For a moment Scott was nonplussed. Then he recalled the huge bloke who’d come out when Sam tackled the robber. Christ, no wonder his old man was so manic in his office. If there was one thing his dad hated more than people who didn’t do what he wanted, it was men who were bigger than him. “I’m so sorry.”
“You should be sorry, your dad’s a legit nutcase.”
Nicole prodded her sister. “Tabby!”
“What? He said I threw a cat at him!”
“I know, but you still shouldn’t say things like that!”
Scott stared at the youngest DaSilva. “You didn’t, uh, throw a cat at him, did you?”
“No! Midnight was sitting on my shoulder and she launched herself at him of her own free will!”
“Of course.” Privately, Scott wouldn’t have cared if Tabbyhadthrown a cat at his father. It sounded like the old bastard deserved it. “Again, I’m very sorry about what happened. I’ll speak with my father and make sure he knows not to bother you again.”
Nicole nodded. “That would be good. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Figuring he’d better make a clean break of things, Scott pulled the folder his father had given him from his satchel. “I completely understand if you want nothing more to do with him or myself, but I should tell you, my father sent me here because he’s raised the offer on your property from three to four million—”
“What thefuck!”
Startled, Scott saw Tabby was gripping her face with both hands—hands that had orange kittens tattooed on the backs of them.
“What the fuck?” she repeated. “Four million fucking dollars? Why has no one told me about this?”
“Because it’s none of your business!” Nicole took the folder Scott was holding out. “I’ll look over this and talk to Sam, but I don’t think—”
“What’s happening here?” The big guy, Noah, had appeared in the doorway. His jaw was clenched and his tattooed hands balled into fists—he was clearly ready to threaten someone else if they needed it. Scott opened his mouth to say this was decidedly not the case but Nicole whirled around to face him. “Everything’s fine! Just go back to work!”
Noah frowned her, a wrinkle creasing the space between his brows.
“Please,” Nicole added, a blush spreading over her cheeks.
Could anyone else feel the cavalcade of sexual tension bubbling up between them? Tabby clearly couldn’t because she ran up to Noah and elbowed him in the side. “Hear the news, big guy? We could get four million bucks for selling this place. When Sam hears, she is gonna fuckingdie.”
“Don’t be so silly,” Nicole said, turning away from Noah and putting a pale hand to her cheek.
“Who wouldn’t be dramatic for four million bucks?” Tabby elbowed Noah. “I bet even you would freak out for four million bucks.”
Noah gave her a neutral look that said he wouldn’t freak out for any amount of money.
“Whatever,” Tabby said. “Ooh, also this is our old neighbor, Scott.”
Noah turned and gazed unblinkingly at him. “What are you still doing in Melbourne?”
“Mr Newcomb,” Nicole scolded.
Noah didn’t take his eyes from Scott’s. “He told Sam he was just here for a visit.”
“Ooh yeah,” Tabby chipped in. “What gives? Did you come back to pledge your undying love to Sammy?”
“No.” Scott felt his cheeks grow hot. “I, uh, had a change of plans. My job’s been transferred here.”
Tabby let out a low whistle. “Wait till Sam hears about this. She is going toshit.”
She didn’t sound as though she meant this as a good thing. God, he needed to get out of here. “Okay, well, you’ve got the folder and I’ve included my card if you’d like to discuss the offer on your house again. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.”
“That sounds good,” Nicole said. “I’ll look over the folder and let you know. It was good to see you, Scott.”