The older man nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely right. Half the county’s biggest deals happen at our New Year’s bash. Lots of potential customers for your beef operation too.”
“See?” Jesse’s eyes met mine, that challenging glint I’d come to know so well dancing in them. “It’s practically a business obligation.”
I clenched my jaw. “We’ll think about it.”
“Caroline would be thrilled to have you both,” Mr. Whitaker said, gathering his papers. “It’s been years since either of you attended. And Jesse, she’s dying to hear all about your time in Seattle. She’s always threatening to run off and buy a summer home up there.”
“I’d be happy to tell her all about it,” Jesse replied, his tone deliberately light. “Though some stories might not be appropriate for mixed company.”
I shot him a warning glare that he completely ignored.
“Well then,” Mr. Whitaker said, oblivious to our silent exchange, “let’s get these papers signed and then you can show me around the operation. I’m particularly interested in seeing this entire direct sales setup that’s causing such a stir.”
We spent the next half hour signing documents and going through the legal requirements of the will. Jesse kept his foot to himself for the remainder of the meeting, but I could feel his eyes on me whenever Mr. Whitaker wasn’t looking. By the time we headed out to show the lawyer our new setup, my nerves were beyond frayed.
“This is quite impressive,” Mr. Whitaker said as we walked him through the converted barn where we’d installed the freezer and packing operation. “Your daddy would never have thought of something like this.”
“That was all Jesse,” I admitted, gesturing to the organized workstations where we packaged the meat for shipping. “I just made sure the electrical could handle it.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Cole,” Jesse said, his hand briefly touching my shoulder. “You’ve been instrumental in making this work.”
The casual touch sent electricity up my spine, and I stepped away quickly, hoping Mr. Whitaker hadn’t noticed.
“Well, whatever you two are doing, keep it up,” the lawyer said, making notes in his little book. “This is exactly the kind of innovation Jack was hoping for when he wrote that will. I know I keep saying it, but you boys are really doing him proud.”
After we finished the tour, I walked Mr. Whitaker back to his SUV, watching as he climbed in and drove away. The snow had started falling heavier now, thick flakes coating the ground. I stood there for a moment, letting the cold air clear my head after the tension of the meeting.
“That went well,” Jesse said, coming up behind me.
“You’re a goddamn menace,” I muttered, not turning to look at him. “What the hell were you thinking with that foot business?”
He chuckled, moving to stand beside me. “Just keeping things interesting. Besides, you looked so serious when I came in. All stiff and proper for the lawyer.”
“Because that’s how normal people act around their lawyer,” I hissed, glancing toward the house to make sure no ranch hands were nearby. “Not like they’re trying to play footsie under the table.”
“Normal isvastlyoverrated,” Jesse replied with a shrug. “And besides, it worked. You relaxed.”
“I didn’t relax. I nearly had a heart attack.”
Jesse’s laugh echoed across the yard, and I couldn’t help but notice how the snowflakes caught in his eyelashes, making them look even longer. “Come on, admit it. You liked it a little.”
I scowled, but my heart wasn’t in it. “You’re going to get us caught if you keep pulling stunts like that.”
“No one suspects a thing,” Jesse insisted, lowering his voice. “They all think we barely tolerate each other.”
“And we need to keep it that way,” I warned, finally turning to face him. “Especially at parties like the Whitakers’.”
Jesse’s expression softened. “So, we’re going then?”
I sighed, knowing I’d already lost this battle. “I guess we are. But we need ground rules.”
“Like what?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Like no touching. No inside jokes. No... looking at me the way you’re looking at me right now.”
“How am I looking at you?” His voice dropped lower, a hint of that gravel that drove me crazy.
“Like you’re thinking about what we did last night,” I muttered, feeling heat creep up my neck despite the cold.
