We all laughed. Liv shut her notebook. “It’s almost done, Bentley. I’ll make sure it’s complete.”
“I know you will,” he said, looking pleased. “That’s why the two of you are my best team.”
I had to agree. We were a good team.
He smirked, crossing his leg and leaning back in his chair as he turned his attention back to me. “I know you’re dying to see what these places look like, Van, and you’d love the challenge of a different type of project.”
I had to laugh. Bentley knew me too well.
“If Jordan finds me the men, I’ll make sure it happens. They can gut and build, Liv will design, and I’ll handle the finishes and oversee the project.” I regarded him steadily. “I’ll need help, though. I can’t do it all on my own. This is gonna cost you, Bent. This is a specialized field.”
“It’ll be worth every penny. You know someone, right?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Then get them. The project will net us millions.” Bentley looked around the table. “So we’re all on the same page?”
Jordan shut his laptop. “I’ll send it out for tender and get the bodies we need.” He stood. “In fact, I’ll go start, if you’re done with me, Bentley?”
“Thanks, Jordan. Keep me apprised.”
“Yep.”
He strode from the room, stopping to hold the door open for Sandy. She entered with her arms filled with files and set them on the table.
“The Niagara project. Here is all the documentation on it and the long list of guidelines for building since it’s in a protected area. Once you’ve checked it out, Jordan can start procuring all the proper permits.”
Sandy winked at me. “A little something to do in your downtime, Van. Between flipping houses, custom woodwork, overseeing crews, and a couple of hours a sleep a night, you should be able to fit this in, correct?”
I chuckled at her drollness. She was the glue of BAM. She knew everyone by name, their lives, their families, and always made a point to ask after them. She was the right hand to the partners, oversaw all the staff, worked closely with HR, and was everyone’s favorite person. She never forgot a birthday, made sure all special occasions were marked, and handled a thousand and one details with the ease of a general. I knew how much the guys depended on her.
“I can forgo the sleep, I suppose. A nap at my desk should suffice.”
She rolled her eyes. “That’s the spirit.”
Reid strolled in, his laptop tucked under his arm. His smirk was wide, his hair, as usual, looking as if he’d run his hands through it repeatedly. As he went by Sandy, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Thanks for the sandwich. I forgot to eat again.”
She shook her head, looking at him fondly. “I told Becca I would look after you while she was visiting her dad. Just because your wife is away for a week, you don’t have to slip back into your old routines,” she chided him.
“I do when Bentley sends me new projects he wants handled ASAP.”
Sandy peered at Bentley over the rim of her glasses. “You need to peddle it back, young man.”
Her words amused everyone. Bentley had no idea how to “peddle it back.” He was on fire lately with projects and deals. Knowing him the way I did, I knew it was because his wife, Emmy, was only days away from giving birth. He was overprotective and tense, so, like me, he slept very little and used work to occupy his mind.
BAM was overflowing with acquisitions and projects.
He glanced at his phone. “Soon,” he mumbled.
Sandy patted his shoulder and left the room.
Reid opened his laptop. “Okay, so you want this new project all wired up?”
Bentley was frowning at something on his phone, so Aiden spoke. “Yeah, Reid. Work with Liv and Van. This place is old-school—it still has hardwired jacks in all the units. Bring it into the twenty-first century, technology-wise.”
Reid looked excited. “Awesome. I’ll build it, and they will come.”
I chuckled.
Aiden stood. “We can discuss it between us and Liv. We’ll do a site visit so we can see what we’re dealing with later today, if that works for everyone.”
I was excited to see the buildings. We all agreed on a time, then Aiden and Reid left, talking about various ideas.
Bentley set down his phone. “Okay. Now the Niagara project.” He smirked. “I know we have a lot going on, and this one is going to take a while. The cabin is in a protected part of the Niagara Peninsula, so we have special permits and guidelines to adhere to. I’d like to drive up and look around, see what’s there, and then come up with a strategy. I don’t plan on starting on it until spring. Jordan tells me the permit process is slow with the conservation people.”
