by Darcy Burke
Cam rubbed his hands together. He’d invited someone from the magazine to come, but they hadn’t committed yet and at this point, he feared they wouldn’t. This connection might help. “Excellent. Brooke’s also working an angle at Wine Enthusiast.” She knew someone there and was pretty close to getting her to commit.
Jamie stood. “Brooke’s been awesome. She’s picked up some great accounts. Good find, bro.” He nodded at Cam before turning and heading out of the office. “Back to the grind.”
Luke didn’t leave with him. Cam looked at his middle brother and arched a brow. “No grind for you?”
“Always, but since Jamie brought up Brooke…” He let the question hang out there, and Cam had no doubt what he was getting at.
Still, he’d make him work for it. “What about her?”
Luke let out a quick chuckle. He leaned his elbow on the armrest. “You left with her the other night. What happened?”
“Nothing. She lives across the street from me. I walked her home.”
Luke scrutinized him for a moment, as if he could discern what had actually happened. Cam stared at him in stoic silence, daring him to try.
“I just wanted to know if I need to worry that you might drive her away.”
Cam flashed a purely sarcastic smile. “Oh, that’s nice of you. No, I won’t be driving her away. Our relationship is strictly professional.”
“Yeah, right. I see the way you look at each other.”
Cam stood, irritated by the conversation because their relationship was strictly professional and it sucked. “Can you drop it?”
Luke got to his feet. “Hey, I’m not trying to be a dick.”
Maybe not, but he was doing an excellent job.
“My bad. You guys seemed like you might make a good couple, that’s all.”
They might’ve, but if they tried and it didn’t work out, things would be awkward. No, worse than that. Things would be ugly, and he and Brooke wouldn’t be able to maintain this working relationship. And the winery was far more important to Cam than any sort of romantic entanglement. Which he didn’t need or want anyway.
Cam rubbed his hand over his eyes and looked at his brother. “Look, I appreciate you trying to be supportive or whatever it is you’re doing, but leave it alone. Yes, we were attracted to each other and we discussed going out. We decided the working relationship was too important to jeopardize, okay?”
“How mature of you both.” Luke laughed. “I’m not sure I’d have that kind of resolve.”
Cam chuckled, letting his irritation fall away. “Clearly. Wasn’t your girlfriend in Cali a coworker?”
“At first, yeah, but then she moved to another winery.”
“Was that a mutual decision?”
“Sort of. The boss found out, and told us to figure it out.” Luke glanced toward the windows. “He made it, uh, clear that he didn’t want to lose me.”
“Ouch. I bet she was pissed.”
Luke laughed again. “Yes, but not enough to break up.”
Cam knew that because Luke moving up here hadn’t even been enough to break them up. They’d kept up a long-distance relationship for a year or so before he’d finally called it quits. And he hadn’t dated anyone since. “You know, if you spent half as much energy on your own love life as you do speculating about me and Brooke, you might actually start dating.”
“Hey, I date. I’m just busy. Like you.”
“Exactly. Keep your nose out of my business and I’ll do the same.”
Luke threw up his hands. “So much for brotherly camaraderie or whatever.” He turned and walked to the door but paused before leaving. “You usually take this sort of poking better. It seems like Brooke means more to you than anyone you’ve…whatevered with.”
Cam stifled a scowl because he feared Luke was right. “Would you go, please?”
“I’m going.” He pivoted and went out the door, closing it behind him.
Cam went to his mini fridge and popped open a sparkling water. He stood at the window and looked out over the sloping vineyard. It was green and verdant amidst the yellows and browns of mid-August. A sort of oasis, and it represented their hard work.
That was what he needed to focus on right now, not Brooke. This introductory dinner next month was crucial.
And what the hell was he thinking, anyway? He wasn’t long-term relationship material, which meant an inevitable breakup. He liked her too much for things to end like that—and maybe that was the real reason he’d called a halt. Either way, it had been the right decision.
