She frowns. “You sure?”
I swipe a stray lock of hair from my sweaty cheek. “Yep.” I bite my tongue, realizing I want to run my mouth with an elaborate excuse for why I need to see the man in question immediately. Luckily, I manage to quell the urge, because it will only raise suspicion, and Gwen’s already looking suspicious enough.
Those inquisitive blue eyes of hers narrow, but she nods. “They should be in the back. They’re going over what’s going to be at peak harvest so we can plan the menu.” She beams at me. “Can you believe it? It’s happening!”
“It is! It will be here before you know it.” Her excitement is infectious, and despite my preoccupation, I’m happy for them. They traveled a long road to get here, and they’re finally reaping the fruit of all their planning.
It’s humbling to see what they’ve accomplished, while all I’ve managed this year is a whole lot of nothing followed by bad decisions.
She claps her hands. “Before I forget, we need to shop for the private-event night.”
My plan was to wear my one and only black cocktail dress, a sheath that looks professional and decent. But having another woman around has some advantages, and shopping is one of them. “Sounds good. Sunday maybe.”
“Excellent.”
I’m antsy to deal with the Caden situation, so I start walking. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
She says something else, but I’m already hurrying away, practically running to get this over with. I make my way down the hall and swing into the kitchen.
Jackson and Caden are both there, sitting on stools at the large island with a laptop and a bunch of papers scattered in front of them.
They lift their heads and turn to me.
I skid to a stop and all the air leaves my lungs. Caden’s wearing a trucker’s hat pulled low over his eyes, jeans, and a faded T-shirt that stretches mouthwateringly over his broad chest.
At the sight of me, he tilts his hat back and gives me the most wicked grin I’ve ever seen in my life before purring out, “Boss.”
I have an irrational urge to scream. I swallow the impotent rage of my own stupid actions and say as calmly as possible, “Can we have a word?”
Jackson gestures to the papers. “Can it wait? We’re in the middle of something here.”
My brother, God love him, is a major asshole about work and pretty much thinks his priorities supersede everyone else’s. And, while in this case he has a point, I’m not willing to be put off. I need to get this off my chest so I can think again and get focused on more productive activities for the day.
I shift my gaze to Jackson and shake my head. “This won’t take more than a minute.”
Jackson shrugs. “Well, what is it?”
I don’t like his tone and want to rebuke it, but now’s not the time. Besides, I don’t want Caden to witness any sibling squabbles when I’m already feeling vulnerable.
I blow out a breath and say, “In private.”
Jackson raises a brow. “Is there a problem?”
The folly of this expedition is becoming clear to me. I should have waited and played it cool instead of hunting Caden down like a maniac. But I’m committed now, so it’s full steam ahead. “No, it doesn’t concern you.”
When he continues to stare at me, I go on. “Distillery business.”
Jackson gestures to the papers. “This seems more pressing.”
I snap. “In the time you’ve taken telling me how much more important you are, I could have been done.”
“All right, all right.” He holds up his hands. “I guess Cat needs you.”
“Seems so,” Caden says in that dripping-honey voice.
Of course I shiver, my skin threatening goose bumps. I tip my head toward the hallway and start walking, not waiting to see if he follows me. I go into Gwen and Jackson’s empty office and hold the door open. Thirty seconds later, Caden ambles in after me, like he doesn’t have a care in the world. The attitude irritates me, which is good. I need to be irritated by him right now. It’s better than the alternative.
The second he’s in, I shut the door and turn toward him, crossing my arms over my chest. “About last night.”