As I cautiously approached the doorway, I could hear someone inside. I rounded the corner and stopped abruptly, my heart skipping a beat.
He was sitting at the desk in the back of the room, his head resting in the palm of one of his hands. I could see his fingers pressing against the sandy-colored strands as if in thought. His watch caught the light and sent a prism of color onto the wall.
He looked so out of place—so large and powerful in the small, drab area. It was a play on opposites—excellence meeting mediocrity.
He hadn’t heard me arrive, completely absorbed in whatever he was reading, and I took a second to steady myself before I caught his attention. Just looking at him was enough to take my breath away.
I briefly considered sneaking out before he saw me but remembered that I was there on business.
Breathe.
Taking a deep breath, I knocked gently on the door. He didn’t move anything but his eyes, raising them to mine. A slow smile crept across his face, and my heart picked up its pace.
Cane leaned back in his chair and grinned smugly, like the cat that ate the canary. “Well, what do you know? We see each other again.”
I was now fueled by irritation instead of lust.This is the first day of my new life, and I’m being toyed with by another jerk? Heaven help me.
I briefly closed my eyes and tried to stay calm. Ripping into him, giving him a huge reaction, would be letting him win, and I was tired of handing victories to assholes.
“It seems that we do. I was told that Max asked to see me?” I forced a smile.
“Oh, Max would probably enjoy that.” Cane laughed. “But no, you’re here to see me.”
“And why is that?”
He leaned forward, his elbows on the desk and his grin growing wider. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“I’m hoping there’s a valid reason.”
“Why do I sense hostility?” He smirked.
“I guess I’m just confused. I was told Max made an appointment to see me today, and then I come in here, and you havethatlook on your face. Sorry if I feel slightly addled right now.”
Cane looked genuinely amused. He stood and leaned against the desk, rolling his white shirtsleeves up, baring his forearms one golden inch at a time. It was a completely natural thing to do, but watching him do it was almost like foreplay. I felt my chest rise and fall harder.
“Max is a contractor and I am a real estate investor. I buy properties and Max gets them ready to resell. He manages the construction part of Alexander Industries.”
“I see.” I adjusted my bag on my shoulder, feeling awkward. “So how do I come into play?”
“I want to put Solomon Place—this building—on the market. And I thought you could help me with that.”
“Can I ask you a question? Why did you call our office? You have never done business with us before.”
I pushed a breath into my constricted chest, feeling my lungs press against my ribs. This wasn’t what I had in mind for my first day back. I was supposed to be serious and focused, starting my life fresh. Instead, I was looking into the eyes of a gorgeous playboy, trying to decide ifhis intentions were professional or if he was trying to manipulate me.Why do I always find these guys? Why couldn’t Max’s friend have been an accountant or something?
“This property needs to be put up for sale. Max mentioned that you were a real estate agent. It seemed like it could be a good partnership.”
He stood straight, and the mood in the room shifted. “What can I say, Jada? You made an impression last night.”
I squared my shoulders and fought the urge to smile at his playful tone. “If you want to list this property, it would be my pleasure. But if there are ulterior motives, please spare me.”
A smirk slowly made its way across his lips. “I was trying to keep this professional, and you start talking about pleasure.”
I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. “I don’t even know what to say to you right now.”
“Words can be twisted to mean a million different things.” His eyes were locked on mine, sparkling with mischief.
“That’s true, I guess.”
