“That bartender…” Brooke followed his gaze. “What’s her name again?”
“Jen.” TJ looked back down at the woman plastered to his front. Wasn’t she a little overwarm? It would really help his body temperature if she stepped back. “Why do you ask?”
“She is so sweet,” Brooke said. TJ held in a response of surprise. “I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I saw her, but oh my goodness, she’s adorable. And so funny.”
“Hmm.” TJ rubbed Brooke’s arm absentmindedly while he processed what she’d just said. “What do you mean ‘when you saw her’?”
Brooke grinned, her nose wrinkling a bit. Instead of reciprocating, he glanced to the woman in question as Brooke went on, sounding a little defensive. “You know … tattoos, lots of makeup. Black hair. I don’t know.”
Yes, Jen had a sleeve of tattoos three quarters of the way down her left arm, but they weren’t of skulls and crossbones for god’s sake. They were feminine. And yes, she wore a lot of makeup, but … she always looked attractive, and shit, he’d stopped noticing what hair color she had, as many times as it had changed over the years.
TJ knew he was now frowning at the bar when Brooke angled herself into his line of sight. “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sure you guys are friends since she works for you.”
She sounded sincere, but this suddenly felt like a trap. He should have just let the statement go without comment. There’d been no mistaking what Brooke had meant, even though he hadn’t liked it. Jen had always favored a certain look and it brought to mind storm clouds, hard angles, and darkness. From her midnight hair to her black fingernails, she resembled a gothic Cinderella. Yes she could be potently snarky, but Brooke was right, Jen was mostly sweet—to everyone but TJ. Even though he was certain it was often a ruse. And he guessed in his date’s defense, that was her point: Jen’s outside appearance didn’t match her outgoing personality. But when he looked at Jen, all he could see were curvy hips, plump red lips, and colorful tattoos of flowers and fairies. She was … an enigma.
“I know you didn’t mean it like that,” he said, although he wasn’t completely convinced. “But yes, Jen has been our employee for a while and she’s been going through a rough time. We’re all a little protective of her.”
The wary eyes looking up at him were the gaze of a woman trying to decide if she bought his level of concern or not. He knew that, so he squeezed her arm again in reassurance, hoping the subject would be dropped, because if there was one thing he didn’t want to discuss with the woman he was dating, it was Jennifer Mackenzie.
She seemed placated by his touch, so TJ let his gaze slide over the room. They had a great turnout for the uncasking. He’d shaken plenty of hands and received hundreds of slaps on the back, and shockingly his parents had come. They were currently sitting with the mayor of Maple Springs. His mother was no doubt throwing back more than her fair share of free cocktails while his father pretended that he’d been in support of this business from the get-go. TJ had lost count of the times his father had called the distillery “the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard” and had asked “Why make whiskey when you can buy Johnny Walker at the liquor store?”
Nothing like unwavering support from the man you should have considered a role model. Instead, his father was the last man on Earth TJ desired to emulate in any way. No, he aimed to make money honestly by working hard and playing fair. And to be loving and faithful to his wife and children if he ever managed to get that lucky. That last part was feeling less and less likely every year he got older.
“She told me she’s known you since middle school,” Brooke said, still talking about Jen. TJ forced himself not to raise his eyes to the ceiling and sigh. Now he really felt sweaty. Why wasn’t she dropping this topic?
He glanced down at Brooke. She was a beautiful woman, with a petite yet muscular stature, sandy-brown hair, and bright-green eyes. They’d met through a mutual friend a couple of months ago, and had now been out six times. Slept together three of them. She was attractive, kind, educated, and employed. All good things. So why did he suddenly feel like he was suffocating?
“We did. In fact, we went to middle and high school together.”
Her eyes widened. “Were you guys friends?”
“No, not really.” Which was the truth. “In fact, we did a government project together once and she was pissed at me the entire time.”
Brooke grinned. “Aw. She doesn’t appreciate your genius like I do.” She went up on her toes, so naturally TJ leaned down to let her kiss him quickly on the cheek. As he stood back up, his eyes shot to the bar just in time to see Jen watching. She gave him a tight-lipped smile and went back over to chat with the same asshole she’d been talking to before.
