Chapter 6
“Nice shoes, Ms. Silva.”
Goosebumps appeared on the skin of Heather’s arms at the low tone whispering behind her. Turning her head, she smiled pleasantly at the man.
“Mr. Holland.”
Scott stood behind her in a charcoal-gray suit, the one he’d worn to Callie and Jacks wedding a few months ago, and a plum paisley tie. At the wedding he’d worn blue. So he had at least two ties. Good to know.
“That dress is pretty fabulous too.”
As his finger slid up the bare skin between her shoulder blades, she cursed her choice of this outfit. The draped fabric on top showed off her toned back while the snug skirt emphasized her lower curves. If she’d known Scott was going to be here she would have gone more for the burlap look. The last thing she needed was to get him even more amorous than usual. It was a public place, though; maybe he’d behave. Smoothing down the silky blue fabric of her skirt, her face heated, almost wishing he wouldn’t.
“What brings you here?” For some reason he fit in with the rich and pampered celebrating the opening of the new wing of the Law Library at her alma mater. In his nice clothes, he didn’t look like a builder, though she still caught a whiff of sawdust mixed in with the clean soapy scent.
He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. No steel-toed boots for him today. “Who do you think did the construction?”
“Nicely done. My father donated a sizable chunk of money for this addition so he insisted we all make an appearance.”
“Your parents are here? I’ve never met them.” His gaze searched the room.
Did she want to introduce them? They’d both been curious about the man she’d gone into partnership with. Her responses had been vague as she couldn’t always read how her parents would respond to things.
“Sweetheart,” her father’s booming voice sounded behind her. “Speaking with Winston, I finally put together the Holland Construction who did this addition with the Scott Holland who’s your new business partner.” He thrust his hand out toward Scott.
“Dad, yes, this is Scott who I’ve told you about. I hadn’t realized he was involved in the new wing here.”
The men shook hands and eyed each other for a few seconds. Sizing each other up? What was the conclusion?
“Scott, this is my father, Domenic Silva, and my mother”—she indicated the petite blond woman behind him, always behind him—“Nicoletta.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet Heather’s parents.”
“Winston was telling me what a great job your company did on this project. Good to know Heather’s pulled you in to help her with this new scheme she’s got going.”
“It’s not a scheme, Dad, it’s a business project.”
“Of course it is, sweetheart. Now, Scott, tell me about the plans you’ve got. I might have some work for your company if I like what I hear.”
The two men walked away and her hands clenched. It was her damn idea. Well, Scott had one too, though different from what she wanted. Figures her father only wanted the man’s version. When Scott glanced back at her, the conciliatory look he sent made some of the aggravation ease, but only slightly.
“What is your relationship with Scott Holland, dear?” her mother asked, her voice modulated and calm as always.
“He’s my business partner.”
“That’s all? His hand running up your back earlier was a bit friendlier than I would have expected for a business partner.”
Damn, she’d seen that. Who else had? She knew lots of people here today. Clients as well as associates of her father.
“I mentioned to you before that his cousin, Jack, is married to Callie, so I’ve known him casually for a few years. He likes to tease at times, nothing more.”
“I hope it’s nothing more, dear. While his company did a fabulous job here, he’s not in your circle. You need a man who can support you in the way you deserve so you can give up this silly career thing. There are multiple charities and events that I could use help with. I don’t know why you insist on actually having an outside job.”
“I like what I do, Mom. I have no desire to give it up and depend on some man to provide for me.”
“What will you do when you get married? You’ll be dependent on a man then.”
“I may never get married.” Her mother’s eyebrows rose so far up she wasn’t sure they wouldn’t fly off her face. “Not if it means I’ll be beholden to some man and have no say in what my life is like.”
“Heather, don’t be ridiculous. Of course you’ll get married. And soon I hope. You know there are several men who have been quite verbal in their interest in you. Encourage one of them.”
Interest in her family’s money was more like it. No thanks.
“Well, I have no interest in them.”
Huffing, her mother shook her head. “Well, at least Charlotte will do as we ask.”
Heather only smiled, knowing full well Charlotte wasn’t in the market for a man either. Too much fun being free and easy for her younger sister.
