A Decent Proposal (11 page)

“You're welcome.” She smiled, marveling at the abundance of youthful energy as he kicked the ball nearly to the back fence and ran after it.

“Yeah, thanks,” Burke echoed. “I owe you. Again. It seems my debt to you just keeps growing, a helping-hand tab.”

“No big deal. It's like you said about returning favors. Paying it forward. When my dad needed help, folks were there. It's the Blackwater Lake way.”

“And this town is a great place. But—” He reached over and linked his fingers with hers. “I can't think of anyone I would rather be in debt to.”

Oh, my. The warmth of his hand made her tingle and the heated look in his eyes had her wishing they were alone. This presented her with a dilemma. Her dad knew the truth about them pretending to be an item. Burke knew her dad knew so there was no reason for pretense, no need to act as if they were attracted. Unless they really were attracted.

He was voluntarily holding her hand and looking at her as if he wanted to take her upstairs and ravage her. And she would very much like to be ravaged by Burke Holden.

But...how she hated that word. She also felt a swell of contentment. A peek into what it would be like to have a family of her own.

And that was a problem.

Sex was a purely biological need. But if the physical need became an emotional attachment, then things dipped into dangerous territory.

The conversation with her friend Maggie echoed her father's concerns. Burke didn't live in Blackwater Lake. This was all temporary, with very little chance of working out in the long run. She had to keep her heart out of the equation, keep it from getting crushed.

It had happened once and even though that was a long time ago, a girl didn't ever forget how bad it felt. This was not a good time to remember that distance from Burke was what she needed. Unfortunately she'd just offered him her house as a playground.

* * *

About five minutes after Burke and Liam left Syd was still putting the finishing touches on cleaning up the kitchen. Hamburgers and paper plates didn't make a big mess, but the sink needed a scrub and the granite counters could use a wiping down. She heard the sound of the front door opening and closing, followed by her father walking into the kitchen. He was holding the soccer ball in his hands.

“Don't tell me. This is a clue that you're leaving the family business to train for the women's World Cup.”

“Very funny.” She folded up the dishrag and settled it over the hump between the two sinks. “You just missed Burke and Liam. I invited them over for dinner and got out the ball for the kid. He needed to run around.”

“I see.”

Syd hated when her father said that. It sounded so relaxed, rational and reasonable, but she knew it really meant he didn't see at all. The words didn't quite take on the impact of disapproval because the tone wasn't there. But it was awfully close.

As always happened, those two one-syllable words goaded her into an attempt to change his attitude. “Burke asked me to go with them to look at rental houses. Now that his son is here with him, he'd like to get out of the lodge and into something more family-oriented.”

“How'd that go?” Her dad tucked the ball underneath his arm, then leaned back against the island across from her.

“You know as well as I do that there's very little for lease around here that's decent and available. It was a complete bust.”

“You felt bad and asked them to stay for dinner.”

She shouldn't be surprised that he knew her so well, but somehow she was. “Yeah. Liam needed to let off some steam, get rid of that energy.”

“I see.”

There it was again. That response was starting to make her teeth hurt. She might as well put everything out there, including the standing invitation she'd initiated.

“I told them that any time he needed a yard to play in ours was available.”

“What about the park?” Her father's voice was pleasant, the tone unchanged. His expression gave no clue about what he was thinking.

“I mentioned it.”

Tom nodded thoughtfully. “That's nice of you to offer our yard.”

“But?”

He shook his head. “But nothing. It was a really nice gesture on your part.”

“But...you're wondering why I would do that.”

Instead of confirming, he asked, “How do you feel about Burke?”

“He's a good guy.”

“Romantically,” her father added.

“There is no romantically. I just think he's down-to-earth and fun. I like him.”

“In spite of the fact that he went along with your scheme the first time you met?”

“We already talked about this,” she reminded him.

“Not all of it. I see the looks between you two when you think no one is watching. I know how a man looks when he's got ideas about a woman—”

“Dad.” She held up her hand for him to stop. They'd had this awkward conversation when she was about twelve and that was an experience she didn't want to repeat. “I get your drift. Enough said. There's no need to discuss this.”

“I disagree. You know I'm concerned. Can't help it.” He shrugged. “And I'm not so sure you don't have feelings for the guy.”

“I told you—”

This time he held up a hand to stop her. “You're acting as if I'm going to chase him off. That's not the case.”

She looked at him, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Then what are you trying to say?”

“If you like him, I'm okay with that.”

