Reagan looked at Gwen walking through the doorway, her eyes wide as she glanced between her and Jill. Then confusion took hold before she schooled her features and nodded to Jill. “Ms. Jacobs, it’s nice to see you. I hope the tasting went well.”

“Yes, it did. Reagan was very helpful.”

“I’m sure,” Gwen replied with a tight-lipped smile. “I wanted to come out and say hello to you and your mother.”

“Let’s head into the dining room,” Reagan said as she walked in that direction. “I’ll get your coats.” She quickly retrieved their coats and brought them back, all the while thinking about the upcoming conversation with her best friend. Shit. After helping Maureen into her coat, she did the same for Jill but added a soft squeeze of her hand as she stepped away.

“Thank you for coming today. I hope you enjoyed the food. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out,” Gwen said.

“We’ll be sure to do that,” Maureen replied. “Let’s go.”

“Thanks again,” Jill said before following her mother out of the restaurant.

“So. I guess we have some things to catch up on.”

Reagan sighed. “We do. Let’s head into the kitchen.” She walked out without waiting for Gwen to reply, knowing she’d follow.

Reagan headed for the stacks of dirty bowls and plates near the dishwasher. She sprayed down leftover bits of soup, salad, and steak into the sink and loaded up the tray before sliding it in and shutting the door. As she dried her hands on a towel, Gwen settled on a stool by the workstation, two well-poured glasses of wine in front of her. Reagan held in a sigh and took a healthy sip. She watched Gwen study her, a mixture of confusion, hurt, and disappointment on her face.

“Ready to talk?”

“Not really.”

“Tough.” Gwen sighed. “What was that, Reagan?”

“It’s noth…ugh, honestly I’m not sure yet.” Reagan took another sip, licking her lips as a drop threatened to escape. “We’re not dating or anything. Or even having sex. But sometimes there feels like there’s something there.”

“How long has it been going on?”

“Not long. Our one and only kiss was that night we saw her in the bar.”

Gwen’s eyes widened. “That was over a month ago! Didn’t you think you should fill me in?”

“Look, I’m sorry if I’ve had other things going on and I didn’t rush over to tell you.”

“Shit, I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. It was just a knee-jerk reaction.” Gwen pinched the bridge of her nose as if she was battling a headache. “She’s a client, Reagan.”

Reagan closed her eyes briefly. “I know.”

“I mean, I know we don’t have any hard-and-fast rules, but I always thought it was an unspoken boundary.”