I don’t like his tone and want to rebuke it, but now’s not the time. Besides, I don’t want Caden to witness any sibling squabbles when I’m already feeling vulnerable.
I blow out a breath and say, “In private.”
Jackson raises a brow. “Is there a problem?”
The folly of this expedition is becoming clear to me. I should have waited and played it cool instead of hunting Caden down like a maniac. But I’m committed now, so it’s full steam ahead. “No, it doesn’t concern you.”
When he continues to stare at me, I go on. “Distillery business.”
Jackson gestures to the papers. “This seems more pressing.”
I snap. “In the time you’ve taken telling me how much more important you are, I could have been done.”
“All right, all right.” He holds up his hands. “I guess Cat needs you.”
“Seems so,” Caden says in that dripping-honey voice.
Of course I shiver, my skin threatening goose bumps. I tip my head toward the hallway and start walking, not waiting to see if he follows me. I go into Gwen and Jackson’s empty office and hold the door open. Thirty seconds later, Caden ambles in after me, like he doesn’t have a care in the world. The attitude irritates me, which is good. I need to be irritated by him right now. It’s better than the alternative.
The second he’s in, I shut the door and turn toward him, crossing my arms over my chest. “About last night.”
He leans against the desk, straightening his long legs and hooking his feet at the ankle. “About last night.”
“I apologize for my actions.” I clear my throat and dive right in. “I…um…hope I haven’t created a hostile work environment for you.”
I’m almost positive I see his lips twitch, but he doesn’t speak, so I go on, awkward and stilted. “If you feel you can’t work under me anymore, I’ll understand.”
His mouth slides into a grin, and he chuckles. “I’d say I work under you just fine, don’t ya think?”
A hot flush sears my skin, and I want to cut out my tongue. I clear my throat and attempt to put some professionalism back into our relationship. “That’s not funny, or appropriate. I’m attempting to rectify this situation. If you feel like it would be better to work directly with Wyatt and Jackson, maybe that would be best, considering.”
He meets my eyes. “Considering what, boss?”
“Don’t call me that!” The words come out much more screechy than I’d intended. I lower my voice an octave. “Despite your arrogance and annoying personality, there’s no question you know what you’re doing and are good at your job. You’re a good addition to the team, and we don’t want to lose you. I understand if you consider my actions last night sexual harassment.”
He laughs. It’s full and throaty and makes heat pool in my stomach.
God damn him.
Unable to stop myself, the words fly from my lips as though they can’t leave my throat fast enough. “What I did to you was inexcusable.”
“Cat.”
“My only excuse is the shots went to my head, and I forgot myself.”
“Cat.”
I ignore him and keep going. “I’m hoping you can forgive me, and we can keep our working relationship in good standing, but if you’d rather work for my brothers, I completely understand.”
“Cat.”
“It won’t happen again.”
He sighs, straightens off the counter, and takes three steps to stand in front of me.
I really start babbling now. “It didn’t mean anything.”
He takes me by the arms.
“It was a mistake.” My breath stutters in my chest.
He yanks me close.
My heart surges. “Can you forgive me?”
“Shut up,” he says, and his mouth covers mine.
Like he’s some sort of solar eclipse; he blocks out all the light in the room.
I stiffen for a fraction of a second, but his lips are coaxing me in a way I can’t resist, and I end up melting into him.
Just like last night.
Only better.
Because he kisses like the best sex in the entire world.
He slips his hands off my arms and around my waist, pulling me close.
My head tilts.
Our mouths deepen.
His tongue slides against mine. Tangles.
I raise to my tiptoes, my hands curling around his neck, pressing into him.
And just like that, the kiss goes from him shutting me up to something thick and hot. Insatiable.
He walks me backward.
I hit the door and pant out the last bit of air left in my chest.
His head lifts, and I moan at the loss of contact, clutching at him, digging my nails into his skin