She wasn't. “Seriously, Dad, I'm not stupid or desperate enough to fall for a guy who isn't staying. And I'm not willing to move to be with him. Blackwater Lake is my home and I love working with you. So, it's settled.”

“Look, honey, I know you got pretty banged-up when Violet and Charlie messed you over. Doesn't matter whether or not they meant for it to happen, it still hurt. And Loretta has told me how deeply a teenage girl can feel the pain and hold on to it.”

“Loretta said that?”

“She did. A very wise woman.” There was a tender expression on his face. “Not that we were talking about you, or anything.”

“Of course not,” she said drily. But it made her feel a little sad that he'd never had the perspective of a close relationship with a woman when she'd been growing up. “Speaking of Loretta, no offense, but why are you home?”

He shrugged and crossed the space between them, then slung his arm across her shoulders. “I guess I wanted to spend some time with my girl.”

“That's nice.” She rested her head on his chest for a moment. “Don't worry about me, Dad. I'm fine. Really.”

“Of course you are.” He sighed. “I guess I just wanted to say that I'm not the best example of getting back on the horse after falling off. And I know that it's hard to do when you've been kicked in the teeth. That sort of thing can shape your life choices.”

“Listen to you being all in touch with your feelings.”

“This is hard enough without you being a smart aleck.” There was a teasing note in his voice. “But seriously, Sydney Marie, do as I say, not as I did. Take a chance. Don't hide from it all.”

“Okay, Dad.”

But that was easier said than done. She'd been keeping herself isolated for a lot of years and wasn't sure that habit could be broken.

Or that she even wanted to.

Chapter Eleven

“D
ad, why can't I go over to Syd's? She said I could go anytime I wanted to run around outside and play ball.” Liam's voice had the beginning of a whine.

Burke had just picked him up from school and they were headed back to the office.

“There are a lot of reasons. First, Syd is working and there's no one at the house to supervise you. Don't even say it.” He knew what was going through the kid's mind. “I can't stay with you. There's work back at the office. And a surprise for you.”

“Me? What is it?” Just like that the whine vanished without a trace.

“If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?”

Burke hadn't said anything about family coming to town. Sloan was here with preliminary drawings for the resort. But Burke's father, who had retired from the company, had announced he was coming along, too. In Burke's experience, the man had a way of not showing up and he'd decided not to say anything to Liam and risk disappointing him. If Walker Holden showed up it
would
be a surprise—for Burke, too. But Sloan had texted that the two of them were driving from the airport and given their estimated time of arrival. That would put them at the office when he got there with Liam.

He could hardly blame the boy for wanting to go to Sydney's house. For Burke, though, it wasn't about the house as much as seeing her in it. Or anywhere else for that matter. She was sunshine and flowers. Just looking at her made him feel good. He'd been to some of the fanciest, most expensive restaurants in the world, but hamburgers and wine on her patio had been one of the best meals he'd ever had.

She was a natural with kids, too. Liam really liked her. It was something they both agreed on and that hadn't happened in a long time.

Burke pulled in to the parking lot of the O'Keefe Technology building. Liam jumped out of the car practically before the engine was shut off. After hitting the lock button, Burke hurried after the boy and caught up with him at the lobby elevator. He checked his phone and read Sloan's text. His cousin and father were waiting in Burke's office.

He and Liam rode up together and when the doors opened, the kid was out like a shot, but this time he didn't take off.

“What's the surprise?” he asked. “A new video game? A dog?”

Lydia, his executive assistant, looked up when she heard the boy's voice. “Hey, Liam. How was school?”

“Hi. Okay. What's my surprise?” He marched up to her desk.

“I'm not at liberty to say.” Her eyes twinkled when she looked at Burke. “But your afternoon appointment is here.”

“Okay. Let's go, son.” He put his hand on the boy's shoulder.

“It's just going to be a boring meeting. Do I hafta stay?”

“I'm afraid so. But I'll try to make it quick.”

He opened his office door and two men occupied the sofa, coffee in front of them on the table. It took a couple of seconds, then Liam dropped his backpack and raced over.

“Uncle Sloan!” Liam knew the man wasn't an uncle, but Cousin Sloan sounded dumb. When the boy was little they'd settled on the title as a gesture of respect.

“Hey, kid.” His cousin grabbed the boy in a bear hug. With Sloan's dark hair and eyes he didn't much look like Burke except for height and body type.

Liam wiggled free and looked at the other man. “Granddad!”

