“For your information, this site isn’t for Sunny Skies. It would make a fine distribution center for another project I’m involved in.”
“Don’t those owners want to be included?”
“No.” That brisk definitive suggests I drop the subject.
I’d be more open to accepting Landon’s vague responses if he hadn’t given me reason to be wary upon arrival. “Are you actually interested in purchasing this building? Or is this some warped ploy to waste my time?”
“I wouldn’t put in nearly this much effort just to fuck with you, Savannah.” He waves a sloppy palm to the side. “There’s no reason more than one person needs to be present for this step. It’s just a factory layout. They’re all the same. Any major issues will be weeded out by the assigned services once we reach that point.”
“So, why bother even looking at them in person? You could do this from your office in Chicago.”
“Call me old-fashioned.” His explanation is weak at best, but I don’t push harder.
“Fine, whatever. I’ll make the tour quick since you’re in a hurry.” I enter my temporary passcode into the security pad. The screen flashes green as the click from the lock disengaging interrupts our silence.
“That’d be much appreciated.” His slinky response does nothing to lower my suspicions. Pretend all he wants, his relaxed posture and body language don’t suggest we’re racing against a deadline.
I push open the door and motion him inside. “By all means, please go first.”
“Afraid of the boogieman?” But he strides across the dark threshold without pause.
“Can’t be any scarier than you,” I mutter. The lights in the foyer are on a motion sensor, flicking on as we walk into the empty lobby. Stale air greets us, reminding me that no one has been in residence for quite a while. I whip off my sunglasses while scanning the room from floor to ceiling. “This is the front of house for any administrative staff you plan to employ.”
Landon barely spares a glance at the office area. “Thanks for stating the obvious. The current owner is willing to just let us waltz in unattended like we own the place?”
I wrinkle my nose against the musky aroma. “Sure, why not? It’s just standing vacant. They’re motivated to get rid of it. Plus, my job and reputation are on the line if anything goes wrong.”
“Ah, yes. This is what’s considered exciting for your chosen career path.”
There’s only so much mockery I’m capable of juggling this early. “Isn’t there someone more suitable for this task? I imagine your priceless insight could be better spent elsewhere.”
“That goes without saying, but that doesn’t mean I’m required to follow standard protocol. There are people responsible for every aspect within my company. It can run fine in my absence for a week or two. Plus, I’m in constant communication with my staff.” His dull tone conveys boredom beyond measure, yet he’s making no move to leave.
“You sound inconsequential,” I note with my own nod to indifference.
“Or the big boss sprawled on his throne at the top of a very tall and efficient corporate ladder,” he fires back.
“I haven’t forgotten about your ego, don’t worry.”
Landon is quiet for a moment, staring at me long enough to send a quiver through my lower belly. “You’re very bold, Savannah. I find that quality extremely attractive.”
Oh, hey, left field. I didn’t see you there.
This guy certainly has a knack for keeping me on my toes. “Uh, thanks?”
“I’ll take these.” He makes a circular gesture toward the parking lot.
“Huh?”
“All of them.” His finger makes a wider motion, indicating what I’m beginning to assume are the bordering properties.
“Um, what?” I’m well aware that my vocabulary is receding to preschool status.
“You’ve sold me on this commercial compound setup, including their lackluster surroundings. That’s a big win in your column.”
I blink at him, trying to catch up with his impulse buying. “Just like that?”
“Don’t sound so shocked. You’ve impressed me with your grit and determination. A building is a building. I don’t feel the need to see more.”
He’s making my job seem ridiculously meaningless. The churning in my gut suggests this could be his way of claiming victory. I wouldn’t put it past him.
“We haven’t stepped foot in the warehouse portion yet.” These listings combined are valued well above seven figures. His total cost will be near ten million at that rate. I can’t imagine he’ll drop that amount without viewing the entire package.
“There’s no need for us to do that. We’ll hire the appropriate professionals and other quality control contractors. They’ll handle any issues. All those legal hoops and paperwork take months to sort through. You know how long this process takes. Why make this more complicated?”
“Are you pranking me?” I search the corners for hidden cameras. “Please forgive me for finding this hard to believe.”
The brown in his eyes seems to swirl with gold from the overhead lights. “I never joke about money, Savannah.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “If this decision was so simple, why did we drive over here?”
His bland expression leads me to believe he doesn’t appreciate me questioning him. “It would be rather careless to make an offer without ensuring the walls are standing.”
What is this dude yammering on about? The thought of being so wealthy to drop millions with the snap of a finger makes me dizzy. I can’t fathom the fortune he has access to.
“This is too easy,” I murmur.
“Only if you overthink it.” He’s doing this on purpose, so I let my guard down.
I squint at him, refusing to lower my shield. “How can I not?”
He begins backing toward the doors we just came in through. “Your stubborn streak is very refreshing. Let’s discuss the details over dinner.”
“Just the two of us?” That wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. There’s something about being in that private setting with Landon that seems different.
“My preference is to have you alone.”
I nearly swallow my tongue. “That’s entirely unnecessary.”
“And I’d strongly disagree.”
“I knew there was a catch.” The sinking sensation in my stomach makes me cringe. Dammit, that lofty commission was close enough to taste. “We’re not having sex, Lannie.”
“What was your first clue?” He motions to my fully clothed form.
I roll my eyes. “I meant in general, as in never going to happen.”
“Yes, you’ve already informed me. This isn’t about sleeping together.” He props open the door, ushering me out.
“That’s another thing I find hard to believe.” But I set the alarm and join him on the sidewalk regardless of my hesitations.
“You’re not swayed without more proof.” He steeples his fingers, studying me with harsh scrutiny. “I have a proposition for you.”
I snort in a very undignified fashion. “This ought to be rich.”