“Not in your dirtiest fantasies.” She paints a damn fine picture, though.
“See? You’re not afraid to refuse. I can’t teach someone to be bulletproof. That iron will you possess is what I’m after.”
“Under false pretenses,” she counters.
“I haven’t been dishonest with you.”
“Yet,” she tacks on. “The night is ripe for deceit.”
A retort brews in my chest. I might be ruthless, but I still have morals. “I didn’t get to the top by stepping on others. You’ll find that out when you come work for me.”
“With you,” she corrects.
I hold up a palm. “I’m willing to grant you some leeway, but we’re not equals.”
“Trust me, I’m not under the impression that we are.”
“Glad that’s settled.”
She squints at me while taking a sip from her glass. “For curiosity’s sake, do you have a real estate agent in every state?”
“That would be excessive, even for me,” I explain.
“Wouldn’t it make sense for you to choose someone from Chicago?”
“Are you trying to hand this job to someone else?”
“Not exactly, but I’m based in a Minneapolis office.” Her reminder is wholly unnecessary.
“Traveling can be expected.”
“I won’t leave Brogen Reality.”
“Not immediately, no.”
“Ever,” she states with a false sense of authority. “Or at least until I choose to go elsewhere.”
“We’ll see. There are branches across the nation if it comes to that.” For the sake of speeding this process along, I’ll concede to a certain extent. Temporarily, of course.
Vannah wags her fork at me. “I refuse to lose control of my career. You and this outrageous offer cannot be trusted.”
Pressure builds against my skull. This woman would debate the moon’s existence if it meant not agreeing with me. “You’d rather have Vince force you into this deal?”
She wrinkles her nose. “Not when you describe it like that.”
I glare at her. “You’re just not willing to take full responsibility for agreeing. Do you need a scapegoat to fall back on, sugar?”
“Can you blame me?”
I need to draw in a slow breath. “You’re overthinking and turning this opportunity into a problematic issue. What’re you afraid of, Savannah? I’m trying to offer you the deal of a lifetime.”
“Which is why I’m so skeptical,” she replies.
“Don’t be.” I spear my final bite of filet. “Let’s wrap this up.”
Vannah finishes chewing her last piece as well. “In a pretty bow?”
“Sure, if that’s how you prefer bonus checks to be delivered.”
“It’s not about the money,” she reiterates.
That’s certainly the truth in her case. This woman is relentless about being independent and standing apart. Her bold attitude is proof enough on that front. She isn’t driven by wealth or the need to acquire financial stability. Vannah cares more about integrity and being a leader in her field. Her reward is gaining respect in this competitive—and largely male-dominated—occupation. I’m sure uncovering a diamond in the rough for a client is a huge lady-boner for her.
With a roll of my shoulders, I relax in my chair. “I can promise you a reputable portfolio that others will envy until their complexion is greener than your eyes.”
“It’ll look great from the outside looking in, sure. But you’re stocking the lake. I’m just reeling in the commission without putting in much effort.”
“On the contrary, sugar.” I signal to the server that we need more drinks. We’re not going anywhere for a bit yet. “My tasks for you will rarely be to simply find dumpy warehouses with such little requirements. I’ll usually demand every crumb on the demographics, environmental factors, and financial analysis that your broker heart can collect. This first shot was lucky.”
She gives me a defiant upturn of her nose. “If I didn’t know better, I’d assume you’re trying to scare me off.”
“Does that make accepting more tempting?”
“Maybe. I’m always up for a challenge, especially if it involves showing off my skillsets while proving someone wrong.” Her smile is genuine enough that I feel the impact against my chest.
A scowl is my natural reaction as I rub at the foreign ache. “I’ll warn you that I’m hard to please. Whatever I need, you’ll be there with a full report.”
“I wouldn’t expect any less from the likes of Landon Winters.” There’s a hint of sarcasm in her voice, but I choose to center on the positive.
“Careful or you’ll inflate my ego.”
Vannah laughs under her breath. “That bad boy has to be at full capacity.”
“You’re always welcome to give me several complimentary pumps so I can offer my best performance.” I shift my hips in offering.
“You’re shameless.” She rips her gaze away when I catch her glancing at my lap. “I better watch my mouth, or you won’t fit through the door.”
“Please don’t.” The words come out as a growl.
“Well, since you asked so nicely,” she sits forward and extends her arm, “I accept.”
I slide my palm along her proffered one, pumping our clasped hands once. “Welcome to my team, Savannah.”
“Don’t make me regret this,” she orders.
Oh, I most certainly will.
I allow a slight curve to lift my lips. Mouse meet cat. She’s going to be right where I want her very soon. It will be a great honor to mold Vannah Simons into a form I see fit, whether willingly or by force.
Bath salts and acetone sting my nostrils, but I hardly notice. I sink my toes into the bubbly tub with an exaggerated sigh. “Oh, yeah. That’s the good stuff.”
Clea sags in the luxurious seat next to mine, purring as the warm water churns around her feet. “This was a fabulous idea.”
A hum vibrates my throat. “Thanks for the invite, Mom.”
“Uh-huh, I appreciate being included.” Clea’s mouth goes slack as her eyelids flutter shut.
My mother beams at us from her chair on my other side. “You’re welcome, girls. It’s too bad Presley couldn’t join us.”
I pout at the mention of my missing bestie. “She’s off doing her motherly duties.”
“Her sweet boy is such an angel. I’m sure he would’ve loved a spa day.”
“He’s only a few months old,” I remind her.
She swats at the chemically perfumed air. “That just fine.”
“Pretty sure these fumes aren’t good for babies.”
Her sniff ends with a cringe. “Perhaps that’s true.”
“Don’t worry, he’s spoiled rotten.” My credit card statement is proof enough. Splurging on that little man is a true delight.
“That’s good.” A serene smile brightens her features. “We all deserve to be pampered every now and then.”
“Darn skippy,” my friend agrees.