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“Back to the office so we can write up your offer, I suspect.” I laughed cynically and started the vehicle while I waited for him to respond. When he didn’t argue, I knew I had him on the hook and pulled out of the community, driving back to my storefront on the main street.

“Well, I’m torn. First, you’re obviously the listing agent.” Max reclined against the console separating our seats and gazed at me. “I have a lot to think about. Even if I hire you, how do I know you have my best interests at heart when I’m the outsider? You and Captain Bart clearly have a bond.” His eyes danced with mischief and I had to admit I rather enjoyed it.

“I’d like to think I’m impartial, but I’m not going to lie, a man who can talk pirate to me will get me every time.” I giggled. “But seriously, you don’t want to lose this property. There’s nothing else like it in all of Westport.” I bit the inside of my cheek and hoped he wouldn’t notice.

“Really?” He eyed me carefully. “You seem to have a little tell.”

“A tell?” My brow furrowed as I glanced at him.

“Yeah. You think I missed it.” Max shook his head. “I don’t miss much. I should’ve warned you, but I figured you’d pick up on it in time.” He sighed quietly. “And if I know anything, it’s that you are holding out on me.”

I looked away and pretended I was merely being extra-cautious about turning into the intersection.

“Still nothing coming. I’m pretty sure you’re just trying to avoid me.” He leaned past me. “Yup. Definitely safe to go. Office. I don’t have all day.” Max snapped his fingers and merely succeeded in raising my ire.

“Did you just snap at me like I’m some dog?” I glared at him.

He snickered. “Dogs are more obedient. I’d say cats are more your spirit animal.”

You need this sale, Vicki. Then I bristled. Now I was calling myself ‘Vicki?’ I hated this guy.

I stiffened. “Let’s just go back to the office.” I’d spoken the words more crisply than I intended, but again I blamed Max. He seemed to be yet another man determined to bring out the worst in me. I set my jaw so hard, I could feel a tick start.

“Wow. You’re really angry now. You’re right. We’ll go back to the office. I’ll buy the condo. And then maybe you’ll like me again.” He shrugged. “Or maybe not.”

“What makes you think I ever liked you?” I muttered under my breath.

“I’ve been told I’m quite charming.” Max winked.

I laughed. “By gold diggers, no doubt.”

“You’re only after my money. What does that make you?” He countered, his chin jutting out.

Parking in front of the office, I turned off the vehicle and leaned toward him over the console. “A businesswoman. It makes me a businesswoman. Let’s not forget the truth of our relationship, m’kay?” I batted my eyelashes at him playfully. Appeasing him before he backed out was yet another part of my job.

“Of course, Vicki.” He patted my hand and it took everything in me not to pull away. “And then, after the closing, we can talk about those other properties.”

He exited the vehicle and popped around to open my door. I should’ve been happy to be earning such a hefty, easy commission. Instead, my heart was positively pounding and I was filled with a sense of foreboding. Somehow, this was going to impact my dream. I could feel it.

Once inside, I set to work writing up the contract. Much of it was simple, needing little discussion anyway. The rest of it…was what I dreaded. Max didn’t seem to notice my silence. Rather he’d decided to use this as an opportunity to conduct business, all within earshot.

“Bre, Max Rogers here. How are you?” He chuckled. “I’m doing well. Actually, I just purchased a place a few hours south of Seattle and I hoped I could convince you to come take a look. I need your expertise.” He laughed some more and I could tell he and Bre shared some secret jokes, which only served to make me all the pricklier.

“I’m going to need to go over some numbers here with you, Max,” I cooed. I took great satisfaction in the thought this woman might have heard my voice.

“I’ll be right there, Vicki.” He listened to her speaking, then replied, “She’s my realtor. You should meet her.” Max grinned at me and gave me the ‘thumbs up’ as if this were a good thing. I began to think he was instigating a confrontation. “Perfect. I’ll send my yacht to pick you up; you can ride it down here. I’m going to need some place to stay tonight.”

“We have this charming bed and breakfast on the coast,” I chirped. “The food is fantastic and many of the rooms have an ocean view.” I smiled, hoping I’d succeeded in tempting him.

The corners of his mouth tugged down. “A bed and breakfast. That does sound charming. Forget the yacht. I’ll get you a room. Texting you information now, Bre. We’ll talk soon.” Then he ended the call and I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Now we can get back to business.” I pushed the paperwork across my desk so he could read it.

“And look who’s all business once again.” Max shook his head. “Just when I thought we were getting somewhere.” He sat in the chair across from me at the desk.

“I’m a professional…” I began seriously.

Raising a hand, he silenced me. “I understand that. So am I.” He leaned closer. “If you want to be successful, you should understand that it’s all about building relationships.” He picked up the paper and began studying it. “I have been working with Bre for the last five years. We’ve grown our businesses together. She shows me great loyalty. And when I need her, she’s quick to accommodate me because I pay her well and indulge her design ideas.” He sighed. “I buy a lot of property. I have yet to find the right realtor for my team. I have a guy I’ve worked with several times. We have a rapport, but I wouldn’t say he’s a team player.” Max set the paper down and scribbled his name on the lines I’d indicated. “I guess I’m wondering about you, Vicki. Do you want to be part of the team?”

In my ears, all I could hear was the thudding of blood rushing through my veins. “What does it take to be on the team?” I asked as my mouth went dry.

“The usual. Trust. Honesty.” Max grinned. “And in your case…tips. I want to know about all the hottest properties around.”