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Dixon and Payton had very similar work ethics. They both loved a good competition, and were willing to do anything to get what they wanted. It was extremely rare that either of them did not succeed in reaching what they desired. In actuality, Payton was the female version of Dixon; she may even have had slightly more ambition for making her dreams happen. No one was too big to walk over to get her wish. This made Payton an up-and-coming legend in the real estate market. Anyone who underestimated this slender, blonde bombshell would end up going home empty-handed and crying in their drinks. No one ever dared to double-cross her. Dixon held the same reputation in his respected field.
Dixon stayed one step behind Payton as she guided him through the house, his hand lingering on the small of her back. Payton was very aware of their contact.
“Wait until you see the master bedroom in this place,” the hosting realtor boasted as they entered the bedroom, startling them out of their own private world. The room was spectacular. The shower must have had ten showerheads in it. Two people could easily be in there; heck, four people could fit if you really wanted. It was beautiful.
Payton grabbed his hand as she opened the shiny, see-through shower door that led to the vast tiling inside. Dixon instinctively wrapped his hand around her waist, pulling her closer to him as they stood in the shower. A motion that seemed so natural. They stood with their bodies so close they were touching. Her heart started to race as they stood there, her breathing began to quicken as desire coursed through her. His eyes penetrated hers and held them. A tingling sensation took over her body that spread down through her limbs to her sweet spot. Could she make a move on Dixon? Would it really matter? Did she care at this specific moment?
As she began to feel light-headed, the realtor walked into the bathroom, crushing any tension that was in the air. It was like that moment had never existed.
“I said it was impressive,” the realtor said and grinned.
Dixon and Payton immediately stepped out of the shower and continued to look around, slightly impressed, keeping a distance between them.
“Jack Hewitt,” the realtor extended his hand as he introduced himself.
Payton thought she had seen his picture on a bus stop before, but couldn’t be positive. He had a rugged cowboy-look to him. She could picture him with a big cowboy hat pulled low over his brow and a piece of grass hanging from the corner of his mouth while he spit chew out onto the ground. His features looked tough and rough, like he had to work for everything the hard way his entire life. This added to his lethal, dangerous and handsome look—one that most females found irresistible. His clothing choice—a polished, expensive suit, with a very loud tie—did not match his appearance.
“I have to tell you that I have had a fair number of people in here all day. It looks like we may have a few bids on the house before the night is over.” Just as the realtor finished, Devon walked into the room.
“Oh—my—gosh! This place is fabulous!” Devon was practically having an orgasm as she confessed her love of the place. She knew it was over the top, but she could not help it. She hated the way Payton looked at Dixon. That annoyed her the most. This was her way of staking claim on her prize—Dixon—as she tried to annoy Payton at every possible chance she had. She knew that Payton loathed her being here. This only added fuel to the fire.
Payton sighed. What the fuck is she doing here? She wasn’t going to be buying the fucking house. First of all, she hated having this girl around. She was the annoying little girlfriend that always seemed to pop up at all the wrong moments. Dixon would now start paying attention to his girlfriend instead of her. Payton was sure that he didn’t like to involve her in his purchases, because the only time she was around was when she would invite herself. Ugh. Second of all, now the stupid realtor would be able to gauge their interest. It’s hard to bargain when everyone knows how much you want the place.
Devon went over to Dixon and kissed him hello then continued into the master suite, twirling and gawking at everything.
“Can’t you see yourself living in this place?” Jack asked Devon, who figured she may be the key to this sale.
“She is not buying the house,” Payton retorted, mostly out of annoyance but also because she needed Devon to stop making it so obvious that she loved the place. “My client is looking for an investment property only.”
“Actually, I could see Dixon and me living in here,” Devon smugly replied, as she looked directly at Payton. “It’s cozy.” She walked back over to Dixon and wrapped herself into him, continuing to hold Payton’s gaze. “I know we were thinking of moving in together after Christmas, but maybe if the right place comes around we should take it.” At that moment Devon winked at Payton, then turned to Dixon and kissed him on the cheek.
