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“Yeah, she’s been a real pleasure to work with.”

She turned her head slowly, givin’ me a look that would’ve sent a lesser nigga straight to the emergency room. “Likewise.”

I took a sip of water to keep from smilin’.

“Tell me, Ms. Mercer,” Mrs. Tanaka interrupted. “Was it difficult convincing Mr. Ross to sign with your agency?”

“Not at all. Mr. Ross was very persistent.”

“Persistent?” I repeated.

“Oh, yes. Very determined. Once he decides he wants something, he certainly knows how to pursue it.”

I leaned back in my chair. “Depends on what it is.”

“Of course.” She dabbed the corner of her mouth with her napkin. “Some things are worth the effort. Others are better left alone.”

Oh, this lil’ mean-ass woman.

Mrs. Tanaka smiled. “Well, whatever brought you together professionally, it seems to have worked out for the best.”

“Time will tell,” Juicy replied sweetly.

I turned toward her. “Somethin’ wrong with our arrangement, Ms. Mercer?”

“Not at all, Mr. Ross. As long as we both understand our responsibilities, I don’t foresee any problems.”

I nodded slowly. “Good. Wouldn’t want there to be any misunderstandings.”

“Neither would I.”

We held each other’s gaze for a few seconds before she turned back to her plate. I knew that look. And I knew damn well this conversation wasn’t over. We didn’t say shit else to each other for the rest of dinner. Juicy wouldn’t even look at me. Mr. Tanaka made his toast. We shook a few hands, and security escorted us back to the car.

Juicy took all my patience, balled that shit up, and stomped on it. I wasn’t in the mood to argue wit’ her, but the way her leg was bouncin’, I knew she was ’bout to turn up on me. I turned my head toward the window, tryna mind my fuckin’ business. That lasted thirty seconds before she let out a loud ass sigh.

“You got somethin’ you wanna say, Savannah?”

“Nope.”

I turned my head. “Then why you huffin’ and puffin’?”

“Can I breathe? Is that a problem?” she snapped.

“Nah. Breathe loud as fuck.”

“Thank you for your permission, Mr. Ross.”

This woman was determined to get on my last fuckin’ nerve. I wasn’t givin’ her the satisfaction of arguin’ in the back of this car, especially with somebody else drivin’. The rest of the ride was quiet, except for her leg bouncin’ and the occasional dramatic-ass sigh. By the time we pulled up to the hotel, I was ready to get the fuck out. Security opened the door, and Juicy climbed out without waitin’ for me. I followed her through the lobby, keepin’ enough distance between us that nobody would think anything was wrong. She didn’t look back once. We rode the elevator in silence. She stood on one side, and I stood on the other, both of us watchin’ the numbers change like that shit was the most interestin’ thing we’d seen all night.

When the doors opened, she stepped out first.

“Have a good night, Mr. Ross.”

I stopped walkin’. “Man, what the fuck is your problem?”

She turned around slowly. “Excuse me?”

“You heard what I said, Juicy.”