Chapter Twenty-Seven #2
Rachel leaned her package against a chair. “I thought this was a storage room? Am I remembering that incorrectly?” she asked.
“Well, until quite recently, it was crammed full of random pieces of furniture and equipment. And hopelessly dirty. Jess made all this happen so that we could work on the gala in the same room.” He glanced at the organized chaos. “I have to say, it did make the process easier.
“Your sister is a force of nature.” His heart skipped a beat when she laughed, obviously enjoying his discomfort. “She’s like a cross between a general and a lion tamer.”
They both laughed until their eyes caught. Cal felt a punch of guilt. They hadn’t spoken since the argument on Sunday. He couldn’t believe he’d said those things to her. Kicking himself for the millionth time, he promised to make it up to her somehow. And that started with an apology.
“Listen, Rachel…”
“No, Cal, let me…”
“Please, Rachel,” he implored. “Can I…” He stepped closer. He desperately wanted to take her hand in his just to have that physical connection. Something to anchor themselves in this moment. But he didn’t feel he had that right anymore. “I have to say this,” he finished.
“Sure,” she acknowledged, her eyes guarded.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to quell his nerves. “I’m really sorry for what I said, Rachel. It wasn’t fair of me. You’ve been in a difficult position this whole time. Pinned between my parents, me, and your work responsibilities.”
“I’m sorry too, Cal,” Rachel said, taking a half step toward him. “The things I said were out of line. And I never should have interjected myself between Jess and your job offer. It wasn’t any of my business.”
“I heard what you did,” Cal said quietly. “With the report.”
“Oh,” she replied, her hands fiddling with her hair. “You heard about that?”
“I did. Actually, my parents told me. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but they’re here tonight. They told me you recommended opening the distillery. Did you actually include part of my business plan?”
“I did,” she replied sheepishly. “My apologies for that, too. I should have told you a lot sooner that I read your business plan,” she expressed regretfully. “I really have made a right mess of this.
“The afternoon I came to grab my notebook,” she explained.
“I noticed the plan in your office. A quick glance through it and I knew that there was potential there. No offense to your parents, but I was starting to think their options were not the best way forward for White Hall’s future. Next thing I knew, I’d taken it.”
He was waiting for the anger to come—she’d taken his plan without permission—but it didn’t happen. “You know you could have just asked me for it, right? I would have let you see it.”
“I know, Cal,” she moaned. “That’s what makes this really stupid.
I honestly don’t know why I didn’t ask you or, if nothing else, tell you I had it.
At first it was because I wanted to avoid interrupting you yet again during your Friends’ Weekend, but then I waited too long to mention it.
And it became this whole thing, and I couldn’t…
I was embarrassed. But that’s no excuse. I should have been upfront with you.”
“Well, it worked out ultimately. For me at least. I hope pitching the distillery didn’t get you into trouble with your boss.
Although, given that my parents have decided to go ahead with our distillery plan, I’m sure that should get you some brownie points at work.
Or should I say blondie points?” He smiled.
Rachel’s jaw dropped. “They’re going to keep White Hall and let you open the distillery?”
Cal laughed. “Yeah. I can hardly believe it. You must have prepared one hell of a report.”
“I did not see that coming,” Rachel huffed.
“Me either.” Cal shrugged. “So we don’t end up here again, I plan to buy them out. That way I’m in control of White Hall’s future.”
“That’s amazing, Cal. The distillery and buying them out. I’m so excited for you.”
Cal took the last step between them, reaching out for her hands. Intertwining their fingers, he slowly rubbed his thumb over her hand, reveling in the softness. “All because of you, Rachel. So, thank you. And I pray you will forgive me for the other day. It was not my finest moment.”
Rachel squeezed his hands, her eyes glistening. “I overreacted too. I’m… I’m a little protective of Jess, but that does not excuse my behavior to either of you. She is her own woman. A force of nature, like you said.”
They both chuckled.
“Cal, I let my fear cloud my judgment and fuel my reaction.
“When I look around White Hall all I see is your hard work and determination. Every piece of this place is a testament to your success and talent.
“My time here—with you—has been extraordinary. I’d hate to think I ruined what we had.”
“You ruined nothing,” Cal asserted, his voice rough with emotion. “My time with you has also been extraordinary. I don’t want it to end now that the consulting project is completed. Give me an opportunity to show you how much I long to be with you.”
His heart skipped a beat when her lips gradually curved into a smile.
“You don’t need to prove anything to me, Cal. The fact is.” She inhaled deeply. “I like you a lot.”
His hands drifted over her arms as he pressed her close. She had to tilt her head up to see him as he invaded her space. “You like me,” he affirmed, his hand cupping her cheek. Brushing a thumb over her lips, he saw desire flare to life in her eyes.
“It just so happens,” he whispered. “That I’m completely and totally crazy about you.”
“You are?” she asked breathlessly.
“I am,” he said with a growl. Right before his lips descended on hers. He swallowed her gasp of shock as he pulled her close.
He lost himself in the kiss, delighting in the softness of her lips, the taste of her.
He explored her mouth as his hands explored her body.
The way she melted into him, responding and demanding as much from him as he asked of her, was heady stuff.
Without realizing it, he’d backed her up a few steps, surprised when she tripped over the package she’d placed on the floor.
Breaking off the kiss but keeping his body close to hers, he glanced at the brown paper-wrapped item. Whatever that thing was, it was sizable. Why was she carrying it around?
“What is that?” he asked.
Rachel beamed as she reached down to grab it. He wasn’t happy she left the circle of his arms, but her excitement was infectious. He kept a hand on her waist as she placed it on the table. Laying it down gently, she turned toward him.
“I got you something.”
“I can see that,” he joked. “I assume I can open it now.” When she nodded nervously, he used both hands to peel back the paper gently. What lay beneath took his breath away. He could only stare at the painted canvas in shock. It was the most thoughtful gift anyone had ever given him.
“How?” he asked, his voice strangled.
“I contacted that live painter you mentioned. With Jess’ help, we snuck her onto the property when you weren’t here so she could put this together. I asked her to take a little artistic liberty, because I wanted the distillery barn in there.”
Cal looked again at the painting. It was his favorite view—from the drive just as the trees thinned and the house became visible.
The gray stone building was adorned with his grandmother’s hydrangeas, in captivating blues and purples.
The chapel was visible towards the right with the distillery barn set off in the background.
“It’s breathtaking, Rachel. I love it.” He couldn’t find the words to share what was in his heart, so he did the only thing he could do. He kissed her with everything he had. Worshiping her for the amazing woman she was.
He nipped her lower lip and left a trail of kisses down her neck. When he grazed the skin just below her ear, she shivered. He laughed as he pulled back to look at her. She was even more beautiful now, her eyes unfocused and her lips swollen.
“What?” she whispered.
He drew his finger down her arm, delighted when goosebumps erupted all over her skin. “Remember when you said it would ‘be a cold day in hell’ before I saw you again?” he chuckled, pulling her close.
Rachel’s face lit up as she grinned. “Well,” she replied, winding her arms around his neck. “Only one thing to say to that.”
Cal lowered his head, his mouth mere inches from hers. “What’s that, sweetheart?” he whispered.
“Brrrrr.”
She was still smiling when his lips captured hers. Their kiss generating enough heat to thaw even the coldest of places.
THE END