Copper Lining (The Cardwell Family Series Book 3)

by Christy Pastore

  And the way they’d embraced me instantly.

  The two of us haven’t spent any time together outside of the office because I had a massive migraine Monday night. Wes had his first private tasting event on Tuesday evening. And last night, there was an issue with one of the horses, so Wes and Brant went to help.

  Later, Wes texted me to let me know everything was okay.

  Now, fast forward to Thursday afternoon, and I’ve got a meeting with Brant in like five minutes.

  Sage’s dessert jars gave me an idea.

  I walk around the corner to Brant’s office, and Wes stands there looking all hot in a blue dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

  His tattoos on full display.

  Danger. Danger.

  And don’t get me started on the way those dress pants hug his delicious thighs.

  “Hi, Wes,” I chirp.

  “Hello, Minka.”

  The way my name rolls off his tongue sends a shiver up my spine. Shaking off the chills, I step inside Brant’s office.

  “Hey, Minka,” Brant greets me and motions for me to take a seat at the table in the corner. “So, what have you got for me?”

  Right to it. Got it.

  “So, I’ve been thinking.” I pull the jar from my bag along with a mini bottle of their bourbon and several other items I picked up from the grocery store.

  “You guys have these amazing bourbon flavors . . . like, for instance, your dual-barrel bourbon. Take a mini and pair it with chocolate. You can really bring out the sweetness of the orange peel if you pair it with rich dark chocolate.”

  I stuff the mini bottle inside a jar along with two mini bars of dark chocolate. “I made this charming label and instructions on how to enjoy the flavors on the back. You can do this or just put a fun quote or anything. Set the price point below fifteen dollars, and bam, you’ve got yourself a heck of a gift.”

  “This is a really cool idea,” Wes speaks up.

  My heart hammers in my chest because I didn’t know he was listening. “Thanks. I’m glad you think so.”

  “I agree.” Brant’s thumb scratches along his jaw. “What else do you have?”

  Smiling, I pull the flavored seltzer water from my bag along with the bottle of Royston’s Rye and the bitters. I mix the ingredients and then garnish it with an orange twist.

  “This is a modern take on the classic old-fashioned. Let’s call it the new-fashioned.” I slide the glass in front of him. “Look, you have a low demographic with women who drink rye. This I absolutely guarantee will increase your percentages. Partnering with a seltzer brand is cross-promotion gold. You tap into their demo, and they tap into yours. Win, win.”

  “That’s delicious. Holy crap.”

  “Thank you.”

  Wes steps toward the table, and I offer him a drink. He swallows it down and I take great satisfaction when his eyes close and a low moan rattles his throat.

  Brant taps his finger to the table. “So basically, we work with what we’ve got and make these uh . . .”

  “Let’s call this a cocktail kit and this”—I point to the jar with the mini bottle inside—“could be a bar in a jar or something clever. The jar serves as the glass. You could even partner with a company that makes rocks glasses. Or make your own. The potential is unlimited.”

  “You are a genius,” Brant tells me.

  “If I’m honest, your sister’s best friend, Sage, gave me the idea.”

  Brant shakes his head. “How so?”

  “She has those dessert jars, and it got me thinking.”

  “Ah, yeah. I’m a little pissed that I didn’t think of this before. It’s beyond brilliant. Good work.”

  Brant is fully sold on the cocktail kits, the bar in a jar idea, and bourbon starter packs by the end of the meeting.

  Wes: Well, well, aren’t you a hot little potato.

  Me: You jealous?

  Wes: Nope. We should celebrate. Any chance we can grab dinner tonight?

  Me: Sounds like a plan.

  Wes: I’ll pick you up at 6:30.

  Me: See you then.

  Me: Wait! What about Brant and Caroline?

  Wes: What about them?

  Me: What if they see us?

  Wes: Would you feel better if I picked you up somewhere else?

  Me: How about I wait for you at Thistle and Ivy?

  Wes: Let’s eat there instead.

  Me: I’m sorry if I rained on a different plan.

