Sweet Texas Charm (12 page)

Grayson shook off the guacamole, wiping his hands on his apron. “It’s no big deal. I’ll clean this up.”

“It is a big deal. That’s lost product.” Becca marched over to the two men, threatened to dock their paycheck to pay for the dip they’d just lost, and told them to knock it off. They grumbled but brought Grayson a mop and a bucket.

“Sorry, dude,” one of the guys said.

He held back the urge to tell him that come September, the punk would be looking for a new job. “It’s fine, man. I’ve got to learn to hustle.”

Bending down, he began to scoop up the guacamole with towels Franco handed him, getting the dip all over his smock and jeans. He stood and reached for the mop, pushing it through the bucket’s soapy water, Becca’s words from earlier ringing in his ears.

Welcome to Guac Olé.

Becca rounded the corner of the supermarket aisle, her small grocery basket in hand. She needed to grab some sandwich meat for her lunch and then she could hit the checkout line. It’d been a long day and she was anxious to get home, plop down on her couch, and get lost in a book.

What a day. She couldn’t help but laugh at what had happened to her new employee. Could a guy be called a hot mess? If so, Coop Jackson was certainly one. The fact that he showed up to work wearing cowboy boots, without a sensible second pair to change into, should have told her everything she needed to know.

She suspected the fellas might haze the new guy a bit, but that loss of dip was not cool, and she’d given an earful to the young guys.

What she really couldn’t stop thinking about was what happened before that dip disaster, when Coop had stopped in her office. That he’d asked her if the flowers were from her boyfriend and then invited her to lunch tomorrow was a bold move. The boyfriend question seemed a little inappropriate. Never mind that they’d just met, but she was his boss.

Coop could have just been making small talk. He seemed nice enough, and when she left today, he was still mopping the floor. She’d said good-bye and that she’d see him tomorrow—wearing better shoes. He’d smiled and told her to have a good night.

So now they’d have lunch tomorrow. It wasn’t a big deal. It wasn’t like they’d be alone, since most of the employees took their lunch in the break room.

She searched for her favorite honey-roasted turkey sandwich meat. Maybe she should grab a bag of chips or get some chocolate chip cookies that they could share, but then she dismissed that thought. She did not need to be sharing chips, cookies, or any other snack with Grayson’s former roommate. That must have been quite the pairing. She snickered. Probably the real reason Coop dropped out.

Her thoughts easily drifted to Grayson. Was he having fun on his tropical vacation?

She needed to think up another question, because that one seemed to pop into her head every couple of hours.

She set the sandwich meat in her basket and turned quickly—running smack into Gavin and Macy. “I’m so sorry,” she said and took a step back from the smiling couple. “How are you both?”

“Great,” he answered. “It’s good to see you, Becca. Have you met my fiancée, Macy?”

“No, I haven’t. It’s so nice to meet you.” Starstruck, she held out her hand. Was she really meeting her favorite country music singer? Figured she’d be wearing her standard plain shirt with black pants covered in guacamole stains. At least she’d replaced her work shoes with cute black flats. “I’m a big fan. I have all your CDs … I love you so much.”
Oh, shut up, Becca.
“I mean, I love your music so much.” She attempted to regain her composure.

“It’s
my
honor, and it’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ll make sure you get my latest CD before it comes out. It’s a Christmas one.”

“I would love that.”

“Baby, what did you need over here again?” Macy patted Gavin on the chest, her exquisite diamond engagement ring sparkling on her hand.

The nausea that had overcome Becca Saturday night was back. That shiny rock symbolized that Jack had been successful in his matchmaking.

Macy’s phone rang, and she pulled it out of her purse. “It’s my manager. Excuse me for a second.” She took a few steps away from them toward the banana display.

Becca swept her bangs to the side, not knowing what to say to the handsome veterinarian who was now giving her a warm smile. “So, Grayson must be having a great time right about now.”

Gavin’s eyebrows furrowed. “Really? What’s he doing?”

“I don’t know.” She bit her lip. “Um … relaxing on the beach, I would imagine. I’ve never been to Cancun.”

“Cancun? Grayson’s in Cancun?”

“Didn’t he tell you he was going away for three weeks?” What brother headed to another country without telling his family?

