Page 62 of The Estate
“It’s just not a viable option,” she replied.
“You lost me there.”
“I can’t present the distillery in my report,” Rachel replied, her annoyance clear.
“Why ever not?” Jess demanded.
“It’s not what the client wants,” she replied sharply. “My marching orders from my clients and my boss are clear. Theywant market breakdowns and projections on the three options they’re considering. That is my directive.”
“That’s crap.” Jess snorted.
Rachel struggled, knowing she should defend the position because that was her job and her responsibility, but when Jess was right, she was right. “Yeah,” she finally agreed. “It is crap.”
She was about to add more, but she spotted Cal making his way over to them. “Please, Jess,” she asked. “Don’t mention anything about the plan or the distillery, okay? I’ll figure out a way to mention it. I just don’t want to do that tonight.”
“Sure,” Jess said, catching sight of Cal. “I won’t say anything about that. But I will say, holy hotness! You didn’t tell me he was so attractive!”
“Shhhh,” Rachel hissed, her face flushing red. She hadn’t mentioned it because she knew her sister would read into it. Glancing over at Jess, she noticed her older sister examining her. Rachel’s cheeks felt like they were on fire.
“You like him,” Jess said with obvious glee.
“I work with him,” Rachel retorted. “Now, drop it,” she whispered as Cal reached them.
“Hello ladies,” Cal said.
Rachel watched as his gaze roamed across her. For a moment she thought she saw desire flash in his eyes, but she convinced herself it was wishful thinking. She was relieved, but also disappointed when he shifted his attention to Jess.
“And you must be the infamous, Jess.” He shook her hand, his smile warm. “I’m very grateful for you saving my bacon on more than one occasion.”
Jess laughed. “My pleasure. This is quite the setup you have here.” She tilted her head toward the ballroom.
“Thank you,” he replied, looking around with pride. “Why don’t I finish giving you the tour, and afterward we can grab some dinner.”
Jess turned to Rachel, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
“That’s perfect, Cal.” Rachel added with a smile. Her sister’s enjoyment was just infectious.
Before they’d even taken a few steps, Jess started rapid firing questions to Cal about the event, rental versus ownership on event supplies, the historical significance of the property, even lighting choices in the ballroom.
Seeing the shock on Cal’s face, Rachel laughed. She doubted Cal was prepared enough for a thorough Jess interrogation. Her sister was nothing if not passionate. And it raised her spirits to see Jess come alive again.
Chapter Twenty
But What About That Kiss?
Cal sat back and watched the two sisters argue about the best fall-themed drinks. After the tour of the estate, the three of them had driven to a nearby restaurant to have dinner. Cal had been surprised at first by all of Jess’s questions but had quickly come to enjoy talking with Rachel’s sister. She was just as sharp and intelligent as Rachel.
He laughed as Jess wagged a finger at her sister. He had no idea how they’d gotten on the topic of themed drinks, but seeing their banter stirred something deep within him. He wished he had this kind of relationship with his brother, or any member of his family, really. Grandma and Pops were really the only people in his life who enjoyed this type of relaxed and affectionate relationship. His parents were always so unyielding.
Rachel was pretty serious most of the time, so Jess’s upfront humor caught him off guard. But it was clear that the two women shared the same sharp intelligence and insight. Jess made insightful comments about the estate and event management and even suggested marketing ideas.
Although he enjoyed chatting with Jess tonight, his attention inevitably drifted back to Rachel. Working with her was wonderful, if challenging at times, but he always looked forward to seeing her. Lately, the time they spent talking about things other than the project had become his favorite thing to do. It was if the more they spoke, the more consumed he became withknowing her, spending time with her, learning what made her tick.
Tonight she was engaged in the conversation and seemed happy, but he could tell something was off. Her shoulders carried a little extra tension and occasionally, he’d caught her looking sad. Whatever was troubling her, she was trying hard to mask it.
He just prayed she wasn’t upset about that kiss she’d laid on him. Granted, he wasn’t sure entirely what he thought about it, but ‘sad’ was never in the running. In fact, he’d replayed that moment with her far too often. Each time playing out different endings. If he’d really kissed her back like he’d wanted to, would she have bolted? What if he allowed himself to touch her? To feel her smooth skin beneath his hand? Or draw her close, holding her to him as he tasted her completely?
Cal mentally kicked himself. He wasn’t sure if their kiss was a good idea or not, but he certainly didn’t want her to regret it. It had rocked his world and nothing that good should be something either of them regretted. That he wanted to do it again… well, that was another issue. He needed to find some time to get her alone so they could discuss things.