“It is, but if we’re aware and plan accordingly, they are usually cooperative. But I suggest we have Plan B as well.”
“Great, then we’ll plan and make sure it is all within their guidelines. Have a backup, and we’ll go from there.” He picked up his phone. “What day works for you two? I want as early as possible in the week. It’s about a ninety-minute drive each way, and we’ll need a couple of hours I assume? I’m sticking close to home, in case…” His voice trailed off, and he cleared his throat. “For Emmy.”
I smiled as I glanced at my calendar. Liv spoke.
“Whatever is good for you, Bentley. Van and I can adjust our schedules,” she assured him. “First babies are often late.”
He tugged on his sleeves. “So her doctor assures me. He also has told me she is in perfect health, but I prefer to be close—although it seems our daughter is in no hurry to arrive.”
“Understandable,” she agreed. “How about Tuesday?”
“That works. We’ll leave early? Is it doable for you, Liv?”
She jotted down notes quickly. She was conscientious and admittedly forgetful at times. I recalled her confession of relying on her calendar a lot. “Yes. My mom can take Sammy to day care for me and pick her up if needed. Mom is going away to see her sister soon, so Tuesday works.”
“Once the day care here is open, Sammy can come to work with you,” Bentley pointed out, raising one eyebrow. “It’s going to be free to the staff.”
Liv lifted her shoulder. “Sammy’s been at this place since she could walk, Bentley. There’re lots of kids her age, and it’s right by my place and close to my mom. She’s going to school next year, so I don’t want to take her out of her routine.”
He pursed his lips.
“I’ll bring her on occasion if there is a problem. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the offer,” she stated gently. “But it’s the best for her.”
“I understand. Maybe your next one.”
Liv didn’t say anything, and I shifted in my seat, suddenly uncomfortable.
Bentley stood, letting us know the conversation was done.
“Okay, we’ll pick you up at your place, and we’ll head out. You good with that, Van?”
“Why don’t I drive? The place has been empty for a while, and the road is bound to be overgrown. The truck can handle it better than one of your fancy cars. Plus, I can have some tools with me.”
He acquiesced fast. “That works.”
I stood, waiting for Liv to join me. “Okay, Tuesday it is. We’ll see you at the site later?”
He shook our hands. “Yes. And thanks. As usual, you are both amazing.”
We walked down the hall, Liv in front of me. I liked watching her walk—the gentle sway of her hips, and the way the light reflected off her hair. It was up again today, but I knew how soft it was when she let the waves loose. I remembered the way she felt in my arms. How she tasted. Smelled. Sounded. Her loose clothing hid her from the world, but I had felt her curves and knew what was underneath the material. I cleared my throat.
“Could I speak to you for a moment?”
She glanced back at me, her eyes worried. “Now?”
From the moment I saw her this morning, I had wanted to be alone with her. She had been on my
mind since I left her place two evenings prior. Yesterday had been crazy with meetings and plans, and I had debated all evening about calling her, wondering if it would be crossing a line. I was determined to clear up some of the rules and talk to her today.
“Yes, now.”
Jordan passed us in the hall. “Heading for caffeine and sustenance. Can I grab you the usual?”
“Sure. I’d appreciate it. Liv, you want something?”
She shook her head. “No, I’m good.”
Jordan grinned. “Your loss. I’ve been smelling the Danishes baking all morning. I can’t resist anymore.”
He passed us, and I reached out, tugging Liv into my office. I shut the door and, without hesitation, spun her in my arms. I covered her mouth with mine, kissing her deeply. She wound her hands into my hair, gripping the strands hard and kissing me back with equal vigor. I yanked her tight, taking advantage of her willingness. I needed to kiss her as long as possible, and I hoped the café was busy. I wanted Jordan absent for a long time.
Except Liv pushed away, her eyes wide. “Van,” she gasped softly. “We can’t.”
