Page 36 of Whiskey Neat

“I like it too,” Lowen says. “We’ll also be combining two rooms and, in one case, three rooms to make the suites. So we’ll go from ten bedrooms, a study, a weird nook, and a bathroom on this floor to six large bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Every room gets a large window to let in light and a decent sized closet. We have to eat some of the existing hall space towards the back, so the shift in the staircase will offset that.”

“Are they equal size rooms?” Ridley asks.

“Not exactly, but it’s less than a fifty square foot difference. I figured it would be fair to let you choose the bedroom selection since it’s your house.”

“It’s our house.” Ridley smiles. “It’s exciting. I really like it.”

“It looks good,” Bane says. “When does it start?”

“Oakley says they can do the kitchen and start upstairs at the same time. Or if we want to add a little to the budget, they can add two extra crew members to get through the reno sooner.”

Ridley nods. “Money’s not a problem. I want it to be perfect and comfortable for everyone.”

“Are you sure?” Lowen asks. “Because it requires upkeep too, and of course, we’ll all contribute to repairs and such, but this is your nest egg.”

“Bane and Jerryn got me set up with some investments that will generate a lot of income for me, so I’m good.”

Lowen nods, glancing across the bar at Oakley directing some of his workers. The guy who was talking to Salem earlier is earnestly studying the column in the middle of the floor, and a prickle of annoyance raises the hair on the back of my neck. There’s something I don’t like about him, and I think it’s deeper than him hitting on Salem.

“Earth to Indy?”

Kit’s teasing draws my attention back to my friends. “Yeah?”

“You didn’t hear us talking to you?”

I shake my head. “No, sorry. I was watching the guys over there.”

“We were voting on approving the plans,” Lowen says. “Are you in?”

“Oh, yeah. They look really good.”

“Good. I’ll let Oakley know.”

Lowen saunters off just as Salem appears in the hallway. He’s all put together again, his lips shiny with gloss and cheeks a pretty pink. Damn, this man. I don’t think I could walk away yet if I tried. Actually, I have tried.

I was all set this morning to put my guard up and give him space, but the minute I saw that dude talking to him with that flirty fucking smile and predatory stance, my hackles went up, and all my brain said was “mine.” So much for chill.

Salem is addictive and I need another hit. I can convince him that we can ride this attraction wave a little longer until we’re both done with it.

“Hey,” he says softly. “Did Jack talk to you again?”

“About what?”

“Anything.”

“Uh, no. He hasn’t spoken to me.”

“Shocking, given how nice and approachable you were in the office.” He smiles, but the sarcastic bite in his tone makes my cock twitch.

Just a second later, Lowen calls my name, gesturing for me to come over.

“One sec,” I say to Salem.

“What’s up?” I ask, glaring at Jack, who quickly looks at the ceiling.

“It’s about this column,” Oakley explains. “This is the area we’re expanding for the outdoor seating.”

“Right.”

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