Page 16 of Lochlan

“I know,” she says, uncertainty in her eyes.

I'm afraid I'm the one who put that doubt there. As much as I try, I can't stop overreacting to her, because she reminds me of another dark-haired beauty.

“It's something I do when things go wrong because I'm the cause. I overcompensate.”

I cross my arms and lean against the sink. “First days can be hard. Are you feeling more confident today?”

She tilts her head to peer at me. Her eyes narrow a bit, maybe to contemplate the question. Instead of answering, she moves directly in front of me, concentrating on my face. I think she might kiss me, she's that close. We're locked in a moment where we're waiting for one of us to make a move.

Before it becomes awkward, Kenzie pivots to pull a paper towel from the dispenser. “There's chocolate on your cheek. I'll just get it for you.”

I study her face while she touches the corner of my mouth. The pink, plump lips that captured my attention yesterday when we met are parted slightly as she works. She's wearing makeup, smudges of deep gold color on her eyelids, and her dark-brown eyes outlined in black appear even larger. There's a sweetness that clings to her skin like notes of floral honey, with the musk of her true scent underneath.

After she wipes the chocolate from my face, she holds up the paper marked by dark icing. “We can't have you greeting customers like this.” Her gaze lingers on my lips with a strong invitation. She's tempting enough. I would give her a tumble if she was a woman who met all my requirements, but I'll not invite a sexual harassment complaint.

I stare back at her with no expression. She's not backing away. “Lass, if this is a seduction, your efforts are wasted on me.”

Her lips form a tight frown. She's irritated with my rejection, but not deterred. “What's your type?” Kenzie asks with a voice husky with temptation.

She's forcing me to be unkind. “Anyone who isn't you.” That came out flat and without a thought.

She realizes the pass missed its mark. I haven't budged from this spot or attempted to touch her. This scene was planned, or some version, but why? She couldn't plan the chocolate on my face; that was an unexpected opportunity.

My gut says leave, then I remember Geordie said that I need to get to know her and find out what ties she has to the network. The network is not an ominous entity. They haven't formed some illegal operation. It's just a support system that's been around since the first Scots settled here. They formed it to help Scottish people get a leg up and access resources we might not know about. “Layla says you're an athlete.”

Her eyes flash with hope that she hasn't failed completely. “Yeah, I'm a volleyball player.”

“I didn't know it was a career.”

“There's money for winning, sponsorship to support playing. I was in the volleyball program at Berkeley and majored in business. I have a business degree.”

“Hey, Kenzie... Oh hi, Lochlan.” The smile turns to a frown when Connell sees me. “I was told there were donuts in the breakroom. Are they for everyone?” he asks, moving toward the box.

Kenzie responds, without taking her gaze from me. “I brought them; help yourself.”

“Thanks. I was wondering where I could get something to eat before I started my shift.” Connell scoops up a large fritter and takes a bite, then realizes that Kenzie and I are still locked in a staring contest. He swallows hard. “Did I miss a meeting?”

“No, no meeting. We were just talking.” My gaze goes to Connell. “I'll expect both of you to be in the tasting room in about fifteen minutes.” I push away from the sink. “Connell, how are you on the agriculture side of the business?”

“I lived on a farm. My parents grew grapes on an acre as a supplemental crop.”

“Geordie would like to speak with you about something he's seen on the vines. Can you be here at nine tomorrow to meet with him?”

He beams. “Yeah, no problem.”

CHAPTER8

SCOTTISH CHARM & EFFICIENCY

KENZIE

Lochlan leaves the breakroomand I'm trying to figure out what just happened with him. Connell is talking to me incessantly between bites of pastry about how meeting with Geordie tomorrow could be his big break.

Seriously, I thought theI'm in your face why don't you kiss meapproach would work with Lochlan, but the man stared at me with that judgmental frown, unaffected by the moment. I've got more makeup on, but there's nothing I can do with this genderless uniform. I know I don't look as sexy as I could and there's no way to see him after-hours.

“Hey Kenzie, are you listening to me?”

I've tuned Connell's conversation completely out. I smile at him without a clue. “Yeah, I'm listening. Lochlan asking you to inspect the vines is a big deal.”

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