“That’s too bad she’s been having a rough time, but the fact that Jordan Bodisto is so into her will hopefully get her in a good mood,” Brooke said with a grin.
TJ forced his body not to stiffen. “Oh yeah?” he asked, going for merely amused interest. But inside he was fuming. A Bodisto had a lot of nerve showing up to their uncasking after giving them the shaft for the past five years. He let his eyes travel back to the bar. Jen was laughing at something the guy talking with her said while she made drinks for those in line. How had he not recognized Jordan? They’d grown up frequenting the same country club for years. He’d put on about thirty pounds of muscle and his hair was a lot shorter. “You sure that guy’s Neil Bodisto’s son?”
“Of course I’m sure. Most women would be thrilled to have his attention for so long. I have a friend who went out with him once.” Brooke wiggled her eyebrows. “According to her, he could take any woman out of her funk.”
Okay. What was she getting at with that comment? And why did TJ suddenly feel like he’d put his jacket back on? A thin line of sweat trickled down his back. He swallowed hard and pulled himself together. “Well, good for her then.”
He spied a catering server approaching, so he took the opportunity to unpeel Brooke from his body and step forward to grab himself another Maple Springs Mule he didn’t need. To his gratitude, Jake, one of his co-owners and long-time best friend, joined them. Hopefully Brooke would drop the subject of other men rocking Jen’s world in bed.
“Can you believe this turnout?” Jake said, a huge grin on his face.
“I’m so proud of you guys,” Brooke said, giving Jake a big hug. Seemed like an odd thing to say considering she hadn’t been around for ninety-nine percent of their business growth, but TJ remained silent. It was a nice sentiment, and she’d known Jake a while, since they’d gone to the same high school.
Brooke untied herself from Jake and looped her arm through TJ’s again.
“You talk to Dean yet?” Jake asked, a concerned look suddenly on his face.
“Earlier. I think everything’s good for now.” TJ gave his friend a look that let him know they shouldn’t discuss their friend’s issues any further. For some reason, he didn’t want Brooke asking any questions. She knew about the death of Alex’s fiancé, of course, since she and TJ had just started seeing each other when it happened, but the subsequent issues were none of her business. And if that wasn’t a red flag about how he truly felt about a relationship with her, he wasn’t sure what was.
“Well, he should feel good about this turnout tonight,” Jake said, thankfully taking the hint.
“Yeah.” TJ shifted focus, trying to think about the many positives of the evening. “Everything has gone great. Food’s good, signature drinks have been well-received. I’ve gotten a lot of positive responses on all the products in general tonight.”
“So have I,” Jake said. “And did you notice Neil Bodisto sent his son? I talked to him for a while. Asked him when Shakers was going to finally open an account with us. He laughed it off. Acted a little cagey if you ask me.”
TJ nodded, still annoyed to find out that the man talking with Jen was a Bodisto. Neil and his sons Jordan and Jonas owned Shakers. A very successful cocktail centr
ic bar and grill chain that had more than ten locations throughout the Kansas City metro area. The original store—which was at least forty years old—sat opposite the Stag on the square. TJ, Dean, and Jake had assumed that Shakers would be a shoo-in to carry locally crafted spirits in their bars, but they’d shocked them all by declining. They’d then had the balls to turn around and try their hand at making a white whiskey of their own. Obviously, it had failed, because you didn’t go into the business of making alcohol just to prove you could. Your heart had to be in it. TJ, Dean, and Jake had just laughed it off, although it had secretly pissed TJ off. But the guys at the Stag weren’t going to beg anyone for their business. Not even a local institution, so it was interesting indeed that Jordan had come this evening.
“I didn’t even know we’d sent an invite to Shakers,” TJ said.
“Yeah, on a whim I hand-delivered it to Neil myself,” Jake said, looking smug. “Smooth move of his to bow out, but send his son. Probably wanted intel on our operations.”
