beside what appears to be new residential developments. The concrete structure is styled with wood accents and chrome fixtures. Industrial cables tether a looping walkway to the second and third stories for a floating effect. Vannah’s building is set so each unit has an entrance accessible from the outside. She probably paid a hefty tag for this property, not that her commission can’t afford it. I climb the front stairs to reach the second landing and hang a right. Cream blinds cover the large bay window, stealing my ability to peek inside.
I raise my fist to knock, the thick wood muffling the sound. A sliding deadbolt alerts me to her proximity. The creak from her door confirms it. Through that small opening, a fierce green gaze threatens to scorch me where I stand.
I hold my hands up in surrender. “I didn’t come here to fight.”
Vannah props a cocked hip against the metal framing. “Since when?”
“Since I realized we belong together.” That blunt confession streams from me without permission. The croak in my tone conveys as much. I’d hoped to inch my way into her good graces before making a big reveal. This is what I get for being impulsive.
“No.” She grips the door, preparing to slam it in my face.
I slap a palm to the wood, keeping it propped open. “Just hear me out. Please, Vannah.”
My use of her preferred name gets a reaction. For a single second, her guard wavers with a hitched breath. Then she skewers me with a fiery glare. Regardless of her outward fury, she eases the force on the barrier between us.
Vannah gaze cuts a downward path along my casual attire. “You’re wearing jeans.”
I glance at the faded denim that’s apparently offensive, based on her scowl. “Good observation skills, sugar. Did you notice my shoes?”
Her eyes narrow on my sneakers. “Are you going for a run?”
“Wasn’t sure if I’d have to chase you.” I bounce on my toes.
She gives me another once-over. “What’re you playing at?”
A lazy smirk is my initial response. “I’m making changes.”
“Why?”
“Being an angry asshole sucks. I also miss you. Just wanted to slide that in.”
“As previously stated.” She quirks a brow.
“You don’t believe me?”
“Don’t act surprised after what you had planned. My suspicions are warranted.” She purses her lips.
“So is the added sass,” I provide with a wink.
Her exhale pumps textured frustration into the space separating us. That rasp needles my skin before disappearing into the atmosphere. “What do you want, Landon?”
“Just to talk. Can I come in? I won’t overstay my welcome. My car is parked right there, ready for me to drive off after you hear me out.” I dangle the keys for her to see.
A dent creases the smooth skin on her forehead. “You drove?”
I shrug. “Desperate times. You can toss me to the curb whenever the mood strikes.”
Vannah crosses her arms. “Like right now?”
I ignore the plummeting in my gut. “You shouldn’t be too hasty. My words might hold some value.”
“We’ll see about that.” She swings the door wide, ushering me in with a sweeping gesture. “By all means, invade the last spot that isn’t already tainted from your presence.”
The way she’s looking at me as I enter her domain makes my guts shrivel, rotting me to the core. Vannah is acting like I’m a black stain on her beige carpet. My gears grind as I try to recall the last instance anyone dared to show me such open disdain. I’ve been blinded by my drive for redemption, striving to prove myself beyond the shadow of my father. Right now, I feel more disgusting than the grime beneath his bones. It’s enough to make a man forfeit the war.
But I’ve been fighting for the wrong side.
I’m no longer interested in fighting against her. From this point forward, my goal is to win her affections and be worthy of them. Walking away unscathed isn’t an option. Not that I’m going anywhere.
I steal a moment to admire Vannah while she’s not noticeably cursing my existence. She’s wearing gym shorts and a ratty shirt with her hair in a sloppy braid. I’ve never been more attracted to her. The molten heat rushing south is proof I’m not trying to put on a display. Popping a boner in her face is the last thing I need. She’d probably file a restraining order.
As if hearing my wheels veering off course, Vannah’s glare resurfaces. “I’m tired of this ride we’re on, Landon. It was fun until we took things too far. We should