Chapter Ten
After meeting Kelsey for a beer at Books ’N Brew, Ribbon Ridge’s kitschy bookstore that served coffee in the morning and Archer beer in the evening, Brooke and her new friend made their way down Main Street to the edge of town to Ruckus, Ribbon Ridge’s answer to a dive bar.
“Thanks for agreeing to come here instead of The Arch and Vine,” Kelsey said as they cut into the parking lot.
“No problem.” Brooke flashed her a smile. “I totally understand why you don’t want to hang out at your job on your night off. Plus, I’m the one that suggested something more casual than The Arch and Fox.” They’d agreed to go up and drink Bex’s beer another time.
The night was warm and dry, typical of August in the Willamette Valley. Brooke was glad she’d put her hair up, but she was still heated after the walk.
“Have you been here before?” Kelsey asked as they approached the door.
“Not yet. Do I need to be prepped?”
Kelsey laughed. “No. It’s just a different clientele from most of the other places in town.”
Brooke could see that, judging from the motorcycles and four-wheel-drive trucks in the lot as well as the neon signs offering Keno and video poker. It reminded her of the family friendly restaurant by day and bar by night back home, where her family had enjoyed many an excellent burger. “Do they serve burgers?”
“No, just basic bar food. Pretzels, hot dogs, fries, and nachos. Although, don’t expect their nachos to compare to The Arch and Vine.”
“I haven’t had them.” Brooke had only eaten at the Archers’ pub a couple of times. “They do have pretty good burgers though.”
Kelsey opened the door, and music blared at them. “That they do.”
Brooke walked in behind her. “Bar or table?”
“Definitely table.”
They scanned the busy room. The tables looked pretty full. But Kelsey pointed toward an empty booth in the middle of the far wall. It was still cluttered with glasses, indicating it had been recently vacated. Brooke nodded, and they wove through tables and patrons to reach their destination. Between the music and the conversation, a deep hum filled the place.
They each slid into opposite sides of the booth and set about scooting the former occupants’ detritus to the edge of the table.
“Why do I feel like I should bus this?” Kelsey laughed.
Brooke joined her, chuckling. “Resist the urge! It’s your night off.”
A server came by and stacked the glasses. “Sorry. We’re busy tonight.” She pulled a towel from a pocket in the small apron around her waist and wiped down the table. “Do you know what you want?”
They ordered a couple of beers, and the server took off.
“So what’s going on with the history exhibit?” Brooke asked.
“I talked to Hayden, and he hooked me up with Alaina and her friend Crystal. They were pretty excited to hear about the brick you mentioned. Which reminds me, I totally forgot to ask Hayden for it.” Kelsey shook her head. “Any chance you’ll be up at the winery any time soon? Maybe you can grab it.”
Brooke would probably have to stop by there sometime next week to pick up more wine samples. She was running low, but she knew she’d wait until the last possible moment to get more. As it was, communication between her and Cam had trickled to a bare minimum. They’d exchanged just a couple of quick e-mails this week about the wine dinner next month.
“Sure, I
can do that,” Brooke said. She went back to their topic to push Cam out of her head. “So what’s your plan with the exhibit?”
“I guess there was some discussion about turning the Archer homestead into a museum, but Alaina and her husband are renovating it instead, and they plan to live there.”
Brooke immediately wondered if that was where the brick had come from. “What’s the Archer homestead?”
“It’s a house on the current Archer estate that dates back to about 1890.” Kelsey’s mouth curved up. “Yes, too late for the brick—I can see you went to the same place I did immediately.” She chuckled.
Brooke smiled. “I did. The initials on it—BNR—did anyone have a clue about them?”
Kelsey shook her head. “No, but they were going to hit the books and see what they could find. I’ve been doing a bit of searching too, but they have the bulk of the materials.”
“What sort of materials?” Brooke looked up at the server as she arrived with their beer. “Thanks.”
Kelsey curled her hand around the base of her pint glass. “Letters, copies of birth and death certificates, and property deeds. A random collection, I guess. I haven’t seen it yet. We’re getting together soon so I can take a look and put together some ideas for the exhibit.”
“That sounds so fun. You’re going to house it upstairs at the library?”
