Page 44 of Finding Redemption

“Polenta goes well with our shrimp. I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I will. Thank you.” My chest tightens as she smiles again. Stop, Walker.

“What are your thoughts on the proposal?”

She takes another drink of wine, setting it down before opening her file. “It was good, but I think it can be better.” She hands over her addendums for my appraisal. “Honestly, your offer was more than fair, but they want the buildings to stay intact.”

“And to retain control over them.” I glance from the paper to her as she bites her lip.

“Yes.” She tilts her head to the side. “Is there a way we could work that out?”

I lay the offer to the side, eating my food to buy some time. “I’m not sure, Reese. How would that benefit my client? DII would have all of the insurance responsibilities with no returns. Do you think that’s fair?”

Her eyes narrow, lips flattening. “I think it’s better than ending up with nothing. Besides, like Daly can’t write off the expense.”

“You think it’s that easy? Writing off insurance isn’t an option. What if someone gets hurt? He’s responsible for something he doesn’t even own.” I square my shoulders, ready for the fight.

“Better to own half than nothing,” she spits at me.

“I guess we go back to point one because what you’re proposing isn’t an option,” I growl at her condescendingly.

“No other options?” She sits forward in her seat. I stare at her, waiting for her next move. “Is that your only offer?”

I set my fork down, and I steeple my fingers. “It is.”

“Just like that?” she huffs.

“Unless you have a better proposition? Which I doubt.” I smirk, knowing she doesn’t.

“Is there ever a moment you’re not arrogant?” She grips the table, her face reddening.

“Not when it comes to business. And especially when I’m right.” I toss my napkin to the side.

She launches from her seat, leaning across the table. “You’re so condescending. Don’t you dare think your charm is going to smooth this deal over, Mr…”

My brow furrows, and I can’t help but smile. “You think I’m charming?”

Her face goes from cherry to scarlet in seconds. “Maybe if you weren’t constantly an overbearing, pretentious asshole!” She throws her chair back and stomps from the room. I rise slowly, hesitant to follow her.

“Reese,” I call after her, but she’s out the door with hellfire coming from her. “That went well. Check.”

10

“Son of a bitch!” I screech, throwing my bag across my living room onto the couch. Slinging my shoes off my feet, I stomp to the fridge for some ice cream and Jager. “Motherfucker, he’s such a jerk.”

“Tell me how you really feel, Reese.” Alden stands at my kitchen door. “I take it dinner didn’t go well.”

“Walker Pennington is the most pompous, egotistic, narcissistic prick. Ever! Ugh.” I slam the ice cream onto the table and turn to grab a bowl.

“I’ll get the glasses,” Alden offers as he walks to the cabinet.

“No need.” I wave him off, grabbing the bottle and taking a big gulp. I cough, so I chase it with vanilla ice cream.

“Damn.” His eyes are wide. “What in the hell did he do?” He joins me at the table, sitting across from me with his glass. He pours two fingers and pushes the bottle back to me.

“He… he… he was right. Asshole,” I huff as I fill my mouth with another spoon of ice cream.

He snickers. “Oh, that fucker. How dare he be right,” he says with a lisp.