I shake my head. “I want to sell for three.”
The appraiser’s face pales. “Million?”
“Sure. If the neighbor down the road who had less land could sell their property for that price, why couldn’t we?”
“Because their house was brand new and had state-of-the-art everything,” Cal answers for the man standing across from me, staring at me like I’ve lost it.
Maybe I have.
I look out the window that faces the serene lake. “We have more land and a better view of the lake. I’m sure someone will be willing to pay three million for it.”
The appraiser tugs at his tie, loosening the knot as if it was choking him. “Well…it’s your choice to sell the place for whatever price you think is best.”
I raise my chin. “Perfect.”
Cal’s eyes narrow. “You can’t seriously think we will find someone who will buy this place for that much money.”
“Of course we can. All it takes is finding the right buyer. Isn’t that right?” I face the appraiser again.
“Technically yes. Although setting the price too high might turn some buyers—”
I cut him off. “Great. That’s all I needed to hear.”
He readjusts his glasses with a huff. In any other scenario, I wouldn’t be so forward and rude, but letting him speak out of turn might backfire on me.
Cal rubs his chin. “Now it all makes sense.”
I peek over at him. “What?”
“All your questions to the appraiser, your insistence on giving the place a facelift, and the reason why you want to set such a high price.”
Well, damn. He figured me out sooner than I anticipated.
Ileave Lana in the kitchen while I walk the appraiser out. When I come back, I find she hasn’t moved from her spot by the window that overlooks the lake. Her fingers tap against the counter to the beat of her hum.
I seize the opportunity to take her in without being judged for it. She looks heaven-sent, with the golden glow of the sun surrounding her like a halo, highlighting the warm tones of her hair and the edges of her curves.
Those fucking curves.
Lana is soft in all the right places. Her love of baking and all things culinary has turned her body into a work of art, with hips meant for gripping and an ass meant for worshipping.
Don’t think about her ass.
Too late. My eyes drop, burning a hole into her leggings.
“As much as my ass appreciates the attention, I’d like to get along with my day. I have a ton of work to grade before tomorrow.”
My mouth dries up along with any type of rebuttal as my gaze swings from Lana’s legs to her face. Her brow lifts. She was always a straight shooter—a fact I appreciated until now.
How long has she been watching me stare at her?
Given your luck lately, maybe a whole minute.There’s a reason my brothers used to tease me for being Space Cadet Cal. I have a propensity to drift off and forget where I am until someone tugs me back to reality, usually by calling me out.
I clear my throat, forcing some oxygen into my airway. “We’re selling this house in three months for a million dollars whether you like it or not.”
She steps closer, encroaching on my space. “Oh, why? Because you said so?”
“Becausethat’s the only option. The sooner you accept it, the easier this process will be.”