Kelsey took a quick sip of her beer. “Yes. You know, I’m sure we could use a hand if you want to help. I’m always looking for library volunteers.”
Brooke instantly warmed to the idea. It would give her something to do that wasn’t work-related. Between that and trying to restart her nonexistent love life, she’d be busy enough to forget all about Cameron Westcott.
“I’d love to help, thanks for asking.” Brooke took a long drink of beer. “Maybe we should’ve ordered shots.”
Kelsey laughed. “Is that right? Is there something you’re trying to forget?”
Wow, she’d nailed that. “It’s just been a long week.”
Kelsey grimaced. “And it’s not over yet. I’m working at the library tomorrow from ten to four, then at The Arch and Vine from five to close.”
“Yikes! I’d say you need a shot—or several—but then you might not be able to function tomorrow.”
“True. So rain check on shots?”
“Definitely. I’d say on your next day off, but I’m worried you don’t have any.” Even though Kelsey hadn’t worked at the pub today, she told Brooke that she’d done a full day at the library.
Kelsey lifted a shoulder. “The library’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and I try not to work at the pub on one of those days.”
“So one day a week.” At Kelsey’s sheepish nod, Brooke shook her head. “That’s not enough! Why do I think this is the first social outing you’ve had in ages?”
“Because it is?” Kelsey waved her hand. “It’s fine. I like to be busy.”
“Clearly you don’t have a boyfriend, and I’m guessing you don’t even date.” Wow, this sounded so familiar. No wonder they’d hit it off.
“No, and correct.”
Brooke lifted her pint in toast. “Well then, we have that in common. Men suck.”
Kelsey was quick to tap her glass to Brooke’s. “Amen.”
They drank deeply, and Kelsey was the first to jump in. “Anything you want to share?”
Brooke shrugged. “I don’t want to be Debbie Downer. Suffice it to say I’m divorced.”
Kelsey nodded, and her eyes were warm and empathetic. “I get you. I won’t depress you with my story either. Not divorced, but a long-term relationship that ended badly.” She shuddered.
“Sorry to hear that. You might think I’m crazy, but I’ve actually been thinking it’s time to get back in the game. I have two sisters and an overinvolved mother who keep trying to set me up.”
Kelsey laughed. “I thought you told me earlier that your family still lives in southern Oregon?”
“They do, but you think that would stop them?”
“One can hope. My family lives up in Washington, and it could be Siberia for all I see of them.”
Brooke couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or not. “And is that okay?”
Kelsey cupped her hands around her pint glass. “It’s fine. It’s just my mom and stepdad and my younger half-brother. He’s still in high school, so they’re focused on that.” She took another drink of beer. “Are you eyeing someone in particular? To date, I mean.”
An image of Cam in his towel at his townhouse rose in her mind. No, not him. “My mom wants to set me up with a guy in Mac. I think I’m going to say yes.”
Kelsey inhaled and briefly cocked her head to the side. “You’re brave. Not only putting your toes back in the water, but with a blind date?”
Brooke winced. “You’re giving me second thoughts.”
Kelsey’s eyes widened. “Oh no! I’m sorry. You should totally do it. If your mom vetted him, he’s probably great.”
Probably. “I think he might be more my sister’s type than mine.”
Kelsey chuckled. “So she should date him.”
“Except she’s married. Both my sisters are. I’m the failure.” Brooke took a long pull on her beer to cover up her discomfort. She hadn’t meant to say that.
Across the table, Kelsey’s gaze darkened with concern. Brooke averted her eyes and caught the door opening. Oh hell. In walked Cam and Luke Westcott. Of all the damned, rotten luck.
She drank more of her beer, nearly draining it. If she finished it quickly, she could suggest they leave.
“Well, when you decide to go out with this guy, let me know if you need a wingman,” Kelsey said. “I’m happy to sit at a nearby table and rescue you if necessary.”
Brooke bit her tongue before she said that rescue was necessary right now. She glanced toward the door, and damn it, the brothers made eye contact with her. And started walking over.
