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“What?”
Cameron’s voice grows louder. “I said, there are no cameras back there. It’s on the honor system.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Dad didn’t like the idea of spying on our employees or the staff. No matter how much Reid suggests it, he refuses to do it. So, if you were to try something with Shiloh…”
“I’m not going to try anything with Shiloh.” She refused my invitation to my house, so I doubt she’ll want to do anything in a semi-public place. I walk past Cam, and he follows me like a golden retriever.
“You and Shiloh will be alone in the brewery. Not a soul in sight. Mom and Dad have that dinner…”
“Did you all conspire to make this happen?” I hate that I’m the center of my family’s schemes right now.
“No, we didn’t. However, Shiloh is a great choice, to you know. To get back out there.”
“She’s an employee! She’s my friend! And she’s twenty-six. I’m not just going to use her to break some seal.” My fists clench at my sides.
“The eldest son doth protest too much, methinks.”
My brother quoting Shakespeare? What is happening?
“Okay, Queen Gertrude,” I say, walking into my office. Sitting down in my chair, I spin to my computer, but my oafish brother follows me.
“I see the way you look at her. It’s different. I just…” Cameron trails off as I turn around. My glare causes him to back away with his hands raised. “Just remember, no cameras, and no one outside can see in.”
He finally leaves my office. I prop my elbow on the desk and rest my chin on the heel of my hand. The numbers swim on our master spreadsheet, and without thinking, I pull out my phone and open my text thread with Shiloh.
Me:I’ll see you tonight at seven-thirty
I lay my phone screen down and rub the length of my face.
The phone buzzes, and I turn it over.
Shiloh:Can’t wait. See you then.
I can’t wait either.
26
Shiloh
Taking a deep breath, I stand in front of the employee entrance door. I’ve raised my fist to knock three times but chickened out because I know who is on the other side.
Seeing Jackson is easy. He’s my friend. Sure, he cried in front of me and opened up, and I have so many hormones charging through me every time I see him, but I can keep that under wraps. Right?
“You’re being silly,” I say to myself as I knock on the door.
Jackson opens the door, seconds later, and he smiles bigger than I’ve ever seen from him.
“Sunny, hi,” he says. His body language tells me he wants to hug me, but I don’t lean in. It’s best we keep this professional. Purely platonic. I will keep my New Year’s resolution.
“Hi, Jackson. Are you ready to do inventory?” I ask, using his name instead of Wally. His eyebrows collapse into each other, and his smile is unsure as I pass him. After I shed my jacket, I push the sleeves of my long-sleeved shirt up. I wanted to look cute but not too cute today. My hair is down, and the only makeup on my face is a quick slick of mascara. I tell myself I wanted to feel pretty for me, but I’m a liar.
Jackson’s hair looks nice, completely combed back, and his beard is trimmed, light years better than when I first met him. I gave him a trim around Christmas, and he’s taking my styling advice. He smells so good, like manly cedar and amber, and I can’t get too close to him because I will smell him like a vampire inTwilight.
He offers to take my jacket, and I hand it over. I cross my arms, my nipples perked from the cold air. It’s not from Jackson, no, it’s not.
A low warm glow from behind the bar is the only light source. The brewery looks so different empty against the pitch black of nightfall.