  Wes: The only plan I have is to spend more time with you.

  Wes

  I understand Minka’s apprehension about being seen with me outside of work.

  But she’s new in town, and she only knows a handful of us. We can’t expect her to spend her time only at the office and at the apartment alone.

  Besides, what do I care about what Brant or Caroline think?

  It’s not about you.

  Brant told me to show Minka the ropes around the office. The same rule could apply to Mayfield.

  Minka’s got a job to do while she’s here, but she’s entitled to a little fun too. And she had a big win today. So that requires a celebration.

  I careen my truck through downtown Mayfield and find a spot to park behind the restaurant.

  Minka’s sitting at the corner of the bar looking hot as hell in a yellow sundress.

  “Is this seat taken?” I whisper in her ear.

  She glances up at me and invites me to take a seat next to her.

  “You look gorgeous.”

  She smiles over the rim of her wineglass. “Nice to see you too. Thank you.”

  The bartender takes my drink order and I slip in an order of spinach artichoke dip to share.

  “Do you want to get a table, or do you prefer to sit at the bar?”

  “Here is fine. It gets me closer to you.” She winks and her hand brushes the top of my thigh.

  “I won’t argue with that.”

  Minka turns her head toward the music that floats in from the patio. The large garage door style windows are open, and the breeze toys with Minka’s dark hair.

  My stomach rumbles as I look over the menu, debating between the pork chops and the Cali chicken sandwich.

  “What are your plans for the weekend?” I ask and take a sip of my bourbon.

  “I suppose you’re going to tell me.”

  “Well, if it’s my call . . . ,” I say, leaning in and lowering my mouth to her ear. “I’d keep you in bed all weekend.”

  Our server reappears with our appetizer before she has a chance to give her opinion on the idea.

  Just as I’m about to take a bite, someone slaps me on the shoulder.

  “Weston,” the familiar voice drawls out. I turn to see Maybelle and Sawyer standing behind us.

  “Hey,” I say before popping a chip into my mouth.

  “Minka,” Maybelle says and inches toward her. “Your dress is fabulous.”

  “Thank you,” Minka says. “It’s nice to see you two. You want to join us?”

  “That sounds fun,” Maybelle chirps. “How about we take this table here?” My cousin points to a high-top table.

  Can’t say that I’m not a little disappointed not having Minka all to myself. I settle up with the bartender, and the hostess sets us up with menus and place settings.

  Sawyer orders cocktails for the two of them and an appetizer. We listen to Maybelle as she talks about the events coming up at Cranberry Ridge—wedding receptions and a few graduation parties.

  “Is it common for people to have graduation parties in the middle of the summer?” Minka asks before taking a drink.

  “Uh, I think people want to spread them around, so their friends don’t feel pressure to go to party after party. It can get expensive,” Maybelle explains. “And the celebrations for the Fourth will be insane.”

  Sawyer chuckles. “Yeah, but not for you, babe.” His gaze darts between Minka and me. “I’ve finally convinced my workaholic wife to take a long weekend.”

&
nbsp; “It’s good to take a break. What do the Fourth of July celebrations include around here?” Minka asks.

  “Oh, there’s the parade and the fireworks display at the lake.”

  Maybelle claps her hands. “Minka, you should spend the day at the lake with us. We’ve got a speedboat and Brant’s got a pontoon. Although, I’m not sure if he and Caroline will be coming out this year.”

  My phone pings with a text from Minka.

  The lake that your house overlooks?

  Me: One and the same. You should come.

  Me: And you should plan to stay the night.

  “I’m sure Brant and Caroline will hang as long as they can,” Sawyer says.

  “And Haven and Tyler are coming in for the week,” Maybelle adds.

  My head snaps up. “What? How do you know that?”

  “Your mom told me.”

  I shake my head and laugh. “I’m always the last to know.”

  The music continues, which keeps the conversation between the four of us limited. Our dinner arrives, and we eat mostly in silence until the band breaks.

  Minka and Maybelle talk about an upcoming television show they both want to watch, while Sawyer turns our conversation to baseball.

