Chapter 8 - Flynn
Monday morning… ugh.
Part of me had wanted to call William, tell him I was taking a personal day, and reject any walkthroughs that he might have scheduled since I’d seen him the previous week.
Things had been… tense… since I’d kicked out the health spa people.
Part of me understood that William was just the man in the middle. At the same time, he’d been spineless when it mattered, letting them walk all over him and attempting to let them steamroll me.
He probably blamed me for whatever threats they were undoubtedly hurling at him.
I did manage to somewhat smooth things over on Friday when I offered the recording of the interaction from the security company as a way to prove that the men had been ejected for cause. And I told him I’d managed to scrub off the scuff mark, so I wouldn’t make him pay for the desk.
Luckily, his other clients had been professional, even when William himself had been wary around me. The luxury marketplace guy had been almost overly exuberant, talking about how many stalls could fit and how the location was perfect for his vision.
I doubted the landlord would agree to the lessee being reliant on his own tenants, though. I informed him I was hoping to find a tenant who wanted the vault, but would keep him in mind if that fell through.
The restaurant people were polite, and loved the appraisal room. They wanted to turn it into a wine room. The vault was still an issue, but they said that they might come back with some cost-sharing options if they could get their investors to agree.
If nothing else, it was something I could present to my bosses.
His other clients tended to also fall into the categories of businesses that wanted the space more than the improvements: a luxury design firm, a high-end gym, financial advisors, and more.
The phone rang, and William’s number appeared on the caller ID.
I steeled myself and answered. “This is Flynn.”
“Good morning, Flynn,” he said. “Do you have time?”
I managed to keep myself from chuckling. All I have is time.
“Sure. What’s up?”
“I’m still waiting to hear back from the restaurant group about any cost-sharing.
I think their meeting is later this week.
In the meantime, I’ve started to contact peers outside my firm for walkthroughs before public listing.
One, Connie Mathers, has a client looking for a building with your square footage.
Can I have her and her client come by this afternoon? ”
“Any time is fine.”
“I’ll tell her to come by at three then.”
“Three. Connie Mathers. Got it.”
“Thank you.”
“Will you be accompanying them?”
“No need.”
“Understood. Will she follow up if necessary, or do I need to?”
“If any follow-up is needed, then she’ll handle it.”
“Ok, confirming. Connie Mathers and her client, you will not be present. She’ll give you any pertinent information.”
“That’s right.”
“Ok, I’ll see her at three.”
“Thanks, I’ll let her know.” He hung up without saying anything else, but I was fine with it.
I decided to return to my task of looking up the resale prices of the leftover furniture, and I did that until lunch.
A strange sort of anticipation started to build as I ate, though I couldn't explain it.
I took a bit of time tidying and dusting once I was back at the office. Then it was time.
I headed down from the big office and saw a woman and a handsome alpha approaching the door.
She rang the buzzer.
Damn, he’s good-looking…
I unlocked the door and opened it a crack, letting in the humidity, heat, and smells from outside. Something smelled damn good, and I wondered if a new food truck had opened nearby, even though I hadn’t seen anything at lunch.
“Connie Mathers?”
“That’s me!” she chirped. “And this,” she added, “ is Dylan Wall from Techspeed Consulting.”
I nodded and opened the door enough for them to step inside. “Nice to meet you,” I said as they started in. “I’m Fl…”
The sound died in my throat as Dylan walked past, and I got a whiff of his scent.
Mine… alpha…
Dylan froze, then he turned to me, eyes wide.
Alpha…
His nostrils flared, and his pupils widened. He licked his lips and took a step closer.
A bit of slick escaped, making me squirm.
“This space is beautiful!” Connie declared from somewhere near Ellie’s desk. “Sorry, what did you say your name was again?”
I blinked, having forgotten that she was there.
“F-Flynn,” I replied, captivated by my alpha’s blue eyes.
“Lovely to meet you, Flynn,” she said, her heels against the floor signalling her approach.
I tore myself from my alpha’s gaze and forced myself to face her.
“Likewise.” I accepted her handshake, then turned back to my alpha—Dylan. “You as well.”
He shook my hand, and tingles raced up my spine. “The pleasure’s mine.”
It’ll be both of ours soon enough…
Focus, I scolded myself.
Dylan’s fingers lingered against mine for longer than was polite for a handshake, but not long enough to raise Connie’s eyebrows. Still, I immediately felt the loss as soon as we were no longer touching.
I swallowed, and Dylan’s eyes dropped to my neck.
“Why don’t you take a moment to look at the space,” I offered. “Then I can show you around some.”
“Oh, thank you,” Connie said.
Her heels against the floor as she stepped away.
You too? I mouthed, while pointing at Dylan, then holding up two fingers.
He nodded, and I noticed his fingers twitching as he started to reach for me.
I’d heard about how strong the pull of fate was, but those accounts didn’t do it justice. It took every ounce of willpower not to pull him into a kiss, and I just had to pray that my pants were dark enough that Connie wouldn’t notice that I was rocking a semi.
There was a long moment where Dylan and I just stared at each other, then he seemed to remember why he was there. He took a step back and turned to walk the lobby.
“I’m so sorry,” Connie suddenly declared. “I seem to have had a bit too much coffee. Where is the ladies’ room?”
“Oh,” I replied with a chuckle. “Just around the desk here on the right.”
“Thank you,” she said, her heels approaching again. “I’ll be right back.”
“Ok.”
I held up a finger, listened to the tiny squeak of a door hinge, then the soft click of the lock.
As soon as I knew she was inside, I closed the distance and pulled my mate into a kiss.