right motivation to release them. Having a worthy opponent accept the sloppy mess would be nice, but I’m not pushing my luck.”
“Landon.” She sighs, her shoulders slumping. I steel myself against her rejection. She wouldn’t be the girl I’m falling for without refusing my initial attempts to win her back. “If only I could trust you. I’m not able to believe that your intentions are honorable.”
“And that doubt is justified. Revenge is best served with a bulletproof vest, sugar. If not, you’ll be shot in the heart.” I tap my chest. “Turns out you got me. It took breaking us for me to discover that you own my ass. There are no refunds.”
“I’d like to speak with your manager.” She flattens her mouth into a flat line, but there’s a sparkle in her gaze.
Honking from the street interrupts our fierce standoff. I take it as a hint. “You can’t get rid of me. One day, you’ll accept that, and I’ll be here waiting.”
“Persistent as ever,” she drawls.
I erase another step between us—and one more for good measure. “Wasn’t it your plan to have me fall for you? Well, you win.”
“You’re nuts, Landon Winters.”
“About you, yes. That’s what I’ve been saying for going on thirty minutes.”
“I’m not even sure how to feel about you. We’ve been at each other’s throats since day one.”
“It’s okay to admit that you like me.”
“And if I don’t?”
I clutch my chest. “Damn, Savannah. I’ve been pouring my soul out and you’re stomping on the defenseless pulp.”
She stabs me with a scowl. “You can’t make me feel guilty for that.”
“Well, I’m not going anywhere.” I reiterate for my sake just as much as hers.
“You’ll have to leave eventually. Chicago needs you.”
I suck in a deep breath, inhaling fresh laundry and flowers. Beneath that are subtle hints from a slate being wiped clean with blossoming possibilities to soon follow. Her home smells like the start of something I want to be nearby for. “That brings up my next item on the agenda.”
Tension replaces the irritation in her features. “Ulterior motives?”
“Just a slight pivot while you consider cradling my heart in a gentle palm.”
“How many romance flicks did you watch prior to coming over here?”
“This is all me. Although to be fair, you’re responsible for initiating this emotional diarrhea.”
She clutches her temples. “You’re certifiable.”
“Thank you.” I smooth a palm across my jaw.
Vannah glances at the wall where several framed photographs are hanging. One picture is a candid of Vannah laughing with her friends. If I strain my ears, I can almost imagine the savory tune. She’s never lowered her guard enough for me to see her so carefree. I want that. Badly.
Her eyes flick back in my direction. “Just get on with what you want to say.”
“I’m opening a new headquarters for Global Winters in Minneapolis.” A smirk wiggles its way onto my mouth.
Vannah blinks in slow succession. “What?”
“My company is expanding and I’m leading the project.” I couldn’t care less where I set up shop so long as it’s in her general vicinity.
“You’re staying in Minnesota?” There’s a severe furrow pinching her expression. It’s unclear if she’s terrified or elated by this news. I’m choosing to believe it’s the latter.
“That’s correct.”
“And that involves me how? Not sure if you noticed, but I’m unemployed.”
“This will change that. I have a proposition for you.”
“Oh, since the last one panned out so well for me?”
I make a show of studying her flashy condo. Seems the jaded siren has a taste for the finer things after all. “I’m not so sure about that.”
Her scoff is indignant, clearly not appreciating my appraisal. “What’s the deal?”
“A job offer.”
“I’m not working for you.” The snark is instant and sharp.
I lift a finger, tempted to trace the freckles across her twitching nose. “Not for me. I’d like to be partners.”
“You want to invest in me?”
“Very much so.” My stomach almost rumbles at the potential of having a slice of her.
A slight breeze from the air conditioner flutters the auburn strands stuck to her face. “Is that all you want?”
I don’t bother masking my frown. “Not in the slightest, but it’s all I deserve to request.”
Vannah is quiet for a moment, the gleam in her eyes suggesting she’s dissecting every syllable I dare to pronounce. “I’m listening.”
“You go freelance, and I’ll bring the business. No one can do the job better than you. Don’t get stuck under another undeserving thumb.”
“You’re only suggesting that as a peace offering. I don’t want a handout from you.” Yet her tone