by Kari Lemor
Chapter 2
“Thank you,” she said as she eased from his grasp.
The crooked smile that always made her stomach twist appeared on his face.
“For the kiss, no problem. Any time. Day or night.”
His voice deepened with the word night. No, she couldn’t go there. Independent. Her goal was to be totally independent. No construction site Romeo could sway her from her mission.
“I mean for the bid and agreeing to work with me.”
“Yeah, about that…it would have been nice if we’d had time to discuss it first.”
“Did you want me to tell the auctioneer to sit back and wait while we formed a committee, outlined a plan, then got things notarized?”
His chest went in and out with a deep breath. The snug cotton of his shirt clung to it, mesmerizing her.
“You’re a Silva. He might have done it for you.”
Like a splash of cold water, reality returned. Scott had a stick up his ass about rich people, and hated that she came from a wealthy family. He never missed an opportunity to remind her.
A few more people exited the auction room and they stepped aside to let them pass.
“They might do it for my dad but not for me.”
His expression showed his doubt. He reached into his suit coat pocket and pulled out an envelope with a local bank name on it.
“How did you want to go about paying for this? I’ve got a letter from the bank with the amount I’m pre-approved for. But it’s less than what we bid.”
“I planned to pay cash.”
His eyes rolled up. “Of course you did.”
God, he drove her crazy. Suck it up, sweetheart, you just made a deal with the devil. Too bad she remembered the heaven it was to be in his arms.
“It’s trust fund money I got when I turned twenty-five from my mom’s mother. It’s been sitting in a bank for two years earning interest. She had faith that I could use it to help my career. That’s what I plan to do. With this building renovation.”
“What were your thoughts regarding money when you had this collaboration idea?”
She wanted the building and hadn’t thought beyond that. Okay, perhaps she’d thought about his lips, how they’d felt skimming along her stomach and lower. Damn, she needed to stop with the memory lane trip. Business. They were here for business.
“It was a split second decision. I didn’t have time to calculate percentages and margins.”
He raised one eyebrow. “Then may I make a suggestion?”
“By all means.” It better not be a sexual one. She might throw away her pride and goals and jump him right here.
“I suggest we use my loan plus your extra to pay for the building. Then we can use the rest of yours for supplies. They won’t be cheap. It’ll be easier and quicker to pay cash for them than to go through the bank for the funding.”
It sounded reasonable. Or was this something that might benefit him more? Nothing jumped out at her, so she nodded her agreement.
They moved to the payment desk and sifted through the pages of documents they needed to finalize the purchase. After the last ‘I’ was dotted and ‘T’ was crossed, and both their signatures graced the papers, she let out a sigh. The building was hers. Well, hers and Scott’s. Not exactly what she’d planned, but he was an easygoing guy, when he wasn’t ragging on her for being rich. They could do this. She hoped.
Throwing his arm around her shoulder, he whispered, “I think this calls for a celebration drink. My treat.”
* * * *
What the hell was he thinking suggesting a drink with Xena, Warrior Princess? It was bad enough she’d talked him into a partnership of sorts. She’d want to take over and run the whole show. They probably should bang out a few details regarding their deal. He’d have to call his Army buddy, Drew, to draw up a legal document. Andrew Thayer worked for the Connecticut DA’s office, but he helped out his friends with legal stuff when it was needed.
Heather glanced at her gold diamond-studded watch. “It’s only three o’clock and you want a drink?”
“It’s five o’clock somewhere, and we should talk about this partnership before we go any further with the project.”
“I guess. There’s a little bistro a few blocks from here that I go to often. We can take my car.”
Here she was, taking charge again. He’d need to watch that if he didn’t want to get screwed by her. Well, financially. He sure hadn’t minded the other screwing. It had been the highlight of the year. Although, technically, it had been the previous year. December. Sadly, it had been the best part of last year too.
“How about I follow you?” Can’t totally give in.
“Fine,” she huffed and turned on her fancy heels. Her hips swayed nicely as she walked away, the slim skirt hugging her form. Hurrying to catch up, he settled in his truck as she revved the engine of her black sports car. The one her daddy had bought her.
At the restaurant, she’d already spoken to the hostess and gotten them a large private booth. Her well-manicured fingers waved at him as he walked in. He slipped in and slid all the way around so he was sitting next to her.
“Are we expecting anyone else?”
She shook her head, sending a few wisps of hair floating around her neck as she scooted a couple inches away.
“Then why do we have a table that seats eight?”
She stared at him with an expression that said don’t question me. He’d seen that look before on pampered women. “It’s a slow time. No one’s using it and I wanted some space to spread out.”
She reached into her briefcase, pulled out a slim laptop and turned it on. “You’re absolutely right that we need to set some ground rules for this project. We should get them written down.”
“Ground rules sounds like we’re playing a game. This isn’t a game for me, princess. If you think it is, I should find the money to pay off your portion of the building.”
