Taking a cautious step in Carla’s direction, Scott thrust out his hand. “Thank you for coming forward. I know it had to have beenhard for you.”
“No harder than the weekend you spent in jail. Or for the embarrassment of the accusation and being arrested. I’m sorry for that.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Scott shrugged. “Jian, make sure youkeep her safe.”
“She will not be harmed. You have my word, dude.” He placed his hand on Carla’s back and led her away, his men staying on the outskirts oftheir vicinity.
Looking back at the prosecutor, Scott asked, “What do I need to do now?”
“Nothing. Simply accept my apology for the false arrest. The charges will be dropped. But keep me informed if anything else happens that’s even slightly suspicious.”
“I will, believeme. Thank you.”
Virginia walked off and Scott slumped onto a nearby bench. Drew dropped down next to him.
“Howare you doing?”
Shaking his head to clear his mind, he pulled his shoulders back and took a deep breath. “Much better now. Appreciate the help.”
“You look like you could use a drink. I’m buying.”
Scott snorted. “Having a drink with a friend is what got me into this mess in the first place. Think I’ll pass. I’ve got something elseI need to do.”
Drew patted his shoulder then took off. As he watched his friend walk away, he thought of what he should do first. Letting Jack and Callie know was right up there. He’d give them a call. But Heather had been instrumental in getting Jian’s help. Telling her in person would be better. There were all sorts of ways in which to thank her. He couldn’t decide which one would bemore pleasant.
* * * *
“Ms. Silva, Mr. Holland is here to see you. Areyou available?”
Heather pressed the intercom button on her desk phone. “Of course. Send him in.”
Her heart beat in anticipation. Had he met with the prosecutor yet and had the Findley lady told the truth? The anticipation was also at seeing Scott again. For some odd reason, she didn’t feel as antagonistic with him lately. Seeing him go through this ordeal could be one reason. She didn’t like to see anyone in pain, physical or emotional.
The door opened and he poked his head in, his face neutral.
“Come in.” She waved him in then closed the door behind him. “What’s going on?”
Moving toward her desk, he leaned against it. She stepped closer, drawn to him and hisdamn charisma.
“I wanted to thank you,” he said, reaching for her hands and running his thumbs over her skin. “For getting in touch with Jian.”
“You seemed kind of pissed that I did.”
He tightened his hands on hers then pulled her closer. She wouldn’t object, though Scott and close proximity made her mindfill with mush.
“That you took a risk like that. I am. It kills me to think you might have been hurt.” His eyes closed and his jaw clenched. When he opened them again they drilled into her. “I care about you, Heather. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” His finger slid down to where the bruise was starting to fade.
“I don’t want anything to happen to you either, which is why I went looking for Jian. Was he able to get the woman to rescind her claim?”
His smile lit up the room, the dimple in his chin deepening. “Yeah, we met with the prosecutor and she says all charges will be dropped. Jian’s taking care of Carla until we can figure out what the hell is going on.”
“Oh, Scott, that’s great,” she said, propelling herself into his arms. They tightened immediately.
“Any idea how I can thank you properly?” His voice waslow and rough.
Running her hands up his chest, she grinned. “Well, there might be a few ways you can doit improperly.”
“Do they include my lips and yours?”