Steeling herself, Brooke polished off her beer.
Kelsey noted that Brooke’s glass was empty and picked hers up. “I need to catch you.”
She did. Then they could leave.
“Hey there!” Luke greeted Brooke as they approached the table. He looked over at Kelsey.
There was no avoiding introductions at least. “Hi,” Brooke said, somewhat unenthusiastically and not caring one bit. “Luke, this is my friend Kelsey. Kelsey, this is Luke Westcott and his brother Cameron.” She didn’t make eye contact with Cam.
“You look familiar,” Luke said to Kelsey. “Have we met before?”
“Probably. I work at The Arch and Vine.”
He shook his head, smiling. “Duh. Now I feel like a tool for not remembering that.”
She smiled at him. “Don’t. We haven’t ever introduced ourselves or anything.”
“Well, no time like the present.” He sat on the bench next to Kelsey, and she scooted over to make room. “You don’t mind, do you?” He looked from Kelsey to Brooke and back to Kelsey again. “There aren’t any other tables.”
“We’ll be leaving shortly,” Brooke said. She finally shot a glance at Cam, who was still standing next to the table. Their gazes connected, and fire sparked through her. Damn it. Absence apparently made more than the heart grow fonder—it made unsatisfied aches burn.
Luke looked up at his brother. “Aren’t you going to sit?”
Brooke moved as close to the wall as she could without looking ridiculous. Cam slid in beside her, and though they weren’t touching, she felt his presence as though they were.
“What’re you drinking?” Luke asked.
“Hefeweizen,” Kelsey answered.
“And it looks like you’re due for another round.” Luke looked around for the server.
Shit. Wait, this was stupid. She could sit next to Cam and be fine. They were going to be doing this in the future for various work-related stuff, so she’d better get used to it. Besides, Ribbon Ridge was a small town. Things like this were bound to happen.
The se
rver stopped by, and Luke ordered a pitcher. After she left, he looked at Brooke and Kelsey. “Are we interrupting girls’ night?”
“Sort of,” Brooke said.
Luke flinched. “Sorry. We’ll leave you alone as soon as a table opens up.”
Kelsey shook her head. “It’s fine.” She exchanged a look with Brooke that seemed to ask if that was okay. Brooke gave a slight nod. What could she do?
Luke darted a look at Cam, and Brooke could see the unspoken question in his gaze—why aren’t you talking? She wondered if Cam was as uncomfortable as she was.
“So, Kelsey,” Luke said, “you work at The Arch and Vine?”
“She’s also the new librarian,” Brooke said.
Luke looked confused.
Kelsey turned her head to look at him. “The library just opened up a couple of weeks ago, and I’m running it.”
“Very cool. I didn’t realize. Too wrapped up in work, I guess. I’ll have to stop by.”
The server brought the pitcher with glasses, and when Cam went to pour the beer, his elbow brushed Brooke’s arm. She sidled closer to the wall.
Luke took a drink, then angled his body toward Kelsey. “Tell me about the library.”
As they chatted, Brooke sipped her beer. She kept her voice low as she looked over at Cam. “Something wrong with you tonight?”
He glanced at her. “No, why?”
“I’ve never seen you this quiet. It’s…weird.”
He exhaled. “Sorry.” He took a long drink. “I didn’t realize… That is, I didn’t know how…seeing you… Hell, never mind.” He went back to drinking.
Brooke smiled, enjoying his agitation. “Is this a problem?” She blinked at him and made sure her tone was sugary innocent.
He scowled at her briefly, then took a deep breath. When he turned toward her, he smiled, and the effect was devastating. Brooke’s gut clenched, and heat pooled between her legs.
“Nope, not a problem,” he said, appearing to completely regroup and change his attitude. “I guess I was still feeling bad about the other night, but you seem fine.”
“Yep, fine.” She knew she answered too quickly and wished she’d said something far more sophisticated. Like what? Maybe something like, What are you feeling bad about? as if she’d forgotten all about their near-sexy times. Damn, why did the good comebacks never come to mind at the right time?