As Darren approached, Heather didn’t wait for him to speak. “Mr. Richards,” she began, her tone polite but clipped. “What brings you back so soon?”
Darren handed her a glossy binder, the grin on his face raising her hackles. “I thought I’d do you the favor of putting my proposal in writing. Seeing as how we got off on the wrong foot yesterday.”
Heather hesitated, glancing down at the binder before looking back up at him. “I already told you I’m not interested in partnerships.”
He didn’t flinch, his confidence unnervingly intact. “I understand you’re protective of what you’ve built here. But you might want to take a closer look before dismissing an opportunity like this.”
Lyle’s voice cut through the conversation before Heather could respond. “Bear Valley’s not exactly keen on outsiders shaking things up.”
Darren turned to see Lyle approaching, his easy stride belying the undercurrent of tension in his shoulders. Heather’s heart unexpectedly leaped at the sight of him, though she quickly masked it.
“Ah, Mr. Watkins,” Darren said, extending a hand with what was clearly an exaggerated air of politeness. “Always good to be neighborly.”
Lyle ignored the hand, tipping his hat instead. “Neighborly is one thing. Pushing your way into places you don’t belong is another.”
Darren didn’t miss a beat, shifting his attention back to Heather as though Lyle’s words had been an inconsequential breeze. “I won’t keep you. Just think it over, Ms. Prescott. With my financial backing and your know-how, we could really turn this business into a gold mine. The offer stands.”
With that, he climbed back into his truck, the engine roaring to life like a predator retreating.
Lyle watched Darren’s truck disappear down the long drive, his jaw clenched and his fists resting loosely on his hips.
“Are you spying on me or something? You don’t need to come running to my rescue every time a vehicle shows up in my driveway, Lyle.”
“I’m not spying. The main road is in clear view of the barn so I can see everyone who drives onto the property. I don’t like the way that guy keeps coming around.”
Heather sighed and ran a hand through her hair. “This is only his second visit.”
“Maybe so. But I don’t think he’s here to play fair. That’s just my gut talking, but my gut’s usually right.” His gaze turned to meet hers. “You need me to step in?”
“Seems like you already did. But for what? I honestly don’t know why he’s interested or what he really wants. I’m just a small operation, and I’ve never indicated that I wanted a partner or wanted to sell.”
“You’re bigger than you think, Heather. Prescott’s Pups’ name is pretty famous in the dog training world.”
“And how would you know that?”
“Google is my friend,” he said with a grin. “And I’m not the only one around here folks gossip about.”
She smiled, secretly flattered that he’d researched her. “Folks should have better things to do than speculate about their neighbors, hmm?”
“You’d think.” He gave her a soft grin.
“I can handle Darren Richards, Lyle,” she said, not unkindly. “I’ve dealt with worse.”
“I’m sure you have.” His voice softened. “And maybe you’ll tell me about that sometime. But handling slick brokers who appear to have ulterior motives doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. You’ve got a whole platoon of military muscle surrounding you. Me in particular. So, you should take me up on my offer.”
Heather’s heart did the tiniest somersault at his words before she quickly shut the feeling down. Staying guarded was safer for everyone. Safer for her. Safer for him. And definitely safer for Charlotte. Heather had been burned by marriage and trusting another relationship, another man, wasn’t something she was prepared to do in the near future.
Maybe never.
No sense creating attachments when someone was bound to get hurt.
"I'll keep that in mind," she replied, her tone leaving plenty unsaid. “Maybe he’ll just give up since I’ve made it clear I’m not interested in whatever he’s offering.”
“We can hope. I’ll have Joe dig a little into the guy’s background. See what he comes up with.”
“Lyle—”
“Can’t hurt to be one step ahead. And Joe’s really good on a computer.”
