Wanted: Tycoon Read online

  Harrison let out a laugh. “No birds for Willa; got it,” he said with a wink. “I’ll make sure any surprise I give you doesn’t have feathers.”

  As they headed inside the aviary, Willa was feeling more comfortable with the idea of marrying Harrison. He wanted to be a good father, and that went a long way with Willa, considering right now her own papa would rather wallow in grief than deal with keeping his family fed. Though their fathers were nothing alike, it sounded as if both had the same root problem: selfishness. Willa was still getting to know Harrison, but one thing she could tell about him was that he wasn’t a selfish man. Between the time she had already spent with him and what he was doing for the town, it was clear he cared about others more than himself. To her, it was the most important attribute a person could have, and she was grateful to see it manifested in Harrison.

  The different birds were singing, chirping, and calling to each other. Harrison was pointing out the different beautiful feathered creatures sitting on various tree branches and telling her what he liked about each one.

  “Are you feeling any better about the birds?” Harrison asked with curiosity as they made their way towards the exit of the aviary.

  “I’m not sure why, but I still feel uneasy about them,” Willa confessed. “It’s almost as if they are plotting to do something awful.”

  “They are said to be very intelligent creatures. I guess anything is possible,” he stated with amusement.

  “Go ahead and tease me, but when they attack, you’ll remember I told you so.”

  Then almost as if on cue, a bird flapped its wings, took off over head. Suddenly a giant drop of greyish white substance landed on Harrison’s left shoulder.

  Willa’s eyes grew wide with disbelief as she pointed to the spot. Harrison turned his head and looked at the bird dropping on his shoulder.

  “I can’t believe that just happened,” Harrison said with shock. “I feel like I got hit by something that was so strong.”

  “Me either, but I think this proves my point. You were just targeted by your feathered friends.”

  “Agreed. I’m firmly joining your anti-bird team.”

  Willa pulled out her handkerchief from her skirt pocket. “Let me try to clean this for you.” She dabbed the edge of his coat, removing the first layer of the substance, but they would need water to get the rest out. Even though she knew it, her hand lingered as their eyes locked. Harrison’s head dipped towards her. She could feel his breath play across her face. Without being able to control it, she inhaled sharply and held her breath as she waited to feel his lips on hers. The anticipation was making Willa quiver, but before his lips touched hers, there was a large shriek.

  Both their eyes darted up to find a large bird swooping down towards them. Willa let out a scream, then turned and rushed towards the exit. She could hear Harrison behind her yelling for her to keep going.

  She slipped through the door with Harrison right on her heels. Once they were outside, Harrison pulled her towards him as he asked, “Are you all right?”

  Willa knew logically it wasn’t as big a deal as it felt, but she couldn’t stop shaking with fear. “I want to be, but that bird terrified me. I told you they’re rotten creatures.”

  “I‘ll have to listen to your warnings more often, Willa,” he said, rubbing her shoulders with his hands. “It seems you know a thing or two. No more birds from now on, you have my word.”

  Willa nodded, before letting herself lean into his frame. Though she didn’t like the reason it happened, it felt good to be sheltered by Harrison’s warm embrace. She didn’t get a kiss this time, but as much as she was enjoying his hug, she knew a kiss would exceed all expectations. It would be a moment worth waiting for.

  One thing Harrison learned while building his business empire, getting the town’s support was key to having the yard be a success. One of the important components in that process was letting the townspeople know he was there to help. The easiest and best way was by having the local newspaper write a feature on him.

  In the beginning, he reached out to the local papers, but as his business grew and his reputation reached further West, they sought him out rather than the other way around.

  Today, he was meeting with Wesley Jensen, the owner and only reporter for the local newspaper, Silverpines Times.

  Harrison had been spending more time with Willa than he originally intended. Since the zoo, he had spent several evenings at the farm having dinner with the family, he had taken her to dinner at the hotel twice, and they had gone for a walk through the fields on multiple occasions.

  Though he enjoyed his time with her, and his affection for her was deepening, Harrison was in Silverpines for business. He needed to make sure he didn’t lose focus of that fact.

  “Good morning, Mr. Holt, I’m Wesley Jensen. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” a tall man with curly auburn hair, a thin matching beard, and hazel eyes said, putting his hand out towards Harrison.

  “Likewise,” Harrison said, taking the extended hand and shaking it firmly.

  “I have a table reserved for us in the back, if you’ll just follow me,” Mr. Jensen directed.

  Once they were settled in at the table across from each other, the waiter showed up and took their drink orders before scurrying off towards the back. Mr. Jensen pulled out a notepad and pencil, he noted the time and date at the top of the paper, before verifying Harrison’s basic background information such as his full name and age.

  “Mr. Holt, many people have been speculating why you came to Silverpines to set up your next brickyard. Some think it’s because of the central location on the West coast, while others think you are here to take advantage of a town in crisis. Why did you decide to build your next brickyard here?”

  “I was just finishing my time with my latest yard in Idaho Falls and knew I needed to look for another location out West. I’ve been expanding my business across the United States, moving along the rail lines from the East to West coast. When Mallet Thorne sent me a letter explaining the town’s situation, I thought setting up my next yard in Silverpines might be a good fit. I could provide additional jobs and make building costs more affordable for the town while being centrally located for the entire West coast.”