“It must have slipped his mind …” If Becca wasn’t mistaken, his tone had a hint of irritation. “So, how are things going at the plant?”

“Good. I’m really sorry about Saturday night. Chuck was officially terminated this morning.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Those things are never easy.” He smiled down on her. “But I’m sure you handled it well.”

“You know, Grayson took care of it before he left. He offered the position to his former college roommate. He started today.”

“He did?”

“Yeah, I guess he offered him a job over the weekend. He’s working the line.” She sighed. “Well, he’s trying to.”

“Really.” Gavin’s expression was more than a little surprised. “That makes no sense. Donovan’s a sports attorney in Dallas. He gave me and Grayson tickets to last year’s Super Bowl.”

“Donovan?” She frowned. “No, his name is Coop Jackson.”

“Hmm …” Gavin paused for a second. “Well, I don’t remember Coop, but I’m sure Grayson had several different roommates.” He waved his hand, laughing it off. “It takes a special kind of person to live with my brother. Someone who can easily put him in his place when needed.”

She couldn’t help but notice Gavin’s encouraging smile, which mirrored the one Eleanor had given her this morning. The one that revealed he was on Team Becca. Well, they were all going to be disappointed in Jack’s final fantasy pick. It wasn’t happening, especially if Grayson was frolicking on the beach with another woman.

Not that she cared.

Just then Macy returned, ending the opportunity for Becca to inquire more about Coop. “Don’t kill me, baby. I know this is last minute, but my manager wants to throw us a small engagement party at the house this weekend. Would you be okay with that?”

Gavin wrapped an arm around Macy’s waist. “Of course. Sounds fun.”

Macy hugged him back, and a twinge of jealousy nipped at Becca. It wasn’t that she had the hots for the veterinarian, but obviously Jack had gotten this pairing right.

Macy let go of her fiancé, her lips curving in a wide smile. “Becca, you should come. It’ll be a lot of fun, and I’d love to introduce you to my band.”

“Oh, I don’t …”

“You should,” Gavin agreed. “I promise we won’t talk about the factory, your shares, or my brother.”

“Grayson or Gage?” she asked, just making sure.

He chuckled, appearing to enjoy her sense of humor. “Both.”

“Well, in that case …” Becca took a deep breath, not believing what she was about to say, “I’d love to.”

Macy whipped out her phone and tapped in Becca’s number so that later in the week she could text her the time of the party. Becca didn’t need directions. Everyone in town knew where the Cooper homestead was located.

“We’ll see you then,” Gavin said, and he and Macy turned toward the dairy section to continue their shopping.

Becca headed in the opposite direction, her phone vibrating in her hand. Macy’s text with her phone number had been delivered. She stared down at the seven unfamiliar digits that solidified her highly unexpected plans for Saturday night.

She slid her phone in her purse. At least Grayson wouldn’t be there.

• • •

Grayson pulled off his cowboy boots, flinging one across his living room followed by the other. He sank deep into his sofa, closing his eyes and rolling his neck.

Today had been hard work. Period. He still couldn’t believe that he’d been hazed for the better part of the afternoon, and as the CEO, that behavior concerned him. Did these shenanigans happen all the time?

At least Becca had reprimanded the two culprits. He was starting to understand just how good she was at her job. It took a special kind of boss to deal with all the floor activity going on at any given time.

He also didn’t have as much interaction with her as he would have liked. He’d have to figure out a way for them to spend time together; otherwise, his plan wasn’t going to work, and the disguise—and the hassle—would be for nothing.

While cleaning up the mess he’d made, Tangie had sauntered over with an extra mop, offering her help. Boy, that woman could talk. He learned all about her turning thirty next year and how she planned to celebrate; how most of her paycheck went to helping her younger brother, who had recently gotten out of rehab for a drug problem and was now working at the truck stop off the interstate; and how she practiced yoga every morning and hoped to one day become a certified instructor.

She’d even showed him some stretching exercises, including one she called her signature move that involved arching his back while bouncing on his toes, which, he had to admit, felt amazing. Her move would definitely come in handy if he was going to get through the next three weeks and not feel like he’d been run over by a Mack truck.

Tangie didn’t really say much about Becca other than that she was a great boss. She’d also told him in no uncertain terms that he had no chance with Becca, since she was intended for the CEO.