“Did he take the tour downstairs?” TJ asked. They had their newest employee, John, giving quick tours of the distilling room.
“Not sure.”
“Hmm. I’d given up on them,” TJ said.
Jake shrugged. “I sort of had, too, but I’m glad to see him here. I’m definitely following up with him next week. How awesome would it be to get an account with them?”
TJ nodded, taking a drink as he watched the man in question laugh at something Jen said. Maybe now that the Stag had proven itself with five years of business, Neil—Jordan’s father—had resigned to the fact that the distillery wasn’t folding. The senior owner had been a fraternity brother of TJ’s father, and as much as it pained him, TJ always wondered if his father had asked Bodisto not to work with them. It was sad to consider your own dad capable of such a backhanded thing, but not much about James Laughlin surprised TJ anymore. He had some odd philosophies on life. TJ wouldn’t put it past him to think he was helping his kid out, by making him work for it.
“Well, gentlemen, you’ll have to excuse me while I run to the ladies’ room,” Brooke said, giving TJ’s arm a squeeze before walking off.
Once she was gone, TJ caught Jake’s smile from the corner of his eye. “What’s so funny?”
“Still can’t believe you’re dating Brooke Anderson.”
Jake and Brooke had gone to school at Green Hills North High, a town over from Maple Springs. TJ had gone to Green Hills South, but he and Jake had become friends through Little League, then competitive sports, and eventually gone to the same state university. Now here they were running a company together. Still best friends despite their differences. One of which was that Jake had no shame when it came to the ladies.
“She was untouchable in high school,” Jake said. “Every guy I knew wanted a piece of that. I bet it’s amazing.”
TJ gave his friend a long look. Yes, they were best friends, but he had no desire to betray a woman’s trust in that way. And for fuck’s sake, they were grown men.
“Oh, come on,” Jake whispered. “You’re not going to tell me if we all pined in vain?”
“We are not having this conversation.”
Jake just growled in frustration. “You and your high-brow morals. It’s not like you’re serious about her.”
“What does that mean?” TJ asked.
It was Jake’s turn to give a long look. “Seriously? She’s not the one. Not your one. I’m sure you wish she could be, but it’s not there. I figured you were just in it for the sex.”
Was he in it for the sex? Maybe. Before Brooke it had been a while. TJ looked back out at the crowd. Across the room he watched Dean wrap his arm around Charlotte’s waist, who then smiled up at him as they chatted with guests. Despite the pain he’d endured with his sister and the death in their family, Dean had never appeared more content since TJ had known him. And the guy had secretly had a thing for their most popular photographer for a long time. Years. Now here they were, finally making it work.
Jake stepped a little closer to TJ and spoke under his breath. “Listen, sorry, that was kind of an asshole thing to say. Brooke’s great. But as your friend, I hate to see you get any deeper into this relationship without even telling Jen how you feel.”
TJ refused to meet Jake’s gaze. “As my friend, that’s horrible advice.”
“Bullshit. I mean … what if, man? What. If? You don’t know unless you try.”
TJ blew out a breath and finally glanced at his friend. “Not a good idea.”
“Why the hell not? Jen’s sweet when she wants to be.”
“She’s a pain in the ass.”
“But she could be your pain in the ass. You’ve had it for her for a long damn time.”
“Be quiet,” TJ hissed.
“Man, I get the fear. I mean … I have no desire to settle down right now, but I think you do, and I hate to see you do it with the wrong person because you’re hung up on some stupid shit. I don’t even know why you hold back.”
“A gut feeling.” And a healthy but irrational paranoia that he may be as shitty of a husband as his father was. If his own brother was any indication, the apple hadn’t fallen far for one Laughlin offspring, so why not two? And as much as TJ hated it, he wanted his dad’s respect, and James Laughlin would take one look at Jen and consider her prime side-piece material. The thought made TJ sick to his stomach.
“I love you, dude, but you can be stubborn as hell,” Jake muttered. “You need to pull your head out of your ass and just see what happens.”
Before TJ could reply, the sound of the elevator across the room caught their attention, and a woman walked out.
