible.”

“You’re right,” he grumbles.

Vannah is silently fuming beside me. That quiet fury is skewering Jordan with a glare more fiery than the heat flushing to her cheeks. “Do you have an issue with women owning their sexuality? Would you rather I lower my gaze and cower?”

He looks like a shoe has literally been shoved into his mouth. “Not at all.”

“Then don’t judge me for kissing this asshole.” She hikes a thumb at me, as if there’s another man in question.

“Well, I can see the appeal. She doesn’t put up with your shit, Winters.” This comes from Brance, surprisingly enough. I didn’t think he was capable of providing compliments.

“This was a mistake,” I mutter.

“I warned you,” Vannah coos in that patronizing fashion she should trademark.

Now would be a good time to drop my next bomb. I don’t even bother bracing for the impact. “Vannah is accompanying me on my return to Chicago tomorrow.”

She chokes on her tongue, but recovers well enough with a coy grin. “I don’t recall receiving any travel plans from you.”

“This is a last-minute trip.”

“No shit,” she mutters. “What if my schedule doesn’t allow for it?”

“I’ve already checked with Vince. He informed me that you’re available and can work from my office.”

“Why?”

“I want to show you my city.” And regain the footing I’ve lost today.

She makes a noncommittal noise. “I’ve seen it.”

“Not with me.”

Her brow furrows. “How different could it be?”

I drag in a long breath to stem the simmer in my gut. “Must you fight me on everything?”

“That’s kinda our thing, Lannie.” Vannah winks at me.

“Fine,” I grunt. “Accompany me purely for real estate-related services.”

“I’d prefer to stay local.” More like remain rooted in place, where it’s safe.

I scratch at the evening stubble sprouting along my jaw. “You’re really