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 offa 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, Heatherreached for it.
“Using your money toinfluence 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 tohave 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 mycar 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.
