“I’m honored.” The gravity of my words sinks in. Duncan barely knows me more than my reputation. He used to order a Jules Creek product on tap and pepper me with questions about it, but what he drank didn’t originate from my idea, and wasn’t that part of the fun for every brewer? I’ve been in the field too long. Of course I want to see what I can do, and how widespread the beer I make can be. I want to play with limited-release beers and hype a newly invented product. Ransom kiboshed all those plans.Play with what we’ve got and remember the name of the place, Mer.
“And I’m disappointed. Like I said, keep my offer in mind. Pay will be more than competitive. I know you’re not getting compensated enough, and you’d have full rein. Oh, and Meredith?”
“Yeah?” My mind’s whirring over his offer and the strength of my excitement.
“Don’t be afraid to tell the guys exactly what we discussed. Have a good night.” He hangs up.
A thin laugh leaves me. I won’t be telling Calder or his brothers about this call. I don’t need more drama.Unless…Would my rejection of the offer show them I’m seriousabout Jules Creek? Will the thought of a Sterling launching their own brewery make them want to keep this place? And if it does, will it make them more likely to agree with my recommendations?
I am rejecting Duncan’s offer, right? Yes. Of course. But full rein of the place…I’m an owner of Jules Creek, and I still won’t get that here.
No. I’m not entertaining Duncan’s proposal. Intrigued? Yes. Wistful? Yes. But I’m loyal to the brewery that picked me up when I was down.
I gather my pajamas and head to the shower. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day. I’m going to help work cattle after I see the shipments off and finish a brew. Calder texted earlier and said everything was ready for me.
In the bathroom, I run a nice warm shower and climb inside. I run through washing my hair and my body, mindful that Calder and Bowen might want to shower and need hot water. Landry’s still not staying at the house, but the cost of the hotel in Williston is probably pocket change for him.
The door cracks open, and I freeze. Warm water pummels my back. The house is locked.
“Saws?”
“Nope,” Calder says.
A shiver ghosts over my skin, and goose bumps erupt everywhere. He’s home early. “Calder.”
“Expecting someone else?” There’s humor in his voice, and the rustle of clothing.
“I’m never expecting someone else when I’m in the bathroom.” I cover my chest. Then my crotch. The light is way too damn bright.
He curls his fingers around the edge of the curtain, but he doesn’t pull it back. “Want me to leave?”
No! Yes.“The lights are on.”
“Good. I’m dying to see the exact shade of pink your nipples are.”
I glance down. “They’re more of a reddish-brown.”
“They’re as red as your cheeks are right now, aren’t they?” His groan resonates through the bathroom. “I want to see them so bad. You’re killing me, rosy.”
I’m the one dying. Panic fills me. I’ve never been so self-conscious, but he’s only seen me in the dark. I’ve been in clothes otherwise, and it wasn’t sexy lingerie.
“Are you…are you naked?”
“Not a stitch of clothing, Meredith. And I’m really fucking hard too.”
The shudder that racks my body is pure anticipation. “Condoms?” I ask hopefully. I may be insecure, but I won’t miss an opportunity.
“No condoms, but I’ve got plans.”
“I want quid pro quo.” I wring my hands together. That was basically inviting him in to see me in all my wet-cat glory. My hair’s tangled around my shoulders, and I have a better start at a farmer’s tan than Calder on my arms, and old swimsuit lines from last summer.
He slowly pulls the curtain to the side.
“Oh wow,” I breathe. He’s a chiseled, cut man, from his trimmed hair to the flex of his calves I can see at the tub’s edge. Muscles ripple down his abs to an impressive cock jutting straight out. Those big thighs are as massive as his jeans suggested. And his erection’s straining so hard the veins are nearly flat. He’s turned-on. For me.
I forget to shrink in on myself, but when I realize I’m still a drowned rat under the water spray, I move my hands to cover as much as possible.
“Don’t.” He steps in and flings the curtain shut behind him.
