Cory chuckled to herself. She’d take swooning over swearing any day. Then Cory furrowed her brow. Swearing didn’t always mean using colorful language. She scoffed. Maybe Vi would have her swearing in other ways.

She locked the door then went to her office and pulled up a map on her computer. Now Cory had an even better reason to find a way to get them on the same team.

Cory knew as long as she and Vi were trying to sell in the same area Vi wouldn’t give them a chance. Vi was right—if things continued the way they were professionally, it would be hard for them romantically. Cory wanted her store to be successful. Wholesale liquor sales were just a part of her business, but she knew they would add to her income and make the store more profitable sooner rather than later.

She had thought about backing off and just keeping the accounts she’d already secured. Maybe she could wait until Vi got her promotion then she could start again trying to earn new clients. She knew Vi wouldn’t like that either.

There had to be a way and Cory was going to find it. She had to know where those gazes, kisses, and the connection they felt could lead. Cory knew deep inside this would be worth it, worth everything. She kept asking Vi to trust her, now she had to trust herself.

12

Vi huffed out a frustrated breath. She was thinking about the country club near Cory’s store. That account should’ve been set up and bringing in income by now, but Vi hadn’t even made contact with anyone yet. If she didn’t push Cory back into the adversary zone her new accounts were going to suffer and that meant someone could come along and steal the VP job away from her.

She had been thinking about Cory ever since she left her store two nights ago. If Vi didn’t get the promotion because she waited on approaching these new accounts, there would be no way she could have any kind of relationship with Cory. Their friendship wouldn’t last, they wouldn’t make it. So why even try? Because after those kisses and the way they looked at each other, there was much more than friendship happening there. Wasn’t it worth finding out?

Vi had let her guard down and now Cory had some kind of plan in the works. Instead of being out meeting prospective clients she was in her office worrying about what was going to happen. She wasn’t one to wait. Vi Valdez was assertive and made her own way.

Honestly, there was a part of her that wondered why Cory bothered. She knew Cory was looking out for her store, but she’d gone out of her way to be friendly when all Vi had done was essentially push her away. Yet when they were together Vi could feel a faint tingle humming, ready to ignite and send a charge through her body.

She let out another frustrated sigh just as her phone pinged. Vi reached for it and saw a message from an unknown number.

Are you in the office today, Violet?

Vi smiled. No one but Cory called her Violet. She quickly began to type.

Who is this and how did you get this number!

She could see the three familiar dots and feel Cory’s smile through the phone.

I have other skills besides my talent in sales.

Vi chuckled and raised an eyebrow. “You certainly do,” she murmured. She could almost feel Cory’s lips on hers. The memory of their kisses had played in her mind over and over. Violet grinned and quickly replied.

Hmm…

Violet stared at her phone and wondered if Cory was thinking the same thing she was. “Oh my God!” she said out loud. Her plan to keep Cory at arm’s length had evaporated in one text!

I’d like to come by if you're available.

“If I’m available?” Vi muttered.

I’m here. When would you like to come by?

In a matter of seconds Vi had Cory’s reply.

Now. I’m in the parking lot.

“What the…” Vi mumbled.

Come on up, Vi replied, shaking her head with a smile on her face. She secretly hoped whatever this plan Cory had been working on would work.

A few minutes later Penny knocked on Vi’s opened door. “Cory Sloan is here to see you.”

“Thanks, Penny. You can send her in.”

A moment later Cory stood in Vi’s doorway and smiled. “I’m so happy to see you, Violet.”

Vi couldn’t keep from chuckling. “Did we exchange numbers before I left the other night?”