Page 91 of Vicious Sabotage

“Yes. I already know how to market alcohol. It would take some time for me to figure out recipes for beers, but I already have ideas.”

“I’m not surprised. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

“Plus…I don’t have to chase my father’s love anymore. I can do what I choose. And if you are willing, I’d love you to be my partner and work with me to build it from the ground up.”

“Darlin’, I can’t think of anything I’d love more. Besides taking you to bed.”

They shared a grin. Satisfaction spread through her chest. When they reached Badlands, she knew that satisfaction would only shoot higher and higher.

Her insides coiled in anticipation of her surprise.

After they got in the building, Carver made his usual sweep of the building, checking every corner and all the doors and windows.

While he was in the stockroom, she poked her head in. “Do you mind staying in here for a minute or two?”

He whipped toward her. “What for?”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re no good at surprises, are you?”

Understanding dawned on his rugged features. “Oh.”

“Thanks, Wolfe.” Before he could protest at her use of his last name, she hurried into the front of the bar.

She already had everything prepared for her surprise. First, she pulled a red and white picnic blanket from under the counter and spread it over the wood top. Then she bustled to the cooler and quickly arranged food on the blanket.

Finally, she hurried to the jukebox and started a playlist of romantic songs.

When she returned to the stockroom, Carver was standing right behind the door, arms folded.

“I’m ready now.” She held out a hand for him to take. As soon as he slipped his hand into hers, she felt him relax a measure. With each step they took toward the bar, her nerves ratcheted higher.

She hadn’t done anything like this before. Ever. Pleasing men had never been on her to-do list. A date consisted of dinner or a movie. But she wanted something special for Carver.

She waved a hand at the bar.

His stare moved over what she’d done. “You thought of everything, darlin’.”

“I thought we could sit up on the bar and have our picnic.”

His teeth flashed in a grin. “I can’t think of anything better, love.” He planted his hands on her waist and lifted her.

She laughed as her backside landed on the surface and he hitched himself up beside her.

Seated cross-legged across from each other, she started serving them each food.

“Is that cornbread?”

“You know it.”

“This looks amazing, Livia.” His dark eyes sparkled as he accepted his plate of food.

She picked up a drumstick of fried chicken from her plate and sank her teeth into it. Carver did the same, groaning at the flavors of the chicken she was damn good at cooking, if she said so herself.

As they dug in, he brought up the brewery again, and they spent several pleasant minutes brainstorming ideas.

He picked up a strawberry from the container. His big fingers cradled it gently as he dipped it in some whipped cream…and brought it to her lips.

Holding his gaze, she leaned in and opened her mouth. Snaking out her tongue, she swiped the whipped cream away from the tip.

---