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“That’s why I’m the boss,” I said with a smirk of my own.
“She did have one condition.” Kayla pursed her lips together, and I wondered what it might be.
“Spit it out, Sanderson.”
“She needs to see you again. She wants to make sure this can even work, and she won’t sign anything or commit a hundred percent until you do.”
I guess I’m not the only smart one here.
“That makes sense,” I agreed.
“I was hoping you’d say that. You two have a reservation at one in the café downstairs.”
“Thanks, Kayla.”
“Don’t thank me yet. She still hates you.”
That was a reminder I hadn’t needed.
Promptly at one p.m., I strode down into the café and searched for a red-haired raven. I knew she’d be easy to spot, and thankfully, she was. Sutton was already sitting down at a table for two near the back with as much privacy as the café could muster, which wasn’t much. We’d have to talk quietly. I couldn’t risk anyone overhearing what we were attempting to do.
As I neared her, her green eyes shot up and pinned me with just a look. Her mouth refused to twist into a smile of any kind, and I could tell that just seeing me was setting her off. Clearing my throat, I decided to use my best manners.
“May I?” I pointed toward the chair across from her because I was suddenly scared that she might hurt me if I didn’t ask permission first.
“That is why I’m here,” she said, her tone snarky.
My gut reaction was to be as defensive and brash as she was being, but I knew that wouldn’t work. Any asshole behavior from me, and she’d storm out of here and never look back, and then I’d be back at square one. I couldn’t let that happen. I’d be fucked without her.
When I noticed a server heading in our direction, I nodded my head and waved her off. She got the message, promptly turning around on her heels and making a beeline in the opposite direction.
“Thank you for coming. For even considering this crazy idea,” I said quietly before looking around. There wasn’t anyone I recognized, but that didn’t mean our conversation was safe from prying ears or eyes.
She cocked her head to the side, as if sizing me up, before shaking her head. “I can’t do this,” she said before shoving her chair back and standing.
I reached out, desperate to make her stay, and my hand grabbed ahold of hers. Those green eyes shot lasers at where I touched her skin, and I pulled back quickly.
“Please sit. Don’t go.”
Sutton begrudgingly sat back down and scooted closer toward the table between us. “I still hate you,” she admitted before she started laughing. “It’s ridiculous, I know. But seeing you brings it all back.”
Damn.
I hadn’t expected that kind of reaction. Especially when I was sitting there, trying not to salivate all over the table at the sight of her. I remembered her being hot the first time we met, but she truly was a stunner.
“What can I do to change that?” I genuinely asked. I found myself not wanting her to despise my existence the way she obviously did. Even though she’d been the one holding a lighter at my junk that night, I started thinking that maybe, just maybe, I’d done something to deserve it.
“Be a different person.”
“Ouch,” I said out loud. “It has been two years. Maybe I’ve changed?” I suggested, and she laughed again, the melody going straight to my groin. I shouldn’t have been as turned on by this woman as I currently was. Didn’t my dick remember how she’d wanted to maim him?
“Doubtful.”
“You’re right.” I decided not to lie. “I’m still the same. Any other ideas?”
“Go back in time and make sure it never happens?” she suggested with a slight grin, and I wanted to hate how hard she was making this, but I could see her facade starting to crack.
“Is there any way we can pull this off without you wanting to murder me in the process?” I asked, my tone genuine.
