Her smile is smug and secretive as she flips through a stack of mail. “He was very sad when I said we couldn’t help him.”
Playing detective I casually ask, “Why did you turn him away? Too busy lately or…”
Her shuffling pauses and resumes. “I’d forgotten that your father had a problem with Mr. Hamilton. Rachel reminded me. You know she’s my best friend.”
That feeling isn’t mutual. I know that Silvia will always be Aunt Rachel’s best friend, after my Uncle Jaxson that is. “I’m sure she was relieved.”
Clucking her tongue in a mysterious way, Cora says, “Glad to be of service,” with a sly smile.
I don’t realize I’m staring at her until she catches me, cocking one of her threaded eyebrows, the mail frozen in her hands.
I blurt, “What if you could still keep the commission?”
Her head tilts. “How would I do that?”
“What if I did the sale?”
Narrowing, her eyes drink me in like a predator does prey. “You want to work with Tanner, do you? He got his claws into you that quickly, Emma?”
Sitting back with an unusual confidence I rarely have around my boss, I shrug, “Claws into me? He’s much too old for me, don’t you agree?”
“Mmm,” she hums suspiciously.
“Don’t give his appeal that much credit,” I add for good measure, “You’ve seen the men in my family right? I’m used to good looks and arrogance.”
Cora laughs and goes back to choosing which envelopes are heading to the recycle bin. “I appreciate the thought but I don’t want Tanner’s money. Someone else can have his commission.”
Biting my bottom lip I go back to reading this year’s tax laws. She doesn’t mean me when she thinks of ‘someone else.’ This is a dangerous risk I’m taking. On many levels. But there’s no turning back now, is there?
CHAPTER 20
T ANNER
F inally it’s six o’clock, Wednesday evening. I thought this hour would never come. I’ve never been so irritated at anyone I’ve hired before. Dan told me I was shouting when I heard the news that she wasn’t available until three full days after I saw her on Sunday afternoon. These had better be some incredible properties we’re seeing or I will lose my temper and fire her on the spot.
Cutting an angry glance to the incredible property beside me I snarl at the perfect lawn and flawless modern exterior, just as her convertible drives up.
Fire smashes through my veins as I cross my arms and widen my stance, waiting for her to untie her soft fucking hair and glide out of the car. When I see what she’s wearing my heart hammers in my chest and my cock twitches to attention. “Is this what you wore to the office today?” I growl, not recognizing my own voice.
Emma’s whiskey eyes are as clear as the sunny sky above her sweet face. She glances down to a stunningly tight yet elegant black dress and five-inch-heels, then comes back up and gives me the most casual of apologies. “Oh, I’m so sorry, but I’ve got an engagement after this. Dan told you I only have an hour, didn’t he?” She steps back and holds up her hand. “Are you okay? You look like you’re about to explode. I’m not late, am I?”
My face has contorted with shock, disbelief and rage that I cannot seem to get ahold of. Clearing my throat I loosen my tie and look away from her. She’s too damn sexy in that thing and she has a date?! Engagement my ass! Who is this guy? I want to wring his neck!
“You’re right on time,” I grate, motioning to the house. “Since we have so little of it we should begin at once.”
“I agree,” she smiles as if I’m not turning crimson and my neck doesn’t itch like crazy.
Her passing perfume wafts into my flaring nostrils as I follow her to my doom. She remotely unlocks the door and steps back for me to open it, the first time she’s done that for any of the previous houses. I told her about it being a sign of respect, and she’s letting me know she listened. Mildly gratified I oblige and she smiles politely, eyes sparkling with gratitude before they flash to business and she begins the tour.
“As you can see this is the most contemporary of the homes we’ve visited and as such it has modern amenities. There is a wonderful movie screening room with a hologram control pad. A pool with a waterslide that begins on the second floor balcony. The kitchen has the finest appliances money can by. Each bathroom has a Jacuzzi bathtub and each bedroom a gas fireplace. And I know you’ll love this.” She leads me through a spectacular kitchen to the hallway of the staff-housing. As we walk to one enormous room after another she waves her pretty wrist and happily announces, “Even the staff’s bedrooms have fireplaces and each their own en suite bathroom.”
Inhaling her scent I mutter, “Impressive. Why are they leaving?”
“The current owners have moved to Maine because they miss the snow.”
Frowning I ask, “Don’t you get snowfall in winter here?”
“Sometimes, but it rarely sticks. Of course there’s the odd year where we have more, but mostly ice. You don’t want to deal with traffic when that happens.” She rolls her eyes in the cutest way. I’m staring at her and she pauses, caught off guard when I reach out and lift a stray hair from her bare shoulder. “Um…anyway, they are such good employers they’re hoping whoever takes over the space will be able to keep their staff on. They’ve prepared glowing references and detailed reasons to support why they should remain. But of course that’s up to you, Mr. Hamilton.”
“Send me the papers and I’ll have a look.”
Emma’s eyebrows go up. “Does that mean you’re interested in the house.”
“Very,” I murmur with a double meaning as I hold her gaze. “I’m very interested.”
Emma’s lips part and her hand floats up and almost rests on my
