Chapter 15 #2
“Thanks, but I prefer redheads.” I bite my lip, trying to not laugh as Reese leers at her receptionist. Reese inclines her head before walking away.
I hurry to catch up. “Ain’t gonna lie, you keep wearin’ shirts like that, and I’d follow you anywhere.
” I watch her ass wiggle in her hip-hugging black skirt.
She whips around, glaring. “In here.”
I step through the door to a small office with her nameplate on the desk. She follows me through, brushing against me as she closes it behind her.
“Thanks for seeing me,” I say as we stand close.
“Did I have a choice?” She cocks her head.
“Well, yes. I could’ve spent the evening with Doris.” I lean forward with a whisper. “I think she likes me.”
Reese raises her brows. “She doesn’t know you. What can I do for you?” she asks, rounding her desk and motioning toward the seat across from her.
A wry grin stretches across my face. “Damn, Reese. Where should I begin?” I ask, taking the seat.
“What do you have there?” She points to my briefcase, sitting close to my zipper.
“A large brief.” I wrestle to keep from grinning like an idiot. “Would you like to see it?”
She narrows her eyes. “I just keep setting you up. Yes.”
“Yes, what?”
Her brow shoots up but as I knew she would, she plays along. “Yes, sir.”
Everything south of my belt swells. I drag in a ragged breath. “Let me… get it out for you.” I slowly pull the file out with a mischievous grin.
She rolls her eyes with a giggle. “Hand it over, asshole.”
“So demanding.” I place the file in her fingers, tugging it slightly when she pulls it. “Topping from the bottom again, I see.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing, sir.”
Fuck me, she’s wrecking me. “There are a few adjustments to your last proposal with additional addendums.”
“All right, let’s see what you have.” She peeks up from the paper.
“I’d be happy to show you.”
She flushes from the insinuation. Her eyes blaze with want. “I bet you would.”
After a few minutes of silence, I grow concerned. “I realize it isn’t what you were hoping for but please keep in my mind, we’re trying to advocate for both sides to find a reasonable solution.”
“I agree.” Her eyes flit from the page to me and back. “The thing is, you think this will work. Yet, you and I both know this isn’t the best offer.”
Son of a bitch. “It is for my client.”
“Of course, it is. Can you see why I might take issue with that point?” She lays the file on her desk.
“I believe your client fares well with this offer.”
“Not good enough.” She sighs, leaning forward on her desk.
I’m a man and take notice as her breasts heave from her top with every word.
“I understand they’re asking for a lot.” I’m brought from my happy place by a waving of her hand.
My gaze moves from her chest to her face.
She’s wearing a goofy grin. “I’m here. You with me now? ”
Heat invades my cheeks. I have to chuckle. “I am now.”
“I suppose I should use this to my advantage.” Her eyes sparkle.
“You damn well could.” I try to maintain a straight face. “Back to work.”
She smirks. “I’ll file sexual harassment later.”
“Reese, harassing you sexually could become an Olympic sport for me.”
“Trials begin as soon as we have an agreement.” Her eyes twinkle, dancing with laughter.
“Playing dirty, are we?”
“Not at all.” Her eyes narrow. “Playing for keeps.”
“What do you suggest for the proposal?”
“We need to keep the building. Period.” She hands the file over to me.
“That’s isn’t possible. We need every inch of the property for this project.”
“All due respect, he could find more land elsewhere.” She sits back, squaring off.
“The property is prime real estate and you know the offer is gold.”
“Exactly. So, if your client wants it, he needs to do more to secure it.” The corner of her eyes wrinkle.
“We can’t leave the building, period.”
“Relocation is not a possibility, period.” She taps her nail on her desk.
“And why not, Miss Morgan?”
“The structure on the site is as important as the hallowed ground it sits upon. The history that took place was not only in the room but on the land itself.” She leers at me, talking as if I’m an idiot.
I sit on the edge of my seat, leaning forward. “I damn well know what the significance of this property is to the community. I also understand the economic aspects.”
She raises her chin in defiance. “As if you’ve ever known poverty?”
“What the fuck does that have to do with this?”
“The General Store fed the underprivileged in the area for years, not that you can relate, but don’t you think giving it honor is paramount?” she snarls.
“One would think giving job opportunities would do such,” I seethe. “You do know, there are different types of prejudices?”
Placing her hands down, she stands to lean toward me. “Do you understand money can’t buy everything?”
“Are you kidding me with this shit?”
“No.” She leers at me. “I happen to think you believe you can snap your fingers and get what you want. I’m not that girl.”
“I never, for a minute, assumed you were.” We’re mere inches from one another. Heat radiates from me as we have a stare down.
“There’s no way in hell I will allow you to take everything because you think you deserve it.” Her nostrils flare, and all I can think about is kissing her.
I grit my teeth. “I do not think I deserve anything, including you.” Her face blanches. My pulse continues to race. “I’ve tried my best to make you understand.”
“Oh, I must’ve missed that while I was watching you leave with Candy after kissing me. You don’t get to do that, not with me.” Her words cut like a knife. I’m gutted, and she knows it’s by her hand.
“You’re right. I don’t deserve you.” I take the file in hand, grabbing my bag. “I’ll be in touch with revisions. I apologize for coming unannounced.”
I leave without hesitation. Clearly, I’m not wanted.