He smirked. Hopefully tomorrow she’d open up to Coop Jackson over lunch.

Speaking of food, he was about to chomp off his left hand if he didn’t get something in his belly. He hadn’t thought to bring his lunch today, forgetting that none of the plant employees ate in the main cafeteria. He didn’t want to cause suspicion his first day by going in there. He still didn’t get why they boycotted it. Meals were discounted for all employees, and there was plenty of room in the spacious dining hall, which took up most of the first floor.

He ripped open the Chipotle bag and dived into his chicken bowl loaded with chicken, white rice, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese. Not his usual dinner, but after the day he—Coop—had had, he deserved it.

Midway through his scarf-down, his doorbell rang.
That’s strange.
He wasn’t expecting anyone. Meg had already been by and left the work shoes on his doorstep. She wouldn’t be stopping by again until later in the week to see if his disguise needed any upkeep. He dragged himself off the couch and over to his front door, looking out the peephole. Gavin waited on the other side.

He flung the door open.

Gavin narrowed his eyes, stepping back. “Who are you?”

Oh, crap. He’d forgotten to call his brother yesterday. “Don’t freak out. It’s me. Grayson.”

His older brother squinted his eyes. “Holy mother of God. What did you do?”

“It’s a long story. Come in for a beer, and I’ll tell you.”

Grayson headed into his kitchen, flinging the refrigerator door open and grabbing two imports. He handed one over to Gavin. “Pretty awesome disguise, huh?” He twisted open his bottle and took a swig. Damn, that hit the spot. Maybe Meg had been right yesterday when she told him he’d be beer guzzling in no time.

Gavin continued to eye his brother, pulling out a bar stool and taking a seat. “Is that a wig you’re wearing?”

“Yes.” He ran his fingers through it, not used to the length. “I think I’m going to have Meg trim it a little more this weekend.”

“Meg?”

“Meg Murphy, the waitress over at the Silver Spurs.”

“She did this to you?”

“Yeah, she and a couple of her friends. She’s studying to be a beautician.”

Gavin continued to stare at Grayson’s head. “And you thought you’d be her guinea pig?

Why are you in disguise? Oh, Christ. You haven’t done anything illegal, have you? Shit, Grayson, I would have expected Gage to be running from the law one day, but you …”

“Calm down. I’m in this disguise because I’m working undercover in the factory.” He sipped his beer. “But Roselyn knows all about it. It’s nothing illegal.”

“Why on earth would you want to go undercover?” Gavin took a longer drink of his beer. “It has something to do with Becca, doesn’t it?”

Grayson leaned his body against the counter, propping up on his elbows. “I’m doing it because I’ve got to know why Dad chose Becca.”

“And you think altering your appearance so that you are unrecognizable will accomplish that?”

He nodded. “Trust me, I’m the first to admit that this is a crazy idea, but it’s working. I’m in. I worked a full day today on the production line as Coop Jackson, and Becca’s been nice to me because I’m her employee.”

Gavin laughed. “Yeah, about that. You did make quite a first-day impression on your boss. Macy and I ran into her at the grocery store tonight, and she mentioned you’d hired him … hired you …”

“She did? What did she say?”

“That you’d given your college roommate a job. Man, you should have told me what you were doing. I nearly blew your cover when I said your college roommate was named Donovan.”

“Donovan?” Oh yeah. His
real
college roommate. “I’m sorry. I meant to call you last night, but the disguise took a few hours, and I forgot.”

“And you are supposed to be in Cancun. Is that the story?”

“Yeah, I told the senior team I wanted to take the rest of the month off to recharge. Since we have the property there, I thought it was a good lie as far as fibs go.”

“What about that truck in your driveway—whose is that?”

“Meg’s brother, Bob. My convertible’s in my garage.”

“Unbelievable … I always thought Gage would be the first to fly off his rocker.”

“You’re just jealous that I now have more hair than you,” Grayson joked back. “Do you think Becca’s suspicious?”

“She didn’t seem so.” Gavin leaned his back against the counter. “So, how did today go?”

“Man, it was so freakin’ hard. Oh, and get this. I learned from one of Becca’s friends, who works there, too, that the factory workers have nicknames for me.”