  The questions paused for a moment while the server placed two iced teas on the table, then quickly left them alone again. Mr. Jensen immediately resumed his interview. “Did you come here thinking you could get land cheap because of the fire?”

  The line of questions was disturbing. It almost seemed like Mr. Jensen was under the impression that Harrison had indeed come to Silverpines for the wrong reasons. Harrison wanted to clarify that wasn’t the case. “No, I came here because I wanted to help the people of this town. I’m old friends with Braylon Watts, so if I could help him and the town he cares about, I wanted to do what I could. It also seemed like a lucrative venture for all involved, which is a good thing. An influx of money during a crisis can help stabilize things.”

  “But can’t that stabilization be a temporary solution? What happens when you move on to your next project?”

  Harrison forced himself to remain calm and not get defensive. He took a long sip of his iced tea before stating kindly, “I always make sure my brickyards are left in capable hands. I personally pick the foreman and bookkeeper, and regularly check-in via telephone and occasional visits. I take pride in running an impeccable team at each new location I develop.”

  Mr. Jensen nodded his head as he continued to scribble down Harrison’s answers.

  “How does your family’s fortune affect your business dealings? Some have voiced concerns that developing these brickyards is more of a hobby for you—a way to pass the time—while others think you are using it to try to establish your own reputation rather than being tied to your father’s coal-mining business.”

  “I’ve never tried to hide the fact that I used the income from my inheritance to initially start my brickyard business; however, it was only for the first yard
. I used the profit from it to start the next one, and then the profit from both of the first two to start the third yard, and so forth and so on. I currently use most of my inheritance to help charities across the United States and have money set aside for trusts for my future children.”

  Mr. Jensen set down his pencil and folded his arms across his chest. “Off the record, Mr. Holt, I came in here ready to think the worst of you. I’ve met a lot of wealthy elitists who do nothing but throw their money around while trying to make other people feel inferior. You’re not like that at all. Even when I came at you full steam, you handled yourself calmly and professionally. I have to admit, I’m rather impressed by you.”

  “Thank you,” Harrison said with a smile. “Your line of questioning honestly shocked me. Most reporters either treat me with kid gloves, or keep the questions light. You’re the only one that has ever come out and asked questions with real substance.”

  “I take my job seriously, as I can see you do, Mr. Holt.”

  “It seems we have that in common,” Harrison stated with respect.

  Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Harrison saw the determined Mrs. Wallace make her way over to them. Harrison wasn’t looking forward to another round of questions by the woman.

  “What are you doing with Mr. Holt? Are you interviewing him, Mr. Jensen?” Mrs. Wallace inquired, coming to a stop next to their table inside the Silverpines Inn’s restaurant.

  “I am, Mrs. Wallace. We’re right in the middle,” Mr. Jensen explained.

  “Scoops, don’t forget to ask Mr. Holt about the rumors that he’s courting Miss Willa. Everyone in town wants to know if it’s true.”

  Harrison’s eyes darted to Mrs. Wallace. He had to force himself not to give her a dirty look. It was none of her concern what was going on between Willa and himself. He wondered what it would take to get her to leave them alone.

  “I generally keep business interviews to business topics, Mrs. Wallace, though I’m not sure why you’re interjecting yourself into this meeting in the first place,” Mr. Jensen said with irritation.

  “I was simply passing through and thought a bit of personal background and insight as to the whole reason he was in town might be important. It will definitely sell a lot more papers. As a newspaper man, you should know that,” she stated snidely, as if pointing out the obvious.

  “Thank you for your time, Mrs. Wallace, but we really need to be getting back to our interview—alone,” Mr. Jensen declared. Then waiting for her to be out of hearing range, he turned his attention back to Harrison and said, “Sorry about that. Mrs. Wallace is something else.”

  “Oh, I know. I’ve already had an encounter with the formidable woman while I was with Miss Brown last week. She was determined to get us to divulge the nature of our relationship. It seems that hasn’t changed.” Then remembering the nickname, he asked, “By the way, why did she call you ‘Scoops’?”

  Mr. Jensen rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. “It’s the nickname the locals gave me when I first got here. I was voracious in chronicling the events surrounding the development of the mine. I interviewed dozens of people. One of the local men decided that since I was so determined to get the best stories, my nickname should be ‘Scoops.’ Most have stopped using it, but Mrs. Wallace is like a dog with a bone.”

  “Don’t I know it. Apparently, I’m the bone she’s sunk her teeth into at the moment.”

  Mr. Jensen let out a chuckle, causing Harrison to join in.

  “For the record, I think Mrs. Wallace could give you some steep competition. You should think about offering her a part-time job as a reporter,” Harrison stated, half-joking, half-serious. “She’s relentless.”

  “Getting back to our interview, I would be foolish not to follow up on the matter she brought up. I’ve heard you’re in the middle of negotiations with Miss Willa Brown to buy a portion of the Brown farm to build your brickyard here in Silverpines. Is that information correct?”

  “It is true. Miss Brown and I are working on the terms as we speak,” Harrison stated, trying to be as evasive as possible.