“I think I’ll go chat with Charlotte about all these men who like us so much.” She needed to get away from her mother. She meant well but her exclusivity was frustrating. “We could get a matched set. Would you like that?”
Her mother actually considered it. “The Bredbenner brothers are both single.”
Walking off, she snickered. The Bredbenner boys were barely twenty but were filthy rich. She spotted Charlotte near the buffet table and pulled her aside.
“Watch out. Mom’s on the marriage warpath again.”
Her sister rolled her eyes. “Great. Who’s she got picked out for us? And is that hunky partner of yours on the list?”
“Seriously, you think Mom would put a mere contractor, a blue-collar worker, on a list of potential mates for the infamously rich Silva heiresses?”
Charlotte scowled. “Of course not. Everyone on her list will be deathly dull and of the highest quality. Though I’ve got to say your blue-collar worker looks pretty high quality to me.”
Scott was quality. No matter the differences they had, she had to admit he was a good person.
Leaning in closer, Charlotte whispered, “Damn, he is gorgeous. If you aren’t doing him, could I have him? Even just for a few days?”
Steam nearly rose from her ears at the thought of anyone else touching Scott. Which was stupid, because she’d vehemently denied being attracted to him. Well, maybe not denied that she was attracted, but denied that she could get involved with him again.
“No.” She narrowed her eyes at her sister but didn’t give an explanation.
Pouting, Charlotte said, “Fine, but if he has any friends, send them my way. Dad’s coming back. I’m out of here.”
Her father walked toward her, but Scott was nowhere to be seen.
“I like him. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, great business sense, and does a solid job. Plus he’s served his country and is a hard worker.”
“Glad you approve, Dad.” She wouldn’t admit how much those words truly meant to her. She’d spent her whole life trying to get him to see she could be much more than her mother was: a beautiful accessory for some wealthy man.
“You’d do well to stick with him, sweetheart.”
“As a business partner only though, right? Mom didn’t seem to think he fit the bill for anything more.”
Pulling her hair like he’d done since she was a little girl, he stepped closer. “Don’t let your mother dictate how you run your life. I think Scott Holland would be a good addition to any part of your life that you want him in.”
“Thanks, Dad. For now it’s simply business.”
“Speaking of which, have you given any long-range thoughts to putting all those brains to work for Silvaggios? You know we could use someone with your intelligence and savvy to help run the company.”
“I have this new project I’m working on right now. I need to dedicate any extra time I have there. And my real estate business will be handy for when we start selling and leasing.”
“How about a Silvaggios there then? I’ll make you manager.” His grin warmed her heart.
“You don’t ever stop, do you? I appreciate all you’ve taught me. I do. But I want to make my own mark on this world. Not simply profit from the mark you’ve already made. Can you understand that?”
“I can, sweetheart.” Hugging her, he continued, “Can’t blame a guy for trying to see his daughter more every day. I am proud of you. You’ve done a great job and I love you.”
“Thanks. I love you too.”
“Now if only I could get your sister to get off her skinny ass and do some work.”
Glancing across the room, she saw Charlotte looking bored as she chatted with some socialite and her son. Poor girl.
“Encourage her to follow her interests instead of the business.”
“Who knows what her interests even are. She’s taken all these classes on so many different things. She hasn’t actually decided on a major yet. She’d be happy sitting around playing with puppies and kittens all day long if we let her.”
Charlotte did have a way with animals. “I can have a talk with her, Dad. But in the end she has to decide where to go.”
“I’m glad she has someone there for her. And remember that I’m here for you any time you need me. For anything.”
Hugging her dad, she scanned the room. Her mother would want her making the rounds, talking to all the important people. The only person she had any interest in smelled like sawdust and wore work pants better than anyone she knew.
* * * *
“You got something going on with that new partner of yours? She keeps glancing over here like you might disappear.” Drew Thayer tilted his head in Heather’s direction then looked back at Scott.
“She probably wants to make sure I’m behaving and not embarrassing her. You know those stuck-up socialites, ever so proper.”
His Army buddy narrowed his eyes and laughed. “I met her at Jack and Callie’s wedding. She hardly seemed like the stuck-up type. I thought you were okay working with her.”