“Hello, Liam.” Walker Holden embraced his grandson with what looked like genuine affection.

Burke couldn't tell. He didn't recall being on the receiving end of warmth from his father. “Hello, Dad. You're looking well.”

The man was about his height and they had the same blue eyes. His father's brown hair was shot with silver. “Burke. It's good to see you.”

He shook the offered hand and made sure his grip was firm enough and eye contact held just the right amount of time. Then he met his cousin's gaze and grinned.

“Sloan.” Burke grabbed him in a quick hug.

“Is this my surprise?” Liam asked.

“Yes. Uncle Sloan is here on business.” He didn't know why his father was there.

“Cool.”

“When I told him there was a surprise waiting for him, he was hoping for a video game or a puppy.” Burke felt a dash of guilt for not addressing his father's presence, but he didn't know why he'd tagged along.

“A dog sounds like a great idea,” Sloan said. “After the meeting we should go to the pet store. This town has one, right?”

Burke shook his head. “I don't know. And it doesn't matter. There's no way we're getting a dog. We're stuck at the lodge for the duration and that's no place for a dog.”

“I bet Sydney would keep a dog for me and I could go visit.” Liam looked up hopefully.

“That's not something I would even ask her to do.” That, Burke thought, was how good she was with kids. Obviously his son trusted her completely.

“Who's Sydney?” Walker asked. “A local contractor?”

“She's awesome,” Liam said. “She and her dad have a garage. She let me watch while she did a tune-up. And I got to hand her tools.”

“So, Sydney is a she?” Sloan got that expression on his face, as if to say there was something going on.

“Sydney McKnight. She's a friend,” Burke explained. “I did her a favor and she returned it. Her uncle runs the county permit office. She told him I'm a nice guy.”

“Clearly her judgment is impaired,” Sloan joked.

“And you like her?” Walker put a hand on his grandson's shoulder.

“She's cool. So is her dad. She cooked hamburgers for me and Dad the other night. Then she let me play with her brother's old soccer ball. It was fun.”

“So, you like it here in Blackwater Lake?” The older man looked as if it really mattered that the boy was happy.

Liam thought for a moment. “I miss Chicago and my house. And Mary. But I have a friend at school now. Todd. His mom is a friend of Syd's.”

And her friend's husband was Syd's old boyfriend. Yet somehow she'd found a way to forgive Violet for the past. It still amazed him. “My son is the only kid in his class who lives in a hotel.”

“Yeah. That part stinks.”

Burke explained that single-family living space was scarce in this town. And rentals were practically nonexistent. The lodge was the best place for visitors to stay. When notified about his cousin's trip with his father, he'd booked rooms right away and fortunately there were vacancies.

“I knew this area was crying for more housing,” Sloan declared. “And I'm anxious to show you the preliminary sketches. They're on your desk.”

“The architect is an award-winning designer and someone I've worked with before,” Walker said. “I'm pleased with what he's done.”

Burke held back the urge to say he'd try not to hold that against the man. “Liam, do you have homework?”

“Some math. And reading.”

“Why don't you go in the other room with Lydia. It will be quieter there.”

“But, I want to hang out with Granddad and Uncle Sloan.”

“That's funny.” Burke looked down at the boy. “A little while ago you didn't want to be here for a boring meeting.”

“That's before I knew it was with them.” He looked at the two and grinned when Sloan winked.

“You'll see them later. Get your homework done and we'll do something fun after.” They stared at each other for several moments in what was becoming a standoff. Finally Burke said, “This is not negotiable. The sooner you get at it, the sooner you can visit.”

“Your father is right, Liam,” Walker said.

Burke was surprised his father had backed him up. The feeling of having the man in his corner was weird and suspicious.

“Okay.” The single word came out of his son's mouth along with a big sigh.

“This won't take long, kid,” Sloan said. “Then I'll spring you.”

“Thanks, Uncle Sloan. 'Bye, Granddad.”

After Liam had left the office Burke asked, “Why are you here, Dad?”

Some emotion flitted through the man's blue eyes. Defensiveness? Guilt? Sadness? It wasn't clear and then the expression was gone. “I wanted to see how Liam was doing. And you.”

Now it was really weird. After his mother died, the man was gone all the time. He'd never shown up much at all, let alone to see how Burke was doing.

“We're fine.”
Wary, skeptical, but otherwise all right,
he thought. “I'm really anxious to see the sketches.”