  “Do you read romance books, Minka?” Maybelle asks.

  “When I have time, absolutely. I’m totally engrossed in a book by Fabiola Francisco right now. It’s called Memories of Us.”

  Maybelle lets out this chirpy squeal. “Oh girl, let me tell you—have you started her Love in Everton series yet?”

  Minka shakes her head. “No. But I want to. I need more hours in the day.”

  “So, I’m thinking of starting a book club once a week,” Maybelle says. “I thought it might be fun to have some ladies get together in the wine bar at Cranberry Ridge. I told Caroline and Olivia about this, and they are totally in. I’d love for you to join.”

  “Sounds good to me. Oh, we should invite Jade and Sage too.”

  The smile on Minka’s face is a mile wide. For a moment, I think of the possibility of settling down with her here in Mayfield and making a permanent life.

  But the thought flickers and fades when I think about her life back in California. Her daughter, Celia, who doesn’t know me from Adam.

  And I’ve read this book before. Seen this movie.

  I’m the other guy.

  The man who is not her father.

  As I shovel another bite into my mouth, Minka’s words come back front and center. Her life is complicated, and I think it just smacked me right on the forehead.

  I need to pump the brakes or at least think about Minka’s life with Celia. Am I ready for something like this? Truly?

  “How’s your sandwich?” Minka asks.

  “It’s really good. How’s your shrimp bowl?”

  “Delicious. Thank you for all this. I’m having a great time.”

  My heart beats a little faster, and I think what if? What if date nights with Minka and working together is something that can be a real possibility?

  “Minka, I hear that you had a good meeting with Brant today,” Maybelle speaks up.

  Minka nods and smiles. “Yeah, I’m happy he liked my ideas.”

  “I’m sure my brother will be rolling out the production in no time.” I signal for another round of drinks.

  Maybelle takes a sip of her wine. “Yeah, and I want a display of all the goodies at Cranberry Ridge and The Tea Room.”

  “Of course, Brant will insist on it,” I tell her.

  “Speaking of Brant,” Maybelle shifts the conversation. “I saw a large box from Nordstrom on the table in his office today. I wonder if it’s a gift for Caroline?”

  I laugh. “You are so nosy.”

  Sawyer snickers. “I’m sure she’s been dying to ask you about the box ever since we sat down with y’all.”

  The band starts to play again, and Maybelle asks for their bill. We say our goodbyes and then the two of us linger over our drinks.

  “I should get going. I’ve got an early morning tomorrow. I get to talk to Celia. I can’t wait, I miss her so much.”

  I admit I’m bummed that our night is already over, but the smile on her face is gorgeous and it lessens the blow that our time together is over.

  “When was the last time you talked to Celia?”

  “The day she left for camp.”

  Our server comes back with our bill, and I hand her my credit card. Once we’re all settled up, we walk outside, and I sling my arm around Minka’s waist and quickly remove it realizing we’re in public.

  “How about we hold hands instead?” she quips.

  “Really?”

  She smiles up at me. “Yeah.”

  We walk along the sidewalk toward her building. Once we get to the steps, I pull her close and her lips land on mine.

  “Thanks for dinner.” Minka kisses me again and then slips out of my arms and steps inside the building.

  I chuckle when she turns back to wave at me. As I walk down the sidewalk toward my truck, I think about Minka and her life. I’ve never wanted a woman as much as I want her.

  I see how happy Brant and Caroline are together. And Maybelle and Sawyer have that same kind of happiness. I think I want a little slice of that kind of life.

  I’ve never given my heart to anyone before. The thought weighs heavy in my chest.

  It’s funny, I’ve always pictured myself living the bachelor life. But maybe I’m built for something more.

  Minka

  The day is flying by in a blur.

  Since I had a conference call with Celia’s camp program director, I decided to work from home. After I hung up with the director, Celia called and filled me in on everything she’d been doing. She couldn’t stop thanking me for letting her go to camp.

  She also told me that she missed me. Lord knows, I miss her too.

