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 with knowing 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.
“Hey Cal,” Jess said, pulling him out of his thoughts. “I must ask…”
“Jess.” Rachel interjected, her voice held a note of warning.
The two sisters had a silent stare off, a million messages flashing between them on facial expressions alone. Jess must have won, because Rachel sighed loudly, her face resigned.
“Cal,” Jess started again. “I’d rather not speak out of turn.” She pinned Rachel with a look. Cal watched the corner of Rachel’s mouth twitch as her eyes lifted skyward, as if praying for patience.
“But,” Jess continued. “I gotta ask about your event planner.”
Cal glanced between the two sisters before asking, “What in particular did you want to know?”
“Well, she seems… a little high-strung for the job.”
Before he could respond, Rachel laid her hand on his arm. He barely resisted covering it with his own. “Cal, we noticed Trace was pretty agitated tonight.”
Jess snorted, but Rachel ignored her.
“She had a very fiery argument with somebody, I believe, who works for the caterer, perhaps.”
“An argument, right out by the ballroom,” Jess added. “With guests present.”
Cal ground his teeth together. Jess’s observation was valid and if they’d witnessed Trace arguing with a vendor, that wasn’t good. Arguing within earshot of guests was borderline unforgivable.
“So, between witnessing that and knowing of some of the issues you’ve faced recently because of her actions or inactions,” Jess said. “I have to ask, why the hell haven’t you fired this woman?” Jess finished bluntly.
Cal ran his hand over his face. The Trace issue was just steadily getting worse. “Thanks for letting me know about the incident tonight,” he said, looking at both of them. “I appreciate it.”
Turning to Jess, he added, “That’s a totally valid question, and one I’ve asked myself many times. I’ve noticed, and as you’ve been privy to, as the number and scale of events have grown, there have been issues.”
He held back, tempering his words, not willing to throw Trace completely under the bus when she wasn’t here to defend herself. But damn, it was getting harder and harder.
“As I was building the business,” Cal continued. “I just didn’t have the time or energy to address it. And I should have. I’ve met with her recently, and we talked through some of the issues that have been happening. Perhaps if I had addressed it earlier, it wouldn’t have gotten to this level.
“But I didn’t and here we are. And frankly, with the events I have lined up, I can’t do this without her. But I will have a word with her about tonight’s issue.”
Cal looked down, his jaw clenched. “Things have to hold together for the foreseeable future.” Glancing at Jess, he could see her nodding.
“I get that,” she said. “It’s tough having something so important be so out of harmony.”
“Tell me about it,” he laughed dryly. “We just booked a huge gala event. It’s last-minute, so things are a bit rushed. But it’s a tremendous event with a huge crowd and media attention. It’s absolutely critical to White Hall Estate’s success.”
Cal noticed Rachel frowning and wondered what had brought that on.
“I’m betting on the gala to take us to the next level so my business plans can grow with it,” he finished, catching Rachel’s wince. Was she so unsure of him and his capacity to pull this off?
“Rachel?” he questioned.
“Oh sorry,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “It’s nothing.”
Cal didn’t believe her. Did she know something he didn’t know? Had she and his parents already decided about the property? The more time he spent with Rachel, the more his conviction grew that she saw the value in his work. Was he wrong? Was she frowning because of their kiss?
Rachel smiled at him. “Just a random thought.”
Cal was certain that Rachel’s smile had the power to fix almost anything.
He still felt the gentle touch of her lips as she’d kissed him.
The urge again to take her in his arms and return that kiss she started was like a chant in his mind.
He wanted another taste. She was addictive in the best sense.
“Congratulations on booking the gala,” Jess said.
Cal realized with a start that he’d been just sitting there, staring at Rachel’s lips. The amused twinkle in Jess’s eye told him she knew full well what he’d been doing.
“Um, thanks, Jess. It was a fantastic get. Actually, your sister helped us land it.”
Clearing his throat, he continued. “It’s for the Historical Society. Their annual fundraiser. I’m told lots of local celebrities and politicians attend.”
As the three of them continued chatting about the gala, Cal couldn’t help but wonder if Jess knew about the kiss he and Rachel had shared. He wasn’t certain how close the sisters were, but that look from Jess made him think she knew.