Devon knew why a man so handsome and successful was with a girl like her. She was not clingy, and did not ask annoying questions like most females. Yet, she was not afraid to challenge another X-chromosome, like a lioness would in the wild. Men liked knowing their partner would fight for them at the right moment. She and Dixon were equal in terms of success. No man wanted a woman who was overly successful; it emasculated them. Devon looked at Payton like a bug she could crush.
Payton, realizing that Devon was not going to leave without Dixon, finished the showing trying not to grit her teeth or show any annoyance. She would kill her with politeness and warmth. After all, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
The next morning, Dixon was in Payton’s office, debating his offering price. The sun shone through the office window, forcing her to move from behind the desk to the chair in front, beside Dixon. The office felt small, with just enough room for an oversized desk and two oversized chairs. The furniture created limited space, but gave off a cozy, bright and welcoming feeling.
Dixon was grossly underbidding on the house, using required renovations as a bargaining tool. It would be a tough negotiation since the house was already underpriced to begin with. Payton could see the dollar signs in his deep green eyes and knew the potential gain was driving his bid.
She had mentioned the idea of him and Devon moving into the place but he took that idea off the table as fast as she put it on there. This pleased her. Payton was not about to embarrass herself by his bid if that girlfriend of his was going to profit from the place. If somehow she could get this house for Dixon, at the price he wanted, it would keep him happy and make her look like a goddess. She was quite fond of that idea.
Jack insisted they should meet him at the penthouse to discuss the price. At first the idea was to have all the parties involved, but Payton did not want Dixon to be there. He would have to trust her negotiating skills without him right beside her. If she had to beg she wanted no witnesses. Jack seemed to be fine with the idea of just them meeting. So here Payton was, walking up to the penthouse once again, and hopefully walking out with the keys.
Jack was dressed more casually than when they first met. He was wearing worn-in blue jeans and a blue cotton dress shirt, which was left partially unbuttoned. This was a better look for him than a suit and tie, and it suited his sexy, rugged cowboy-look.
The living room had minimal but appropriate furnishings that included one large L-shaped couch with deep cushions. The vaulted ceilings added to the large state of the room but it was the fireplace that was the focal point. Overall, the furnishings promoted a comfortable atmosphere and helped clients imagine themselves living in the house.
Jack was straight to the point and they got down to business right away. He was a smooth, fast talker with a professional demeanor, but for some reason she had a funny feeling in her stomach. It was probably because she knew their price was way out to lunch. Payton could tell by Jack’s mannerisms that he was used to being in control, and probably got his way all the time. Knowing that he would not be getting his way with her made her smile. It was also a bit of a turn on. She liked a man who knew what he wanted.
“Payton, you must increase your offer price,” Jack forcefully exclaimed. “With minimal work the place could be resold for at least triple the offering price.” Payton was fully aware of this, as Dixon was offering about two-thirds of the asking price. “This price is so out of the ball park I don’t know why we are here.” Jack was raising his voice to almost a yell, his eyes were getting big, he was becoming short of breath and starting to sweat. He unbuttoned another button of his shirt, to loosen the tension he felt around his neck. Women like Payton were arrogant. Just because she had a slit up to her sweet-cheeked bottom she thought she could call the shots, Jack thought to himself. He hated dealing with women who thought they were better than he was.
“Come on, Jack. My client is offering a cash deal here.” Payton’s voice was very calm, attempting to sound reassuring. To help convince Jack of their offer she was aiming to use some of her womanly influence on him, by making her voice sound sweet, giving an engaging smile, and crossing her legs to allow for him to see her calves. She was hoping that maybe she would be able to persuade him through a bit of sex appeal, if her negotiating skills failed her. He looked like someone she could influence.
His tough, bad boy look did not frighten her. She could tell she was aggravating him, much like a wild steer would a cowboy in the novels she read. She could tell that he had mileage in the life experience department; it made the challenge more exciting for her. She loved a good debate, so long as she stayed on the winning side. The more angry and frustrated she made him, the darker his look became.
“I have others who are willing to make this work.” Jack, who was pacing in the living room, stopped to slam his fist on the brick fireplace.
From where she sat on the couch, she could see his back muscles tense up. He could use a good rubdown, she thought to herself.