  I’m sitting at the kitchen island going over a recipe when there’s a knock on my door. My heart beats out of sync at the thought that Wes is standing on the other side.

  Surprise hits me when I see Caroline standing in the hallway. “Hi. Is this a good time?”

  “Yes, of course, come on in.”

  She drops her handbag onto a barstool. “I need a favor. Actually, I want to hire you.”

  “Hire me?”

  “Yeah. Brant and I are getting married. We’re having a small ceremony in the garden at the distillery and then a reception on the mezzanine level. I’d love to have you make us a cake.”

  “Wow, congratulations. When is the wedding?”

  Caroline’s hands move to her back and she winces. “Sunday afternoon.” She takes a seat at the island, gingerly. “I can’t wait to get this baby out of my body.”

  I take in her pained expression. “Have you tried pelvic floor physiotherapy?”

  Her brows draw together. “Are you suggesting I have someone massage my vagina?”

  “Maybe,” I drawl out slowly.

  She chuckles. “I had a chiropractor appointment and that helped a little bit. I’ve been trying to stretch with a foam roller too.”

  “Sometimes back problems are caused by overly tight pelvic muscles. You could try a pelvic floor workout instead. I’m happy to send you some videos.”

  “I’m willing to try anything at this point. And I’ll definitely consider the physiotherapy.” Her nails drum against the countertop. “So, what do you say about the cake?”

  “Of course. Let’s talk design and flavors, and since you’re getting married at the distillery, I can use the kitchen, and we won’t have to worry about transportation. It’ll be perfect.”

  “And you’re sure that making the cake is no trouble?”

  “After all you and your soon-to-be-family have done to make me feel so welcome here, it’s my absolute pleasure.”

  Caroline tells me more about the ceremony, her dress, the flowers, and the colors they’ve chosen. She shows me some pictures on her phone and her Pinterest board ideas. I smile at the pictures of h
er and Brant together. They are totally in love.

  “So yeah, totally impromptu, but I’ve somehow pulled this thing together in less than two weeks.” She lets out a deep breath and rubs her stomach.

  My fingers fly over the keyboard of my laptop. “Let’s go with a two-tier cake. We’ll do a ten inch and an eight inch. Round, of course, and that will be seventy servings, which sounds like a lot, but better extra than not enough.”

  She nods. “Yeah, and I’ll eat the cake for days.”

  I stand and pull a bottle of sparkling water from the refrigerator. I pour two glasses and slide one in front of Caroline. “Oh, you can bring the extras to the Fourth of July celebration at the lake.”

  “That’s a really good idea. And it will save me from having to make anything. In that case, how about we make this cake a little bigger?” Her blue eyes bounce with excitement.

  “I’ll add a six-inch piece which will make an even hundred servings.”

  “That sounds amazing.”

  “So, I know that Brant’s nickname for you is Sugar,” I flip the screen of my laptop. “What do you think about this design for a cake?”

  She gasps. “Are those rock candy sprinkles?”

  I nod and smile. “Yep. I’ll put a little on each layer and add fresh flowers at the base of the cake stand for presentation. It will look amazing in pictures.”

  After she decides on the flavor—lemon raspberry with a lemon buttercream frosting, we spend the next thirty minutes talking about their honeymoon plans, work, and kids. I give Caroline some parenting advice, but only when she asks because I don’t want to overstep. Caroline tells me that her friend Jillian has been super helpful with all the soon-to-be-mom stuff.

  “So, how are things going for you?” Caroline clasps her hands over her belly.

  I fill her in on the things I’ve been working on and tell her about the bar in a jar idea.

  She laughs. “Honey, Brant tells me everything. You’re like his unicorn quarterback or something. I mean, how are things with you and Wes?”

  I bite my lower lip and I feel the blush flood my cheeks. “How did you know?”

  “The tension between the two of you at brunch was thicker than the humidity. I’ve never seen Wes look at a woman the way he looks at you. Last year at the fall harvest, I swear all the women were drooling over him. He’s always been a ladies’ man, but I think he’s got a crush on you.”