But how was Rachel feeling about it? He desperately wanted to get some time to discuss it with her. When Jess left for the ladies’ room, he saw his chance and jumped on it.
“Are you doing anything tomorrow, Rachel?” he asked.
“Shall we grab some lunch? Maybe somewhere down by the shore or there’s a new vineyard I wanted to try.
” He held his breath, praying she wouldn’t turn him down.
“You know I’m always looking for good local vendors, especially wine,” he added nervously when she didn’t immediately respond.
“I’m sorry Cal,” she said. “I already have plans.”
“Oh, sure,” he replied, trying to keep his disappointment from showing. “It’s pretty last minute.”
“Um,” she said, not meeting his eye. “Would you like to join me?”
“I’m sorry. What?”
“Do you want to come with me? It’s my friend Lisa’s birthday, so we’re getting together at the Blueberry Muffin.”
Cal didn’t know how to respond. He was hoping to spend more time with her, but crashing her friend’s birthday party seemed like a horrid way to go about doing that.
Then again, she’d crashed his friends’ weekend, and that seemed to work out really well.
But inviting himself along to a birthday party was another level entirely.
“Do you remember the wedding where we first met?” They shared a smile, both obviously thinking back to that encounter.
If anyone had told Cal he’d be enjoying time spent with the ‘cold day in hell’ woman from that wedding, he would have laughed them off the property. Things had certainly changed for the better, that was sure.
“That was my friend Alex’s wedding,” Rachel explained.
“Oh, I remember Alex. She was a lovely bride. But I remember her momzilla more,” he deadpanned, earning a laugh from Rachel.
“Well, her mom won’t be there,” Rachel smirked. “But Alex and Jason will be. Lisa, the birthday girl, of course. I’m not sure if you met Lottie at the wedding. She’s Lisa’s roommate. She’ll be there with her boyfriend Adam and a few of our other friends.”
“I wouldn’t want to impose, Rachel. I appreciate you inviting me, but I’d feel bad crashing Lisa’s birthday party.”
“It’s not like a ‘real birthday’, birthday party,” Rachel explained. “The only reason we’re having it is that while Lisa isn’t big on celebrating birthdays, she is a fan of good food. And Jake, the chef at The Blueberry Muffin, has a huge crush on her and is making all of her favorite foods.
“So it’s more of a meal with friends than a huge birthday bash,” Rachel continued. “Alex and Lottie, who are planning it, won’t mind. Lisa won’t either. There’s plenty of space, and I’m sure Jake’s gone overboard with the food, as usual.”
Cal should say no, but he didn’t want to. Maybe he’d be able to carve out some time during or after to discuss that kiss? His mind made up, he replied, “I’d love to go. Thank you for inviting me. What can I bring the birthday girl?”
Rachel burst out laughing. “Well, first, don’t call her that to her face, or you might not survive past the first ten minutes.”
Cal laughed in return. “So Lisa is a bit spicy. Understood. No birthday girl talk. Does she drink? I have some interesting alcoholic spirits that I’ve picked up on my travels.”
“She does,” Rachel replied. “And she loves trying out new cocktails, so if you have something interesting, I’m sure that she’d love it. But again, please don’t feel like you have to bring anything. She has a no gift rule,” Rachel smiled. “That Lottie and I are breaking, of course.”
“Well, I’ll bring it anyway, but I won’t make it seem like a birthday gift. More like a ‘thanks for letting me crash your casual get-together’ type of gift.”
“That sounds perfect.”
Cal glanced toward the door. Jess would be back any minute, and he just needed to know she wasn’t regretting their kiss.
“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.
Rachel glanced toward the restrooms before she looked back. Her smile faded slightly as she leaned in to respond. “I’m fine,” she replied softly. “It’s just that…”
Cal held his breath, afraid of what her next words would be.
“It’s just that when I see Jess so excited and talking passionately, it makes me sad. It’s complicated,” she demurred. “But it just reminds me of all the time she’s spent not pursuing the things that light her up like that. So much time wasted. So much lost.”
That wasn’t what Cal expected. Before he could formulate a response, Jess was back. As her sister sat, Cal saw Rachel shut down. It felt like a mask slipped into place.
He certainly wasn’t going to get any answers today about their kiss. He wondered if he’d ever get answers to the host of new questions he now had.