Her eyes stared daggers at him. “Oh, no, you don’t. I want this project as much as you do. Maybe even more.”
She started typing and he shifted closer to see what was on the screen.
“What, you don’t trust me?”
“I just want to check your spelling.”
“You’re going to check my spelling?” Her eyes held disbelief.
“I do have a college degree.”
Her perfectly arched eyebrow rose. In surprise? Snob.
“I do too, and my spelling is fine. Besides, I have spell-check.”
When the waiter appeared, he ordered an appetizer and iced tea for both of them. Another surprised look floated his way.
“What? I didn’t say it had to be an alcoholic drink. I need to keep my wits when I’m around you.” This was true, but for a different reason than not trusting her. He didn’t trust himself. A soft floral scent wafted off her hair as he bent closer, sending desire through him and straight to his groin.
“We need to make sure it’s a fifty-fifty split for both money spent and profit.” Her fingers flew over the keys.
“Agreed. My buddy, Drew, is a lawyer. I’ll get him to draw up a document for us.”
“The one I met at Jack and Callie’s wedding? I’d prefer to have my lawyer do it.”
“You don’t trust my friends? I’ll have you know Drew works for the district attorney’s office.”
She glanced up from what she was typing then lowered her eyes again. “Then he’s probably too busy to help us. I pay my lawyer good money to focus on my needs, exclusively.”
“What needs would those be?”
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Holland. Are there any suggestions you have to add to this agreement?”
“Well, if you go by how much we both currently put into it, I guess you could say I own a larger portion of the building.”
Her face h
ardened and he ran his hand down the soft skin of her arm to calm her.
“How about we put your funds into a joint account that we both have access to?”
“You want me to give you access to all my money? Right. Not happening.”
“Let me tell you how construction works. When I need supplies, I either have to fill out copious amounts of paperwork then wait for the bank to approve the request, or I pay for it myself and get reimbursed whenever they get around to looking through the forms.”
“That won’t happen if we use my money to pay for the supplies.”
Why had he agreed to this partnership? Stupid mistake. Rich people didn’t know how to compromise. “Sure, but I don’t want to wait around until after you’ve gotten your hair and nails done. Delays cost time and money. I have to pay the sub-contractors whether they have the needed materials or not.”
Oh, yeah, she had a retort on her lips all ready to zip by him. Taking a deep breath, she started typing again.
“Fine, but we use my bank for the account, and you have to run every purchase by me.”
His jaw hardened. “Before I make them?”
“Simply send me a list of what you’re buying as soon as you know you need it. Is that more palatable?”
“Sure. Once I get in and take a good look around, I’ll know most of what I need. But sometimes things crop up that you aren’t expecting.”
The waiter appeared with their appetizer but Heather kept her eyes on the computer screen. She tapped a few more times with a flourish then closed the laptop.
“There. I sent you the details of the agreement. Look it over and let me know if there’s anything that needs to be adjusted. I’ll have my lawyer draw it up, then we can sign it.”
Once she stored her computer back in her bag, she pulled the plate of nachos toward her and grabbed one oozing with cheese.
“What kind of shops were you planning on putting in there? Something that sells fancy women’s shoes?”
“What do you know about fancy shoes?” Cheese dripped from her finger and Scott had the desire to suck the digit in his mouth and lick it off.
“I know enough.”
“Says the man who wears work boots twenty-four seven.”
“Hey, I wore dress shoes for Jack and Callie’s wedding. And I know what I like in a woman’s fancy shoe. The ones you have on right now make your legs look amazing.”
Her cheeks turned pink as she shoved another nacho into her mouth. “Let’s get back to business.”
Opening the file she’d had earlier, she showed him the plans she’d made.
“I was thinking one large store for the central space, then half a dozen smaller ones surrounding it. I’d love to get a nice coffee or sandwich shop in there. Doing so could lure people over to the building, plus anyone working or living there would have a convenient place to eat.”
Her ideas were sound and sensible, though he hated to admit it.
“What were you thinking for condos?”
Pulling out his phone, he scrolled through to the preliminary drawings.
“Did you do these?” Her eyebrow rose as she glanced at the pictures.
“Yes, I took a few drafting classes in college. What’s wrong with them?”
“Nothing. They’re quite good.”
“Surprising, huh? Holland Construction was started by my dad and Jack’s. My uncle ran it after my dad died. We both inherited the company, but Jack went straight to Quantico when he got his discharge so it fell to me to take over.”
Sympathy lit her face, softening her features. “How old were you when your parents died? I know you were raised by Jack’s mom and dad.”
“I was five. Jack was seven.”
“What happened?” Her expression was sincere. “If you want to tell me.”
Taking a deep breath, he answered, “Drunk driver. Guy got away with killing my parents with no punishment at all.”
“There are strict laws for that. How did he not get charged?”