“Oh, we can,” I disagreed. “Maybe we shouldn’t, but I had to. I’ve had to kiss you since I left you the other night.”
She traced my lips with her finger, the digit shaking as it touched my mouth. I kissed the tip and stepped back regretfully. “Are you all right?”
She nodded, looking shy. “I wanted you to kiss me too,” she admitted.
“Good.”
“But the office…”
I held up my hand. “I know. I get it, and I’ll try to rein myself in. You simply looked too pretty not to kiss today.”
She grinned at my words.
“I wanted to call you last night,” I confessed. “I didn’t know if I should or not. I’m not sure what the rules are between us.”
She leaned on the edge of my desk, her arms crossed. “I don’t know either, Van. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the concept of you.”
“The concept of me?” I repeated.
“Of you. Of us.”
“I like the sound of us.”
“I like the sound of it too, but it’s still a scary one.”
“As long as you’re willing to try, I’m willing to take it slow. Tell me what you need, Liv.”
“Just some time.”
“But I can see you? Spend some time with you and Mouse?”
“Yes.”
“Can I call you?”
“Anytime.”
I reached behind me and opened the door. Jordan would wonder why I had shut it. I crossed the room and stood in front of Liv. “Then we’ll start there.” I reached out and traced her cheekbone. “I can be patient.”
She leaned into my caress, her eyes drifting shut. It took everything in me not to sweep her into my arms and kiss her again.
I heard Jordan’s footsteps, and I stepped back. “Can I drive you to the site this afternoon? Maybe we can have coffee afterward?”
“Sure.”
Jordan walked in, his hands full. Liv and I were standing far enough apart it looked as though we were discussing something business-related.
“I got you a coffee, Liv.”
She eyed the box in his hands. “How many Danish did you get?”
He snickered. “A lot. They’re still warm.” He flipped open the lid. “How can you resist?”
Liv reached into the box, but her eyes were on me when she answered. “I can’t, it seems.”
I snagged one for myself with a grin. “Nope. Resistance is futile.”
Liv bit into the pastry. “So I’m discovering.”
I hid my smile.
“These are wonderful!” Liv gushed as we walked through an empty unit. “The woodwork and detail are exquisite.”
I ran my hand along a chair rail. “They are.”
“Some of the units are in bad shape. Can you match the trims and colors?” Bentley inquired.
“I can. It’ll take some work, but I can do it.” I bent down and picked up a loose piece of trim. “There’s a company that can analyze the stain so it can be matched. There is another that can replicate the cuts.”
“Excellent,” Bentley stated.
“I’ll have to figure it out place by place. If it’s bad enough, it might be cheaper to tear it out and replace rather than piece it together.”
“Whatever you need.”
Liv was busy with her sketchbook. She was enthralled as she walked around, eyeing up the layout and planning. Maddox had joined us, and the two of them were in a discussion about costs. He was a brilliant numbers man, and I knew he, no doubt, already had mapped out budgets.
Bentley was correct. The structure was sound, the apartments a good size, but all in need of updating. He had found a hidden treasure. It needed some polishing, but once complete, it would be a goldmine. Maddox would be pleased.
“What about outside?”
Jordan spoke. “We’ll sandblast and clean. New windows and doors, fresh trim, and that’s all they need. Because the entire road is private, we’ll spruce it up. Liv suggested cobblestone, some benches—play up the uniqueness of it.”
“The parking area needs some attention.”
“Already on the list.”
“Then I’d say we’re already in good shape.”
Jordan agreed. “I’ll send you the tenders to look over. Once you and Bentley approve, I’ll send them out. I’m thinking two different crews—one for the inside, one for the outside. We can get it done faster, and the cost will even out since we can finish quicker. As our projects wind down, we can bring our own people to finish up.”
“That works.”
He turned and went over to talk to Reid who was like a kid in a candy store. The place was a time warp, and he was excited about what he could do to bring it up to his technological standards.
