Page 9 of Unravel Me

This will not break me.

Will it?

Chapter 4

SAWYER

The week passes in a blur of meetings and putting out fires. By the time Friday rolls around, I’m in desperate need of letting off some steam. Pulling out my phone, I bring up my sibling group chat.

Me: Need to release some energy. Gym tonight?

Dallas: Always down for kicking your ass Shithead. 7?

Liam: I’m in

Carter: You know there’s other ways you can release some energy that are more fun?

Kinsey: No one listen to Carter and his playboy ways. Sawyer, beat the shit out of something. Don’t be like Carter!

Ignoring my siblings and pocketing my phone, content with their agreement that we’d meet up later, I settle into the workday and start by checking emails. I lose track of time until my first meeting of the day knocks on my door.

“Hello, Mr. Hayes? I have an interview with you, my name is Blaire Hollis. HR sent me over.”

She holds her hand out to shake mine. I grasp her palm and welcome her into my office. Her professional photo online doesn’t do her justice. She’s a beautiful woman. Her red hair is curly in a tamed way and hangs down past her shoulders. She holds herself with confidence and doesn’t seem the tiniest bit nervous.

“Please, have a seat, Ms. Hollis.”

“Please, call me Blaire. Ms. Hollis seems so formal and makes me think of my mother.”

“Blaire, then. Well, let’s get right to it. As you are aware, you are more than qualified for the position we are looking to fill. Your degrees combined with your experience are ideal and exactly what we’re looking for.”

“Thank you. I’m happy to be considered.”

“My first question, though, why the move from Florida to Aspen Ridge?”

“Well, my parents are actually from Washington. My dad was in the military, so I grew up all over the world. When he retired, we were stationed in Florida and ended up staying there since Iwas already attending college. We lived in Japan and Alaska for a while, and I fell in love with the cold. I’m a winter girl through and through, though, and knew I wanted to live somewhere with four distinct seasons. So here I am. I moved here last month and am staying with my grandparents at the moment. Sorry, I realize that was a long-winded answer.”

“You’re fine, we’re pretty lax around here. Welcome to Washington. I can’t imagine living anywhere but here and I hope you enjoy it and come to love it. Back to the job, you understand that this position is new to our company? That we are looking for someone to create, implement, and host events and tours at Aspen Ridge Distillery? You would be working closely with my brother, Dallas, who is my COO, and sometimes meeting with our Brand Ambassador.”

“Thank you for clarifying that for me. As you saw, I hold a bachelor’s in hospitality management and a certification in project management. As much as I would love to walk into a position that has already ironed out the wrinkles, I love challenges more, and am very excited about the prospect of this role.”

“That’s all I needed to hear. Your resume, along with your portfolio, speak for themselves.”

“Than—”

Blaire is interrupted as Dallas swings my office door open and waltzes in like he owns the place.

“Sawyer, your damn phone is going straight to voicemail!”

“That’s because I’m in a meeting. As you can see.”

He finally notices the redhead in front of me when she turns in her seat to greet him. I grin wildly, knowing I’m about to piss him the fuck off. He peruses over her body quickly but unashamedly and I know he likes what he sees. That’s all about to change.

“Dallas, meet our newest employee, Blaire. She’ll be working with you as our Events Coordinator. Blaire, my brother, and COO, Dallas.”

Dallas doesn’t take his eyes off of her as they squint to slits. The energy in the room shifts as I feel the irritation roll from him in waves. Blaire doesn’t so much as squirm in her seat, but chooses to break the silence between them.

“Nice to meet you, Dallas. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

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