  “So, it’s simply business with her? Several people have seen you in a social setting with her from going to the zoo to sitting by her at church. Is there any validity to what Mrs. Wallace said? Are you mixing business with personal matters? Are you indeed courting Miss Brown?”

  Harrison shifted in his seat, unsure how to answer. He didn’t realize that their interactions would be monitored so closely by the entire town, but it seemed people wanted to know. He wasn’t one to lie, so he opted for the truth, at least the most basic version.

  “Yes, I am courting Miss Brown. We’ve been spending the past couple of weeks getting to know each other.”

  “Can I print that?” Mr. Jensen asked.

  “I don’t see why not? It’s not something I’m hiding.”

  “I think I have enough for a great story,” Mr. Jensen stated, putting away his notepad and pencil into his suit jacket. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Holt.”

  “You’re welcome,” Harrison said, grateful that the interview was finally over. “I hope this helps everyone see I’m in Silverpines for the right reasons.”

  Chapter Eight

  Willa tried to control the giddiness she felt inside, but every time she did, it came bubbling up to the surface. She didn’t know how it happened, but she was smitten with Harrison Holt.

  They had been spending a lot of time together, seeing each other every day with their activities, including having dinner at her home as well as in town, taking walks together, and sitting with each other at church. A closeness had developed between them quicker than she had expected, and she was looking forward to what the night would bring.

  With a final glance in the mirror, Willa approved her appearance. The green, velvet dress with gold and brown accents was tailored to her perfectly. It had been the last dress she made in Rockwood Springs, and though the detailing on it was exquisite and made it worth a tidy sum, she hadn’t been able to part with it. As she looked at herself in it now, she was grateful for the decision to keep it. She hoped it would give Harrison the extra push to finally kiss her. She had been pining and desperately waiting for him to show there was more between them than just friendship.

  “You look beautiful, Willa,” her grandma said, watching her from the door of their bedroom. “That young Mr. Holt won’t be able to keep his eyes off of you.”

  The older woman made her way over to Willa’s side and touched the edge of the velvet bodice. “Your Aunt Judy did a wonderful job teaching you how to sew. I was never this good at it myself. My son did mighty well, marrying her.”

  “He did. Not only is she a wonderful seamstress, but a kind woman. I wish you could have made the trip out with me to meet her and your grandsons.”

  “I’m just too old to travel now, Willa. Enjoy your youth while you have it. One day, you wake up, your bones are brittle, and you can barely walk.” She patted her granddaughter’s back as she added, “I think that’s why this Mr. Holt is good for you. Not only is he a good man, but he can provide you with the means to travel to see the world. You should take advantage of that and enjoy your first couple of years of marriage.”

  Willa shrugged and avoided making eye contact. “I think you’re making a lot of assumptions, Grandma. Who says we’ll get married? We’ve been spending time together, but no engagement has been announced.”

  “It’s obvious you’re headed in that direction. That man looks at you like you’re the only woman in the world. There’s no doubt he cares for you, Willa.”

  Could that be true? If that were the case, it would change everything. She could open her heart fully knowing the feelings weren’t one-sided, but was caring the same as being in love? Could she survive in a marriage where her husband cared for her, but it never went beyond that? She wasn’t sure.

  There was a knock at the door and a few moments later, she heard Arthur shout down the hall, “Willa your beau is here.”


  Immediately, Willa felt her cheeks turn red. Leave it to her brother to embarrass her. She made her way down the hall, and as she came into view, she saw Harrison, looking as handsome as ever with his slicked-back black hair, piercing blue eyes, and tailored navy blue suit.

  “You look gorgeous,” Harrison said with an approving grin. “Green looks wonderful on you.”

  “Thank you,” she said, returning the smile. “You look dashing yourself.”

  “Let’s get going. Braylon and Tonya are waiting for us at the inn,” Harrison explained as he reached out and took her hand, pulling her through the door and towards the waiting carriage.

  “You know we could’ve walked there,” Willa pointed out. “It’s a beautiful night.”

  “And take a chance at ruining that stunning dress? Not a chance.”

  “Do you really like it?” Willa said, stopping and putting her hands on both sides of the lace and tulle fabric of her skirt, spreading it out for him to examine in more detail.

  “I do. Once we’re married, you must have a dozen more made by the same dressmaker, if they’re still available.”

  “I can assure you, she is,” she said with a teasing smile.

  “Why is that? I would imagine with that level of skill, they would have a waiting list a mile long. Of course, I don’t mind paying a premium to keep my future wife happy, so if I need to pay extra to get you as many as you like, I will.”

  She let out a small laugh with a shake of her head. “No, it has nothing to do with a list. It won’t be an issue because I designed and made this dress.”

  “You did?” he asked with incredulousness. “My, my, aren’t you just full of surprises? I had no idea you had this much talent hidden behind that pretty face.”

  The blush returned and Willa shrugged. “Before everything went wrong with the farm, I was being taught by my aunt. She’s a famous dressmaker in Texas. I hadn’t gotten as far as I would have liked, but she said I was a quick study. This was the last dress I made before I returned to Silverpines.”