Page 76 of For One Night

“One hundred thousand, no matter how long it takes?” I sit back in my seat.

Her mouth quirks. “That’s foreseeing any roadblocks or delays.”

“I’m sure we should count on delays at this point.” Lachlan’s head snaps to me.

“I think a contingency for any possible time restraints or issues.”

Lola glances at me, biting her lip. “Thank you, I appreciate the consideration.”

“So, one hundred thousand with a contingency of fifty and a bonus of one hundred.” Lachlan types quickly. “Congratulations, Lola.”

She smiles at him. “Thank you for the opportunity. I won’t let you down.”

“I’ll see you Monday.” I stand.

“Monday? I can start tomorrow.” She cuts her eyes at me.

Lachlan stares at me. “Does that work?”

“Yes, it’s fine.” My hands begin to sweat. “I’ll go check on the contract.”

Lachlan jumps to his feet. “I can go.”

“I’m already on my way.” I furrow my brow.

“I run faster.” Lachlan whirls around and jogs from the room.

I rub the back of my neck, dodging her gaze. “You can’t keep avoiding me.”

“I’m not trying to.”

She clasps and releases her hands several times. “I should apologize for the way I left Sunday.”

“Please, don’t.” I hold up my hand to stop her. “What’s done is done.”

She raises her eyebrows. “I see, I didn’t mean to injure your ego.”

“You didn’t.” I grind my jaw, forcing myself to keep my mouth shut.

She eases from her chair, slowly making her way back to the Chess table. “This is beautiful. I can tell you play often.”

“Thank you.”

Lola tilts her head, a frown playing on her face. “Are we going to be okay?”

“We are.”

She walks over to where I’m standing, crowding me. “Will you say more than two words when we’re alone?”

“I will.” What the fuck am I doing?

She purses her lips. “Is that so? Because right now, you’re acting like a petulant child.”

“You don’t know me.” I grimace with the fact that I don’t know her either.

A line appears between her brows. “I know you better than you think.”

“Does everything have to be an argument with you?” The tension between us is palpable. I can’t believe this is the same woman. I’m always so wrong.