home would bore you, I’m afraid. I’m not there often enough to make it more hospitable for guests.”
Vannah studies me for a quiet moment. “Do you ever get lonely, Lannie?”
If we were on the ground, I’d be searching for left field. “Quite the opposite. There are people constantly hovering too close for my comfort.”
“But those are business relationships. What about your personal life?”
“I have friends.” The defense is completely unnecessary, much like her question to begin with.
“Jordan and Brance?” She seems to hold her breath while waiting for me to respond.
“No, absolutely not.” The mere idea is comical enough to earn a genuine laugh. But coming up with people who aren’t directly related to my company is comparable to a blank slate. I shove the odd sensation sloshing in my stomach. “I’ll introduce you to plenty at an event we’re attending tonight.”
“More superficial acquaintances?”
“It’s expected to have friends at work, Savannah.” The scold rings in my voice.
“When do you go out for pure entertainment?”
I lower my brows. “I’m beginning to feel attacked.”
Vannah has enough respect to recoil. “That’s not my intention. I’m just trying to understand you.”
“Good luck with that. You can’t comprehend what you’re not willing to learn.” Condescension drips from my tongue.
“Now who’s being judged?”
I pick some imaginary lint from my suit jacket. “Turnabout is only fair in this situation.”
“There’s nothing fair between us.” Her contempt for me is unjustified.
“Work is my purpose. I have no qualms about that. My life isn’t lacking. Don’t assume I’m unhappy just because you would make different choices.”
Her shoulders stoop. “You’re right. I apologize.”
The pressure eases somewhat. “That almost sounds like you mean it.”
“I do,” she states with smacking conviction. “If you’re offering, I should take advantage. Wine and dine me to the extreme, Lannie. I want the platinum version.”
A calm descends with her concession. I celebrate with a victory smirk. “Then it will be yours.”
The thump from our landing is still screwing with my equilibrium when Landon hustles me off the plane. He escorts me from the hanger to a waiting town car, blocking the top of my head from bumping the frame. I could almost call him considerate.
He serves me champagne with a strawberry slice on the rim. His focus is riveted on my every move as we’re chauffeured through downtown. Our conversation had tapered off prior to exiting the jet. The quiet swirls around us in a comfortable lull. The promise of what he’s planning for us settles on my chest with soothing warmth. A girl has to collect some serious willpower to resist caving against this fairytale treatment. It’s all for show, though. I’m more than well aware of that fact.
We don’t stop at my hotel. Forget freshening up a touch. Landon hauls my ass straight to his office. People turn to gape at us as we stride across the sprawling lobby. His attention never wavers from the elevator bank straight ahead. He enters a code for us to access the top floor. The ride up is silent, but I don’t feel the need to intrude on our contemplative bubble.
When the doors slide open, more serenity greets us. The room is a mixture of light and dark. Pristine white walls swallow us as we step out into the vast area. Black hardwood gleams from beneath our feet. Furniture and fixtures are arranged sparingly for a simplistic layout. A few stragglers bustle about across the elegant space.
As if hearing my thoughts, Landon fills in the gaps. “This entire level is reserved for me. Only approved staff are allowed up here.”
“More privacy,” I muse while he guides me to the left.
“Precisely.” His murmur ghosts along my neck.
A man about my age, maybe a few years younger, leaps up from his seat behind a polished desk. “Good morning, Ms. Simons.” His fumbling ceases as he straightens to address his boss. “Sir.”
I almost falter at his greeting. A glance at a nearby clock confirms his choice. It’s odd to consider how much we’ve already accomplished before noon. Efficiency has many forms, it seems.
Landon offers a sharp nod while keeping our brisk pace. “Walt.”
“Hello.” I give a jolly finger wave. “It’s nice to put a face to the voice.”
A tiny smile ticks a corner of his mouth. “Likewise.”
“We are not to be disturbed.” They exchange a glance that I assume conveys more authority than Landon’s harsh tone.
“Understood,” Walt says as we pass.
“I’ll buzz when we’re ready for lunch. We’ll be ordering in.” The demand rolls from his tongue with practiced ease.