“Yeah, she’s been fine, I guess. Wouldn’t be my first choice for partners though. She’s quite bullheaded at times.”
A smirk lit Drew’s face. “Cause you’re so easygoing. Remember the time you had to fly in to get some of the guys after their jeep malfunctioned?”
“Damn insurgents.”
“Once the Captain realized it was a trap and you’d all be blown to bits, he ordered you to retreat.”
Scott stared at his friend, his jaw clenching at the memory. “I couldn’t leave them there. They would have been dead in no time.”
“Good thing Nick’s as stubborn as you and decided to go along as your gunner.”
“Yeah, that man’s got an aim better than anyone I know. Took out half of the enemy so I could concentrate on flying in to scoop our guys up.”
“Now that’s bullheaded.”
“Enough,” Scott snapped, his eyes crossing the room. “Here she comes. I don’t need her hearing old war stories.”
He turned and smiled. “Hey, Heather, what was the conclusion? Did I pass muster with your father or is he planning to buy me out of my share?”
Her eyes bore into him. “Surprisingly, he likes you. Not sure how you managed that, but it’s a good thing. You don’t want to be on my dad’s bad side.”
“Been there too often, have we?” he teased, then saw her expression falter so he stepped nearer and took her elbow. “Have you met my friend, Andrew Thayer? He was at Jack and Callie’s wedding.”
Heather shook Drew’s hand and nodded. “Of course, I remember him. There were only about twenty people at their wedding.”
“I just meant being the maid of honor might have kept you busy doing important things, not socializing.”
“How are you, Drew?”
As they exchanged pleasantries, Scott gazed around the large room, noting the crowd who’d come for the event. Not exactly his standard company but Heather seemed to fit right in. Her silky dress had his blood heating up as he imagined slipping the loose top down her arms then having her shimmy out of the snugger skirt. Down boy. Don’t embarrass yourself.
“I’ll see you at Chris and Meg’s wedding next weekend, right?” Drew was asking as Scott turned his attention back to the conversation.
“I’ll be there. Do you know how big it is? Are they going all out or something simple like Jack’s?”
“Last I spoke with Chris, it seemed like it was bigger than he wanted, but he said Meg’s parents can’t afford much. Are you bringing anyone? I got a ‘and guest’ on my invitation.”
“Well, Chris and Jack will both have someone, maybe I should look around so I’m not standing by myself.”
Drew’s eyes drifted toward Heather and he grinned. Yeah, she might be fun.
“Want to go to a wedding next weekend in Pennsylvania with me?”
“Why should I?” Her eyes narrowed.
“Because Callie and Jack will be there. And I need a date so I don’t look pitiful. It’ll be fun. I promise to behave.”
“If you behave it won’t be any fun,” Drew said.
Heather shook her head. “He doesn’t know how to behave anyway.”
Running his finger down her arm, he sent her the crooked grin that usually worked. “Please.”
Rolling her eyes and sighing, she answered, “Fine, I’ll go.”
Yes, what else could he talk her into? Staying overnight in a hotel? Reenacting their little Christmas chalet scene?
“Do you have a date, Drew?” she asked.
“No. I’m not seeing anyone. Guess I’ll have to just look pitiful. Pick someone up at the wedding. Chris said Meg has a few bridesmaids.”
Drew wasn’t the type to pick up strange women, but he liked to joke that he was.
“My sister’s right over there. She might be willing if you ask real nice.” Drew’s head turned at Heather’s direction. “The thin blonde in the beige dress.”
The expression on Drew’s face indicated that wasn’t an option. “She looks like a strong wind would blow her away.”
Charlotte was wispy and delicate but if she was anything like her sister, she’d be tough as nails. He’d only met her a few times and hadn’t talked to her much.
Sighing, Heather clutched his arm. “Oh, God, my mother is waving me over. If I don’t come back in fifteen minutes, send out a rescue party, please.”
“Sure, only so I don’t lose my investment.”
As she strolled across the room, Drew chuckled. “She’s very different from her sister. That one looks like she’d make my sugar level go through the roof.”
“My temper’s going to go through the roof if we don’t stop having all these delays in renovations.”
“What’s up now? I thought you solved the lost permit issue.”