“Holy hell,” Jake whispered. “Is that who I think it is?”
TJ’s eyes widened as he took the vision in. Alex, Dean’s little sister, was dressed in a short, tight dress, her hair swooped up off her neck. There was a bit of uncertainty in her eyes as she glanced around. The look of a person hoping to see someone she knew quickly so she didn’t feel alone. TJ wondered if this was the first time she’d put makeup on since coming home with Nate’s body. Poor girl. But TJ had to admit, she looked gorgeous.
TJ glanced over to find Jake’s eyes wide. Oh hell no. “Listen, you should take my advice when I suggest that whatever you’re thinking … I promise it’s a really bad idea.”
Jake’s eyes jerked to his, instantly glowering. “Damn, Laughlin. Give a guy some credit for Christ’s sake,” Jake said, sounding truly hurt by the comment. “I know she just lost her fiancé.”
TJ sighed, feeling like an ass. “I know. I’m sorry. Just … be careful. Dean would destroy you.”
With an annoyed shake of his head, Jake headed toward the elevator and TJ watched relief wash over Alex’s features as she saw his familiar face approach. She wrapped him into a hug, they chatted for a bit, and then Jake led her to the bar. TJ scanned the crowd looking for Dean once more, wondering what his take on the exchange would be. So far, he appeared not to notice. Ah well, how much trouble could Jake get into since Alex was leaving on Monday for Italy?
Yeah, on second thought, that didn’t make TJ feel much better.
He continued to watch them as they ordered drinks. Alex smiled. Then laughed. She took a highball glass that Jen passed across the bar. Laughed again. It was nice to see her smile. TJ had been over to Dean’s once not long after they came back from Nate’s funeral, and hell, it had been bad. Worse than bad, and understandably so. Alex had been asleep on the sofa, tucked into a tiny ball, her face a swollen mess from crying, messy hair glued to her cheeks. Tonight, she was a different person. There was still a shadow behind her eyes, but she was a world away from the woman he’d seen several weeks ago.
Feeling eyes on him, TJ’s gaze shot to Jen who gave him an eyebrow raise and a subtle nod to Jake and Alex who were now both laughing. Well, shit, if Jen was concerned, maybe he should keep a closer watch. TJ grabbed his jacket and headed over to the bar. Brooke intercepted him on the way there, her fingers linkin
g with his.
Together they approached Jake and Alex, the latter of whom gave TJ a hug in greeting. When she pulled away, he introduced Alex and Brooke to each other.
“Great dress,” Brooke said.
Alex looked down at herself and then smiled before responding. “Thank you. I borrowed it from Charlotte. I don’t think I’ve worn a dress in over a year, to be honest.” Her expression faltered a bit. “Well … except for Nate’s funeral, but that doesn’t really count I guess.” A sad smile followed.
“We’re so glad you came tonight,” TJ said, not wanting any discomfort for her.
“I wouldn’t miss it. And this is such a great turnout for you guys,” Alex said.
“Isn’t it? Most of the credit goes to your brother for being such an amazing distiller.”
“Yes, I haven’t seen Dean yet,” she glanced around, sipping her drink.
Everyone got quiet. TJ really hoped they would make up tonight, if Dean hadn’t already called to apologize. When TJ had spoken to the guy earlier, he was half afraid Dean was going to break down from the guilt he felt over how he’d responded to her deployment news. TJ knew how protective his friend was of his little sister, and knew it had gutted him when she’d lost her fiancé. It was hard to comprehend a loss like that. To love someone so much only to have them ripped away from you in such a tragic way. Almost made it seem like maybe just playing it safe in a relationship was the way to go. Caring about someone was just too risky.
He’d add that to the list of reasons he was keeping his distance from Jen.
Four
Jen was grateful she had the handsome man—what was his name again? Oh yeah, Jordan—to keep her company tonight at the bar. Talking to a hot guy made it much more tolerable to witness TJ’s tiny cheerleader girlfriend paw all over him.
Maybe This Time--A Whiskey and Weddings Novel Page 4