Bentley crossed his arms, looking pleased. “So you’re playing this weekend?”
“Yeah, Friday and Saturday.”
He nodded. “What time are you on?”
“Two sets Friday—nine and eleven. One Saturday at ten.”
Aiden looked over at me, grinning. “A bunch of us are coming from the office on Friday.”
“I appreciate the support.”
“Emmy wants to come on Friday.” Bentley chuckled. “If she’s still awake, we’ll be there. Usually, she’s out by eight thirty, but she says she’s having an extra-long nap. She loves coming to see you.”
I smiled at his words and the tone of his voice. He was a doting husband—protective and caring—very different from the no-nonsense businessman most people knew him as.
“I’ve already reserved a couple of tables in the corner, away from the bar. If she can come, she’ll be away from the rowdies.”
Bentley slapped my shoulder. “Thanks.”
Jordan and Reid joined us. “I’m looking forward to Friday,” Reid said. “Becca will come with me —she gets home in the afternoon.”
Maddox and Liv strolled over. “Dee and I will be there. You coming, Liv?”
She briefly met my eyes. “Yes. I’ll be there on Friday.”
I grinned. I always enjoyed playing, but suddenly Friday night seemed more exciting.
Liv would be there.
Van
The club was packed, the crowd ready for us. We had been playing together so long, our gigs were smooth and easy. We changed up songs and sets, but we all knew the music. Most of the songs, I wrote. But together, we made the sound come alive.
The tables I had reserved were full, plus a few others had additional people from the office scattered around the club. Liv sat next to Becca, sipping a glass of wine. She wore her hair down tonight, her outfit more tailored than usual. It showed off her full, high breasts without being too much. She was classy and beautiful.
And every time our eyes met, she smiled.
Midway through the set, I took the mic, strumming my guitar as I looked over the crowd.
“
We’re happy to see you all tonight. Lots of regulars. Aren’t you sick of us yet?”
The whoops and hollers made us happy. We had a great following and we all enjoyed performing. That was where it ended for all of us. But it was a huge part of our lives, and we loved playing as much as they enjoyed listening. I hoped it wouldn’t change for a long time.
“I’ve got a new song I thought I’d share.” I found Liv’s golden eyes in the crowd. “This one came to me late one night and wouldn’t leave until I finished it. It’s called ‘Smile for Me.’”
As I expected, Liv looked down, her smile hidden. But I saw it, and I knew it was for me.
The room grew silent as I played and sang. It was rare I took center stage, but this song was personal for me. Inspired by Liv, the way she made me feel and how I loved her smile, it flowed out of me. I let every emotion I was feeling saturate the words, the simplicity of the song rich with emotion. I sang of the fear of love, the loneliness of life, and finding unexpected happiness in the smile of a beautiful woman. As the last notes faded, I rested my hand on the neck of my guitar, bowed my head, and waited. The place burst into applause, hands slapping tabletops, and feet stomping on the floor in appreciation. I lifted my hand in gratitude and stood.
“Thanks. We’re grateful for the support. We’ve got a short break, then we’ll be back. Be sure to tip the waitstaff—they deserve it.”
I stepped from the stage, joining my friends and coworkers. Emmy leaned forward, tears in her eyes.
“You were amazing! That song—it’s-it’s beautiful.”
“Thanks,” I replied, concerned. “Are you okay?”
“Pregnancy hormones,” she sniffed. “It happens all the time.”
Bentley wrapped an arm around her shoulders, kissing her head with a tender expression. “Yes, it does. But it was a great song.”
Cami beamed at me. “It was one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard.” She hunched closer. “Who did you write it for?”
“An image in my mind,” I bluffed. “An idea—a wish, if you will. I was in a good frame of mind, and it came to me.”
She looked skeptical. “It was so lovely. Whoever it was for should be shouting it from the rooftops.”
Van: Vested Interest #5 Page 6