Scott swallowed, still affected by the memory. “It was twenty-four years ago and the laws weren’t as tough. Plus, he was loaded. I’m sure he paid off a few people.”
“Not all rich people use their money to buy their way out of trouble.”
“No, sometimes they use their money to try and influence people by giving them nice things.”
Reaching for the last chip, her watch jingled against the plate. She looked at it, her expression guilty. Who’d given her that little gift and what had it cost her?
The conversation steered toward the renovations again and when the check came, Heather reached for it.
“Using your money to influence me.”
Why did he love to tease her all the time?
Glancing at the bill, she tossed it in his direction. “Fine, then you pay. It was your idea to have a drink.”
Gathering her bag, she scooted out of the booth as he threw some cash on the table. They exited together and he walked with her.
“I’m perfectly capable of getting to my car on my own.”
“I’m trying to be a gentleman. Humor me. It doesn’t happen that often.”
Thrusting her hand out, she tilted her head. “We should shake on the deal. You want us to spit on it first? Isn’t that a guy thing?”
No, spitting on her hand wasn’t the first thing on his mind. Her soft skin caressed his rough skin and he pulled her closer.
“We can do better than that. The deal should be sealed with a kiss.”
Slipping his hand into her hair, he cupped her face. Her eyes widened. “No, I think a shake is—”
Those eyes drifted closed when he touched his lips to hers. Addictive. Damn, he wanted more even though it would be bad for their new partnership.
His tongue skimmed across her lips but her hand pushed at his chest.
“This is a business deal, Scott. We need to keep it that way.” Shit, she was right, but her breathing was as ragged as his. I’m not the only one affected.
A business deal. Yeah, he needed to keep reminding himself. That sassy mouth certainly wouldn’t help. Every time it opened, he wanted to keep it from speaking…by covering it with his own.
Chapter 3
“What’s the hold up? You wanted access to my money so you could get started. Why haven’t you started?”
Heather placed her hands on her hips, staring at Scott’s gorgeous ass in nicely fitting olive Carhartt’s as they walked up the stairs inside the mill building. Stopping abruptly, he turned and she plowed into him, her face close to the waistband of those pants. Seeing where her eyes lingered he moved down a step and glared at her.
“Listen, Xena, this is why real estate agents shouldn’t try to renovate buildings. Stick with selling them.”
“Can we go up to the third floor before we debate our merits?” Staring at the snug gray T-shirt covering his broad chest wouldn’t help keep her mind on business. “It might be too tempting to push me down the stairs.”
His eyebrow rose as he glanced at the three-inch heels she wore. Okay, not the smartest footwear for construction work but he’d said they made her legs look amazing. Score one for vanity.
Sighing, he walked the rest of the way up and into the center of the large dilapidated space. Looking around her heart fell, fears of failure filling her mind. No, you can do this. You only need Scott to start doing what he said he’d be doing.
Straightening her shoulders, she cocked her head. “So, my question?”
His eyes roamed the room, his mind seemingly elsewhere. “There’s this little issue of a building permit. You can’t start doing any kind of renovations until it’s been issued.”
“You took the money out of the account for it. Why don’t we have it yet?”
Moving closer, perhaps too close, he narrowed his eyes at her. “Did you resear
ch at all what’s needed for a building renovation of this size?”
“Yes, I did.” All right, she could have done more. “I was planning on hiring a contractor and figured they’d walk me through most of the red tape stuff.”
Scott slipped his hands into his front pockets and rocked back on the heels of his steel-toed work boots. “Let me take you for a walk then. First, when you apply for the permit, you need to submit three sets of the plans by an architect or engineer.”
“But you already had plans drawn up. You showed them to me weeks ago when we decided to do this.”
“When you decided to do this and dragged me in with you.”
“You were dragging yourself in. I only joined the fun.”
His crooked smile drove her crazy and his blue eyes grew intense. “The plans I had aren’t accurate anymore. Not since you wanted to put retail space on the first floor. The walls are all different, the front windows needed adjusting, plumbing, electric, you name it. Everything is different.”
“Yes, I know. We sat together for almost a week getting the details right.” And her vibrator had gotten a good workout each night they’d been together. Shit, the man got her lady parts singing.
“I needed to work with my architect, have him draft the official blueprints. It takes a while to draw up plans of this magnitude. I submitted the plans and the application two weeks ago. It can take up to thirty days for the permit to be issued.”
Damn, that sounded familiar. Probably read it while she’d been researching the project. “Sorry, I’m just anxious to get these renovations going and finished.”
“Did you need this completed by a specific date?”
Kind of. “Not really, but there is a fund-raiser in a few months where I thought I could entice investors or business owners. I can’t very well get them interested if the building still looks like this.” She waved her hand around the neglected room.
Scott’s expression softened and he slung his arm over her shoulder. “It’s going to be outstanding, you’ll see. It’ll take time though. You need to be patient.”
