review the things I haven’t checked off my list yet. I’ve got a couple hours left before I can call it a day, but that’s to be expected. Family businesses aren’t nine-to-five jobs. I put things in order quickly so I can hit the ground running after dinner. Then I glance back at the clock.
Shit. It’s five fifty-eight. I’ll have to run to make it.
Two minutes later, I’m slightly breathless as I swing through the door that leads into our large, farmhouse kitchen.
Mrs. Potts tugs at her apron in a huff. “You’re late, missy.”
I shake my head. “No, I’m not. I’m right on time.”
I slide into my chair as my watch hits six, grab my napkin, and look up.
Right into Caden Landry’s amused blue eyes.
I’m so surprised by his presence that I forget to guard myself and blurt, “What the hell are you doing here?”
The corners of his mouth tug.
“I was invited.” His voice is a long, slow drawl, dripping like thick honey over my skin.
Everyone at the table—except for Natalie who’s preoccupied with something on Gwen’s phone—is watching me with avid curiosity.
I straighten my shoulders. “Oh. That’s nice.”
He chuckles.
I clear my throat. “Are you settled in?”
He shrugs. “Never got to the cabin, but I’m sure I’ll find my way there eventually.”
Gwen perks up, reaching for the iced tea pitcher in front of her. “I’m sure Cat can walk you there after dinner.”
I grit my teeth and force my expression to remain impassive. I smile politely at the nightmare across from me. “Of course.”
He shakes his head. “Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll find my way.”
Good. The less time I spend with him the better. “Great. I’ll give you the keys.” I pick up a fork. “You’ll need to stop by the office tomorrow to fill out paperwork so I can put you on the payroll.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Why do I feel like every time he speaks, he’s mocking me? Maybe it’s because I’m hyperaware of him. I remind myself this too shall pass. In a week, his presence will be no big deal, and this on-edge, prickly feeling will go away.
I’ll treat him no different than I treated Burt, our last farm manager.
Mrs. Potts puts down a bowl of steaming mashed potatoes before plucking the cell out of Natalie’s hand. “No phones at the table.”
My niece opens her mouth to object, but when she sees Mrs. Potts’ face, she closes it.
Mrs. Potts huffs and removes her apron from her ample frame before addressing Natalie. “I don’t want any sass from you when it’s time for bed, young lady.”
Nat beams from her wheelchair and puts her hand dramatically on her chest. “Me? Never.”
I laugh, my heart swelling with love for my niece. She’s fun, dramatic, and a total con artist.
She’s perfect.
“Yes, you,” Mrs. Potts says, wagging a finger. “Now be a good girl and eat your vegetables. I’ll see you after dinner.”
Nat wrinkles her nose and pushes at her broccoli. “Oh, all right.”
Jackson points his knife in Caden’s direction. “Cat, now this was a smart hire. He knows his shit.”
“Daddy!” Natalie gives him a disapproving look. “No swearing during dinner.”
Jackson rolls his eyes at her. “You just shush it. She’s gone.”
Everyone looks around, and Mrs. Potts has indeed left the kitchen I designed when we finally had the money to renovate it.
The air relaxes a bit.
Gwen shrugs. “It still doesn’t hurt to watch your language in front of the minor.”
“Anyway.” Jackson’s eyes narrow on his future wife before turning back to me. “We need more like him.”
The words make me bristle. Jackson doesn’t mean to knock my hiring practices. It’s just his nature. He’s demanding, exacting, and has high standards. It’s part of his creative genius.
To cover my irritation, I offer Caden a sardonic smile. “You have a fanboy. How cute.”
Caden’s gaze slides to mine and locks in place. His eyes are such a strange color—not light and electric like Gwen’s, but dark and mysterious, a shade or two lighter than navy. I’ve never seen anything like them. I ignore the way my stomach dips.
Caden picks up a fork. “The man appreciates quality when he sees it.”
I have an odd, irrational urge to stick my tongue out at him.
My oldest brother, Wyatt, speaks for the first time, and I realize I hadn’t even acknowledged he was here. “Tomorrow we can go out into the cane fields.”
Caden forks a piece of barbequed chicken breast. “Sounds good. I’ve got some thoughts.”
Wyatt’s handsome face is alight with interest. “I’m anxious to hear them.”