Shoving his hands in his pockets he made tight fists to try and relieve some of the stress. “The Historical Society has suddenly developed an interest in the building we bought. It’s practically falling down and they haven’t cared for years. But I want to develop it and now it’s got some sort of historical value.”
“You know, I saw Judge Stokinger here tonight. He’s a retired judge who went to school with my father. He was the one who gave me the push to apply for my job. I don’t know if he helped me get it but he’s always been good to me. I can introduce you. He knows everyone on every committee in most of Connecticut. He might have some influence.”
“I usually hate asking for favors, but in this case I’ll take you up on it. Lead the way.”
Following Drew through the room, he scanned the area for Heather. She was smiling brightly at something her mother was saying but it was as fake as some of the Rolex knockoffs he’d seen here today. The man with them only had eyes for her. Couldn’t blame the schmuck, but he had no chance with her. Her body language said it all.
“Judge Stokinger, this is a good friend and Army buddy of mine, Scott Holland.”
Scott brought his attention away from the sexy woman across the room and back to the man who might help him.
“It’s nice to meet you, Your Honor. Drew says nice things about you.”
“Scott’s company did all the work on this addition,” Drew pointed out.
“Congratulations on a job well done. What other work have you done that I might have heard about?” The judge tipped his head and his mop of white hair fell across his eyes. He pushed it away and shook his head.
“Don’t let him kid you, Scott,” Drew said. “If it was here in Connecticut he’s heard about it.”
“We’ve got the contract for the state college systems dorm renovations and I’m working on renovating one of the mill buildings down by the river in Menatuck.”
“That big one on Prescott Street?”
At his nod, the judge frowned. “That’s a hefty project. Might not even be worth it. That area is in bad shape. Can’t imagine you’d get any legitimate businesses to go in there.”
“You don’t think it has any historical value then?”
“Absolutely not. It’s simply an old factory that’s been neglected. I wouldn’t waste any money in that part of town.”
“Actually, sir, it’s in an urban renewal district. Many of the surrounding buildings have already been updated. It’s getting quite popular.”
“I wasn’t aware. I’ve been in Florida the last few years, retired and loving it. I guess I haven’t paid as much attention around here as I should.”
There was a strange look in the judge’s eyes, but he couldn’t figure out what.
“You wouldn’t happen to know Florina Betts would you? She’s the head of the Historical Society around here.”
“Of course I know her. Her husband and I used to play tennis together when we were younger. She’s here tonight, not that I’ve spoken with her. She can certainly get on her high horse about some of her causes.”
Drew stepped forward. “Do you think you could talk to her about that building for us?”
“Well, I don’t know as much as I—”
Florina caught sight of him and he waved her over. “Ms. Betts, you know Judge Stokinger, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. Old friends, right Bernie?”
“We were just discussing the mill building down on Prescott Street.” Drew stared at the judge waiting for him to jump in. He didn’t.
“What was it you were saying about the area, sir?” The prosecutor in him began to come out.
“It’s not a great place. Certainly never was in the past.”
“What was your opinion on the condition of the building itself?”
He shrugged, his shaggy white hair flopping a bit. “It’s rundown.”
“And the historical value of the building?” Scott was glad he didn’t have to face off against Drew.
“Well, I’m sure there’s lots of value being down by the river and being such a large space.”
He cleared his throat. “If it’s in bad shape, wouldn’t renovating it like the other local buildings give it more value, especially if the original design was kept intact?”
Pulling at his collar the judge looked uncomfortable. Of course Florinaa was staring at him with accusatory eyes. She certainly gave him the creeps.
“I honestly don’t know about real estate value. I’d probably tear it down if I had the chance. Put up something new.”
“Oh, no, not there,” Florina objected. “You can’t have something modern in that district. Simply can’t be done.”
Turning to her, Scott asked, “If you don’t want it torn down and replaced, and leaving it a mess isn’t good for the economy, wouldn’t it be best to renovate it into usable space?”
“Hmm, I suppose. I still have to check some of the background on this place. We got a tip that there was some significance in this specific building. If nothing comes of it, then you get to go ahead with your project, Mr. Holland.”
He should feel elated that she sort of agreed to let him go forward. But he couldn’t help wonder who had given the Historical Society their little tip.