shuffle of papers being gathered into collective heaps has me twitchy. I’m flexing my muscles, preparing to make a hasty retreat at the earliest opportunity.
“May we have the room?” Landon stares at me while barking the command.
Everyone begins to rise, including me.
His exhale is powerful enough to press pause on our exit. “Savannah, may I speak with you a moment in private?”
“No.” There’s zero hesitation biting my tongue. I’m not the least bit surprised that he plans to use our situation as an advantage.
Vince widens his eyes at me, but I ignore both men. The others have already fled. My heels are practically vibrating on the carpet to follow in their wake. I begin walking with every intention to dash from sight.
“Vannah.” Vince’s reprimand is steeped in warning. Curb my attitude or pay the consequences.
I clench my jaw, keeping my gaze purposely averted while addressing Landon. “Do you have an issue with the reports?”
“No, I just need a moment to discuss our future projects.”
Screw decorum. “In that case, you’re speaking to the wrong person. Your account will be transferred to another agent.”
“Vannah,” Vince scolds again. “What has gotten into you?”
The fact that my boss is taking Landon’s side only serves to further aggravate the churning in my stomach. I loosen my fists and return to the chair I just vacated. “Fine, we’ll have a conversation.”
Landon waits until my boss closes the door after exiting, leaving us alone. The temperature instantly spikes as he stalks around the table toward me. By some miracle, he stops several feet away, parking his sculpted ass on the edge of the table. The silence stretches until it’s choking me. I lift my gaze to find his pinned on me. He strokes a palm over his stubbled jaw. Considering it’s not even noon, he must’ve forgotten to shave. I’m choosing not to overanalyze why that thought popped into my brain.
As the sole target of his focus, the urge to fidget is waging an internal battle within me. I drum on the armrest instead. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. Miss me?”
“I did, actually.”
The tips of my fingers halt on a downward descent as his words penetrate the anger enveloping me. I must be hearing things. “Other women aren’t measuring up, huh? Bummer.”
He gives no outward reaction that suggests my snark makes an impact. “You didn’t return my calls.”
A brow quirks at his audacity. “Did you actually expect me to?”
“Yes, it’s common courtesy.”
I scoff, attempting not to laugh. “Practice what you preach, Mr. Winters.”
“Savannah,” he drawls.
“Lannie,” I retort.
The corner of his mouth lifts ever so slightly. “Damn, I’ve really missed you.”
I sweep my eyes to the ceiling for a moment’s reprieve. Gawking at his hot face while he lies straight to mine isn’t pleasing to the self-esteem. “Is there an actual purpose to this conversation or are you just toying with me like usual?”
“I need to apologize for how I treated you.” Landon’s hands mold around the lip of the table, turning white at the knuckles.
“Well, all right.” I stand with a boost of energy straightening my posture. “I don’t accept your apology. Is there anything else before I go?”
“Do you want me to walk away, Ms. Simons?”
“Yes.” I want to hiss the word, but don’t. Fed up doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel. Being employed is nice, and I’d like to keep it that way, but not for the sake of my already shattered pride. Plus, his threat lost any real merit in the last month.
His legs visibly flex, and he crosses them at the ankles. It would seem he’s trying to hold back from prowling forward. “You don’t mean that.”
“It clearly doesn’t matter what I want.” I motion at the otherwise empty room for emphasis.
Landon flattens his mouth into a firm line. “Petulance doesn’t suit you.”
“I’m pretty sure a bit of attitude is called for right about now.”
“Can’t we move past this?” His expression is so damn earnest that the air squeezes from my lungs.
“Absolutely not.” My next breath is barely a wheeze. The need to escape this confinement burns my throat. I stride to the door.
“Savannah, wait.”
My footsteps falter on their own accord. “Why should I? I was only a good fuck. It’s over now.”
“You’re more than that.” The honesty clanging from his tone begs me to believe him, but he destroyed my trust.
“Not to you.” I pause for mere seconds like a dog waiting for scraps. Waiting for him to correct me is beyond foolish. “Enjoy your morning, Mr.