“Let's do it.” Sloan walked over to the desk and picked up the tube lying on top of it. He opened up one end and shook out the sheaf of papers rolled up inside, then spread them out.

Burke carefully inspected each sketch. There was a condo complex with parking nestled in the mountains near the ski area. A retail multi-use compound with living space above. Restaurants and bars. And all of it was just wrong. It was glass and chrome, modern, cold and impersonal.

He looked at his cousin. “This is an awful monstrosity.”

Sloan's eyes narrowed. “Don't sugarcoat it. Tell us how you really feel.”

“I'm sorry. But all this glass—”

“To showcase the spectacular views of the lake and mountains,” his cousin explained.

“I get that. But there are ways to do it so that a building doesn't look like it was lifted from the skyline of Chicago or New York and plopped down in Montana.”

“I disagree, Burke.” Walker was flipping through the drawings. “When there's snow on the slopes, these structures will blend in.”

“With the ice maybe.” Burke shook his head. “What about the trees? Or when it's spring and the ice has melted?”

“I agree with Uncle Walker. I like where the architect is going with this concept.”

“That's because you live in the city. But what about when you want to get away from it all? If you were from around here, you'd see where
I'm
going with this. The mayor needs to see and approve of these. And she won't. Because the town is going to hate them.”

“Really? The town?” There was sarcasm in Sloan's voice. “I'm sort of surprised you're thinking in terms of what the town will think.”

“That's because you haven't spent time here in Blackwater Lake. This is one of those rare places that takes on a character of its own and that's a reflection of the people here. They're supportive, warm and welcoming.” He pointed to the drawing of the glass-and-metal structure. “Not icy and aloof. The town will hate that,” he said again.

“The town may just have to live with it.”

Syd was part of the town and wouldn't like living with it.

“We need new sketches and a different focus from someone who knows and understands the area.” Burke looked from one man to the other. “Syd's sister-in-law lives locally and is an architect. She used to work for Hart Industries in Dallas.”

“I've heard of them,” Sloan said. “Impressive body of work.”

“Let's give Ellie a chance to come up with something. If the mayor agrees with me. In the meantime, I'll show you around so you can get a feel for what I'm talking about.”

Sloan and his father exchanged glances, then both nodded.

Burke was glad they were open-minded. That was easier than trying to explain the unexplainable. Which was that it wasn't the town's feelings he cared about. Good, bad or indifferent, Sydney McKnight was the one he wanted to please.

* * *

Sydney sat beside Burke and across the table from Liam at the Grizzly Bear Diner. She wasn't sure how this seating arrangement happened; she would have been better off looking at the two Holden men, but Liam sat first. Then she'd slid in on the other side of the booth and Burke joined her. Now their thighs and arms were touching and she expected to spontaneously combust any second.

“So when did your father leave town?” she asked, trying to take her mind off what was happening to her body.

“This morning.”

She'd met his father and cousin at dinner. Burke had called to invite her and warned that his family would be there. She'd been a little nervous. The reaction meant that she cared what Walker and Sloan Holden thought of her, a clear indication that she wasn't indifferent to Burke. But dinner had gone well as far as she could tell.

And tonight at the diner had been fun. As Burke had once predicted, Liam loved the place.

She took the last bite of her salad, chewed and swallowed. “I like your father.”

“Really?” Burke looked skeptical.

“He's very charming.” Meeting Walker had been like looking into the future and seeing how his son would look when he was in his sixties. Still outrageously handsome and incredibly distinguished. “You look a lot like him.”

“No, I don't.”

“Dad, people say that all the time. And that I look like you. Which means I look like Granddad.”

Unlike his father, the younger Holden seemed to have a close relationship with Walker. Syd saw the resemblance between all three.

“Your granddad is a very handsome man. There are a lot worse things than looking like him. And without extensive plastic surgery, there's not much you can do but embrace it and move on.”

“Okay. Consider this moving on.” Burke set his used paper napkin on the empty plate in front of him. “If we're all finished here, I suggest we go down the street to Potter's Ice Cream Parlor for dessert.”

“That's a great idea, Dad.”

Syd smiled at the boy. He was so different from the hostile, unhappy child he'd been just a couple weeks ago after being dragged to Blackwater Lake. Making a friend had helped but couldn't completely explain the transformation. Burke must be doing a lot right, though she suspected he wouldn't see it.

“Earth to Syd—”

“Hmm?” She blinked and looked up at him. “What?”

“How do you feel about ice cream?”