Page 31 of Lochlan

I realize, with some embarrassment, that I've been staring at her. I step aside to watch Kenzie enter. Geordie comes to his feet, a grin visible in that red mass of beard that needs taming. “I did not know you were expecting company,” he says. “Are you a new wine agent?”

Kenzie glances at me, puzzled.

“No, Geordie. This is Kenzie MacGregor, our newest wine associate. She was working with us in the tasting room yesterday.”

“Oh, aye, I remember Layla saying we have someone from the network. Sorry, lass, for the confusion. You look different out of the uniform.”

She gives him a brilliant smile I've never seen before, and I'm hit with a pang of jealously.

“Alright, Geordie. Kenzie and I have work to do. You probably need to get back to your duties as winemaker.”

He shoots me a disapproving look that I'm overstepping. We agreed that a dalliance with an employee was off limits. I ignore the inference in his accusing gaze.

“Kenzie, you can hang your coat on the peg next to Geordie's, although he'll be leaving soon.” I turn to my cousin. “Kenzie has a business degree. She's helping me prepare the presentation for the Wine Association.”

Geordie doesn't answer. He's staring past me, mouth ajar. I follow his gaze to Kenzie, who has discarded her coat and placed her laptop on the table next to mine. She's finger-combing her hair with one hand while watching us. His gaze is locked on her snug white sweater that hugs the outline of her full breasts like an invitation. Slim black jeans accentuate her long legs and a round bum. The woman is covered from neck to toe, but the transformation from our dowdy uniform to this display of beauty is jarring.

“Geordie,” she says, “would you like to see what we're working on? I have some mocks in the computer. If Lochlan will attach my laptop to the TV, I can give you a preview.”

“Lochlan, you have my blessing to set up the equipment,” he says, without taking his gaze from Kenzie. “Can I pour you a whiskey?” he offers. “You must be cold after walking up here from the parking lot. It's our best MacTavish whiskey. A wee drop will warm your bones.”

“Thank you,” she says and rewards him with another dazzling smile.

I busy myself with fitting the connections to the television while Geordie searches for a glass in the kitchen.

Kenzie accepts the glass from Geordie, who isn't budging from her side. She operates her laptop with one hand while sipping from her glass with the other. I pull Geordie's big, hovering body away from her to the couch to give her room.

Geordie sinks into the couch with his refreshed drink, a bewitched grin on his face, engaging Kenzie in conversation.

“Were you provided with any numbers? I mean projections for profit?”

She tosses her head back and cuts her gaze at Geordie. The man takes in a sharp breath at the sight. “No, I was hoping to get that information during this meeting. The presentation is still in the outline stages.”

“You'll need all the pretty pictures. That will pique their interest for a few moments, but these are business owners. Eventually, they'll want to know what will make them richer.” He turns to me. “Lochlan, I hope you've done your homework. It's not fair to make this brilliant lass do all your work.”

Kenzie is holding back a grin. When that fails, she turns away to face the screen, shoulders quaking.

“Geordie, I'm sure Kenzie has more than benefited from your sage advice, but we haven't much time. I'm sure you're needed elsewhere.”

Kenzie turns around, managing to control her laughter. Geordie glances at me. I chuck my chin toward the door and mouthleave. He's finally realizing he's not invited to the meeting and places his empty glass on the table, then pushes to his feet. “It was good to meet you properly, Kenzie. Stop by my office when you can and I'll gift you with a bottle of MacTavish whiskey for your efforts with the presentation. I'm sure this bastard has not offered you proper payment.”

CHAPTER14

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

LOCHLAN

We finally see the backside of Geordieheading out the door, but not without him giving me a warning look not to stray into forbidden territory. I shut the door, glad that I don't have his antics to contend with so I can concentrate on the business at hand.

Kenzie is still at the table, tapping on her laptop. Without the distraction from Geordie, I can resume my true role, that of blackmailer.

“Despite my cousin's assumptions, I have the setup cost and projected profit.” I locate the file on my hard drive and email it to her.

“Got it,” she says. “These look complete. Why don't you work with Geordie on the presentation? He seems interested in helping.”

I chuckle at the notion. “That brief exchange with you was the extent of his knowledge and interest. His talents lie in the making of wine.”

“The two of you seem close.”

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