“Actually he had more than you’d think. Some were used as fronts for other things. Tony Pascucci has been busy cleaning many of them up. He would have paid the taxes on the mill if it had been for any profitablelegal reason.”
“Pascucci? He’s the one who killedVictor, right?”
“Saved our lives.” Jack moved toward the truck. “I’ll pay him a visit. I’m curious now how your troubles came back to Cabrini.”
After starting the truck and putting it in gear, Scott maneuvered onto the road. “It must be hard to hear Cabrini’s name again.”
“He’s dead.” The gravel in Jack’s tone wasn’t fooling anyone that it didn’t affect him.
“Doesn’t get rid of the years you lost because of him.”
“No, it doesn’t. But I’m trying to get past all that and make every second I have with Callie and Jonathan count.” Looking anxiously at him, Jack said, “Don’t mention any of this to Callie yet. I don’t wanther to worry.”
“I won’t say anything to Callie but I need to let Heather know. I’m not sure she’ll keep that information to herself. Callie’s her best friend. They don’t keep secrets from each other.”
Chuckling, Jack said, “Yeah, which brings me to my question of what’s been going on with you and Heather? I’ve heard your name bantered about when the two women think I’mnot listening.”
“We’re business partners who keep running intoshit problems.”
“And that’s it? Because I’m pretty sure I overheard the phrase ‘makes my panties drip’ a few weeks ago. Unless she’s talking about some other guy.”
Seriously, Heather thought that of him? God, he hoped it was him.
“By the smirk on your face, I’m thinking you’re cool with that.”
“Let’s just say I wouldn’t mind getting in there to check it out.” Biting his lip, he tried to get rid of the grin. Jack’s next wordsdid it for him.
“Remember she’s my wife’s best friend. And we owe her a lot. She kept our secret for years and helped Callie more than I can ever repay. I don’twant her hurt.”
“I’d never hurt her. I care about her too. I know what she’s done for you and your family. But she’s also a grown woman who can make decisions on her own.”
“Fair enough.”
They drove in silence for a while, Jack busy on his phone. Getting information on Cabrini’s involvement in this whole fiasco?
As he got on the highway, Scott’s mind turned to the date he and Heather had gone on a few days ago. Nice, quiet restaurant. She’d worn a sweet little number that got his blood pressure in the danger zone. Her high heels had his head spinning, making her almost as tall as him. Putting her mouth at the same level ashis. Dangerous.
He’d even changed out of his work pants and boots and donned a tie. One apparently he’d worn to Callie and Jack’s wedding. He only owned a few. Maybe he’d need to purchase a few more. Right? When the hell would heever wear them?
The conversation had flowed well and the sexual interplay had been there, but only as an undercurrent. He hadn’t wanted to push her. It was nice to see her in this different light. Although when he’d dropped her off, they’d sat in her driveway and made out like horny high school kids, fogging up the windows. God, he’d wanted to take her right there in his truck but figured her neighbors might object if his bare ass pressed against the window as he pumped into her. His mind had gone through all sorts of possible scenarios. All of them with him buried deep inside her.
When they’d finally broken apart and he’d walked her up to her door, she’d been quiet. Like she was torn as to whether she should invite him in. Her actions in the truck made him think she’d welcome it, but her wide eyes had seemed confused. He’d let her call the shots. No way was he going to push his way inside and make the decision for her. Though he figured if he’d said even the tiniest word of wanting to come in, she wouldn’t have said no.
“Thanks for a great time tonight” had been all she’d managed then kissed him before she slipped inside her door. Standing there for a few moments, he knew it was good she’d made the decision. If it was up to him, he wouldn’t have had the control. She was damn potent stuff.
* * * *
“Scott, what are you doing here?”
Scott stood in front of Heather’s door, typical work clothes in place. Those damn Carhartts she found so freakin’ sexy and the snug T-shirt that showed off his well-honed muscles. It was Sunday. Didn’t he take the weekends off?
“I got some information when Jack and I visited the guy who supposedly owned the building before us. I wanted to share it with you.”
“I had a friend do a little digging too,” she answered, standing backto let him in.
“Are you working today?” he asked, staring at her slim skirt and tailored blouse.
“I had a showing this morning but I’m off for the rest of the day.”
