The countdown is almost over and delaying the inevitable will only increase this bout of anxiety. I begin gathering my folders when there are five minutes left to wait. These idle hands are only going to cause me trouble. A haughty scoff sounds from behind me. I glance over my shoulder, revealing Olivia in all her glaring glory. Animosity drips from her twitching upper lip. The day someone pulls that stick from her ass will be one to celebrate.
“Have fun in your precious meeting.” Her pretty features twist further into a sneer.
Engaging her will only end in a fight. I turn from her and refocus on what’s important. My wits need to be properly sharpened to defend against Landon while he’s in the same building.
Another huff rolls out of her. “You think you’re so special. Vince just lobbed Winters to you. The most senior agent should’ve been assigned to him.”
Sure would be convenient for her if that’s how our company played, considering she fills that role. Not well, but that’s not what she cares about. This career can be extremely rewarding, but only if the effort gets put in. Olivia prefers to rely on her looks and personality, which is why her payout sucks.
I roll my eyes and swivel to face her. “That’s not how our system distributes new clients, and you know it.”
Although after recent events, I contemplated passing her the reins to Landon’s cash cow. If she were a smidge nicer to me, the account would already be hers.
Olivia juts out her chin. This wench makes me look like a softie. “Yeah, well, maybe Vince needs to consider changing the rules.”
“Maybe you should ask him.” I hitch a thumb at his office. Feeding her shitty demeanor isn’t my job. Neither is pampering her bruised ego.
She crosses her arms, staring at me with unveiled fury. “Maybe I will.”
“Great. I can’t wait to hear how that turns out. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a precious meeting to attend.” I tip my chin and stride away, dodging the daggers she’s undoubtedly stabbing into my back.
The conference room is open and buzzing with hushed murmurs when I arrive. A decent gathering is already congregating prior to the main event starting. The Sunny Skies owners are sitting next to Landon, along with a few people I haven’t met. His signature scowl latches onto me as I enter. He looks too handsome for being such a devious shit. That fitted suit and red tie are goading me, but it’s the gleam in his brown eyes that threatens real damage. I’m not blindsided by his presence, even though I didn’t see him come in. That’s enough to click my hackles into position with a resounding screech.
I take a chair on the opposite side of the table. Vince bustles in and plops down beside me. Introductions kick off the agenda, which is the most I’ll have to speak. My participation isn’t mandatory, but I’m not giving Landon an excuse to fetch me. The entire team for both parties usually attends simply as support if their representation is needed.
The inspectors and property managers do most of the talking. These findings summaries are drawn out and mostly redundant. It all turns into muted static after a few minutes. I’m following along, keeping my focus zeroed in on the reports, but the stare from across the room is hard to ignore. Regardless of how willy-nilly Landon wanted to initially slap down an offer and claim ownership, there are several hoops for us to dive through from beginning to end. The red tape in corporate real estate is extra sticky. This session is just one hurdle to reach a closing date. If we ever get that far, of course.
They drone on about minor scrapes and slight damage, but the building is in great condition overall. From these findings, the contingencies in this contract should be minimal. It won’t be that easy if the asshole searing his gaze into me has anything to say about it. I keep my eyes trained on any point that’s nowhere near him. That doesn’t stop me from feeling the lick of heat his attention scalds along my flesh.
Forty-five minutes have never crawled by at such a slow pace. My nerves feel scratched raw by Landon’s relentless onslaught. From my periphery, I catch his unwavering interest still concentrating on me. I almost cry in relief when the final page has been adequately discussed. The telltale