He shrugs one broad shoulder, and his muscles flex under the cotton of his gray T-shirt. “I was a farm manager at a large outfit over in California for the last couple of years. I managed the crew, fields, crops—you name it, I’ve done it.”
Yet he’s willing to work for us? We’re a growing farm that’s attracted some local attention, but we’re hardly in the big league. And we’re not traditional farmers; we make products and food with what we produce, rather than exporting it, which isn’t exactly the same thing.
I figure it’s my duty to get some answers and at least ensure he’s not a murderer or didn’t get fired for theft. “Why did you leave there?”
“Time to move on.”
I look at him. His eyes meet mine, hard and steady. Unreadable.
I swallow. “Do you have references I can check?”
His chin juts out, defiant. “Gabe vouched for me. That should be good enough for you.”
He irritates me, acting like he’s annoyed that I’m questioning him. I lean back in my leather desk chair. “Gabe’s not making the hiring decisions here. I am.”
His full lips lift in a smirk. “Am I waking up at four thirty tomorrow or not?”
“I don’t think I like your attitude.”
He laces his fingers across his stomach. “I don’t think you’re in a position to be choosy.”
“And why do you think that?”
Another shrug. “I pay attention. Gabe told me your last manager quit without notice.”
“And how exactly do you know Gabe?”
Gabe and I have been friends since we were three, and Caden Landry is not a name I’ve ever heard.
He tilts his head. “We worked together in another life.”
Obviously I will need to get more information on that front from Gabe.
“Not much of a talker, are you?” My words drip with sarcasm.
“Since he recommended me, I assume he already gave you the details, so I don’t see the point in reiterating information you already know.”
Only I hadn’t asked Gabe for details, though under normal circumstances I would have. When he called, I’d been juggling about twenty things at once and had grabbed the life preserver without question. I’d assumed Caden Landry would be as likable and agreeable as Gabe. I was wrong on that part.
I’ll be asking Gabe the things I should have as soon as possible, but that doesn’t help me in the present.
Since I’m not about to admit I did zero research prior to this interview, I try again to establish some sort of authority. “Just because Gabe spoke well of you doesn’t mean the job is automatically yours.”
He smirks. “Look, I can use Google. I know how important the restaurant opening is. I also know McKay’s Rum has been making strides over the last couple of years. A successful opening with rave reviews from chefs all over the world will really put you on the map, now won’t it?”
My jaw sets. I stupidly hadn’t anticipated him knowing our current situation. I’m horrible at this job. It’s no wonder he’s so arrogant. I shift in my office chair. “That’s true, but that doesn’t mean I’m desperate.”
He moves to stand. “All right then. You have yourself a good day, Ms. McKay.”
Surprise flashes hot across my skin. This is not a man to be underestimated. “Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
I glare at him, ignoring the panic beating against my ribs. “You know interviewing is a standard business practice.”
He folds his arms over his chest and stares down at me, his gaze intent.
My stomach dips, and I repress a shiver of unease. He’s imposing—intimidating even. I’m small, only five-two to be exact, and sitting down, he looms over me.
“You’re not asking the right questions.”
I’m fully aware that he’s driving and dominating this entire process, but I’m off balance now and don’t know how to get things back under control. My fingers tighten on the pen I’m still holding, and I already have a death grip on it.
I force myself to relax. “And what do you believe I should be asking?”
His head tilts. “How about anything to do with my ability to grow things and run a crew? What is my method of germination? Fertilization? Linage? Grow cycle? Management style? Those are good starts. I don’t have a lot of patience for non-essential information. Truth is you’re not gonna find anyone else with even half the knowledge I have. If you hire me, you’ll get crops you didn’t dream possible.”
He’s throwing a lot of confidence in my direction. “You think you’re