Flipped! (Spinning Hills Romance 1) (30 page)

“Life is funny, right? It looks like our old shared interests have brought about the possibility of a business partnership. I can guarantee my realty firm is right for the job, and I’d like my associate to meet with you soon to discuss it. When would be a good time for you?”

All business. He’d never heard her like this. Ten years was a long time. Enough to make the past seem insignificant. They weren’t the same people they’d once been. Maybe she didn’t even want to hit him over the head. Sam looked out the window without really seeing.

She’d started out at a disadvantage, but had ended up taking control of the situation. Would he let her get away with it? There had been a time when the thought of making her uncomfortable would have been enough to make him back down.

But backing off when things got too heated didn’t always make things better. He’d learned the hard way. Feeling himself hardening against his old friend, he decided to give as good as he got. “Funny you mention old interests. The revitalization of Spinning Hills and Dayton and supporting local businesses are still top priorities for me. I’ve met with a few large firms already, and I always ask that either the owner or franchise owner have a physical presence here. I’d be happy to meet with your associate and explain how I do business as long as you, as the owner of Red Realty, are also present at that meeting. But don’t worry, you can be as silent as you like.”

A long pause ensued. Sam sat back, for the first time noting how hard his heart was beating.

“Understood,” she said, her voice forced, as if her teeth were clenched. He felt the corner of his mouth curl up. How much could she have changed if he could still predict her reactions? “When?” she asked.

When?
The pulse at the base of his throat began to throb. He hated when that happened. It usually meant it was time to back off. Except this time, he wouldn’t. Better to get it over with soon. “I’m free tomorrow at nine in the morning. We can meet at my office—it’s my dad’s old office. You know where it is.”

The moment those last words were out of his mouth, he regretted them. He hadn’t meant it as an innuendo, but the suggestion was there and it couldn’t be helped. It was where they’d first made love.

Another shared memory neither of them could easily forget or ignore.

“Jessica and I will be there. Thank you for the opportunity. Good-bye.”
Click.

Sam stared the phone. Apparently, one of them
could
ignore it.