Page 37 of Bourbon & Bonfires

I’ve been spending my days trying to wrap my mind around this business. Accounting, vendor issues, and employee corralling is not what I want to do with my life. I’ve never given much thought to the business side of things, preferring to just work and then go about my life once the work day is over. Now that my dad has handed me the business, all of that has changed. I’m taking fewer calls, had to hire someone to fill the hole I left when I had to start spending more time behind this desk, and I find myself tugging at my hair more and more as the day goes on.

When I’m not at work, I’m in the shop working on the furniture for Spencer while teaching Mason new techniques. After we finish working, I take him home and then spend time with Addison before driving back home. Crawling into my cold bed alone each night is becoming a habit I’m ready to break. It’s part of the reason I’m meeting the guys at Country Road tonight. Not only have we not had a guy’s night out in months, I need to talk to Taylor. I haven’t seen him since Addison and I started dating, which surprises me.

Taylor is intense on a good day, but knowing I’m dating his sister without threatening to break my legs or kick my ass if I hurt her, surprises me. It’s not like we’re kids or I feel like I need permission to date her. Taylor and I are friends, but not the kind who hang out regularly, so I don’t feel like we’re doing anything wrong. It’s more of a respect thing for me, and I want to make sure he knows I’m serious about her.

Serious about her. I am. It probably seems fast to most people, but it feels right. I’m not ready to drop declarations or anything, hell we haven’t even slept together. But, the fact that she’s been on my mind since last fall at the wedding means something. I knew that night she was special, but I never thought I’d see her again. Then when we kissed on New Year’s Eve, my assumptions of her were on point. Anytime I’m around Addison I want to touch her. To hold her and kiss her. I want to protect her and support her. I want to be there not only for her but for Mason. I’d rather spend my free time with them in the kitchen making dinner or watching a movie than anywhere else.

Damn, I sound like a cheesy romance movie. And I don’t care. Not one iota. I have feelings for Addison Sinclair. I’m wrapped up in her, and there’s no better place to be.

Walking into Country Road, I realize how long it’s been since I’ve stepped through these doors. Weeks. Maybe months. There’s no real reason other than it hasn’t been my priority. But tonight, meeting the guys for wings and beer, I’m happy to be here. Well, truthfully, happy to be anywhere that isn’t dealing with payroll. That shit is for the birds.

“There he is.” Owen grabs the pitcher of beer and begins pouring me a pint as I take my seat at the high top.

“Sorry I’m late. Fucking payroll. I don’t know how you do it, man,” I grumble to Jameson as I pick up my beer. I finish the pint in two drinks and push it toward Owen for a refill.

“Minnie. You need a Minnie. I sucked at the paperwork and organization before her. Have Ash help you with an ad and hire an office person or, at the very least, a bookkeeper.”

“I’ll call her tomorrow. I had no idea how much damn paperwork went into this business. No wonder my dad bailed the first opportunity he had.”

The guys laugh, and since I was late getting here, the waitress sets down our baskets of wings and another pitcher before I finish my second drink. We laugh and catch up on everything going on in our lives while annihilating the wings like it’s our job. When my phone pings a text message, I grab a napkin and wipe my hands before picking it up.

Mason: Hey man. So, this is weird.

Me: It’s only weird if you make it weird.

Mason: My mom’s crying and won’t tell me what’s wrong.

Me: On my way.

My stomach drops, wondering what could possibly be wrong with Addison. Did one of her patients pass away? Did she get bad news about something? Has Mason gotten in trouble here like he did at his old school? A million thoughts run through my head as I take a package of the wet wipes from the table and tear it open to wipe my hands and face.

“Where’s the fire, man?” Ben asks as he tosses a few bones in the empty basket.

“I have to run, it’s Addison. Here’s some money. Do you know if Taylor’s here tonight?”

“Yeah, he’s in the back. Ash had me take him some cookies when I got here. Is everything okay? Do you need anything?” Jameson asks, concern covering his face.

“I don’t know. Mason texted me, and I need to go, but I wanted to talk to Taylor while I was here.”

“Let us know if we can do anything.”

I nod and head for the hallway that leads to Taylor’s office. When I see the door marked “Private” closed, I knock and wait for him to invite me in. Opening the door, I see the man sitting behind the desk. His elbows rest on the desk and he’s resting his head in his hands. When he looks up, I’m taken aback by his expression. Never one to ooze happiness, he looks devastated. Shit.

“Hey man, you okay?”

“Not really. I just found out my oldest friend passed away.”

“Oh shit. I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“Go check on Addy. She’ll need someone with her, and I can’t do it. I can’t deal with that right now.”

“Uh, that’s sort of why I came in here. Ya know what? It can wait.”

“Landon, I know you’re dating my sister. We talk every day. I’m glad she has you. If she’d get her head out of her ass about your age, I think you guys may be the real deal. At least that’s how it sounds when she goes on and on about you.”

“Thanks, man. I didn’t want it to be awkward or anything. I really care about her. And Mason. He’s a good kid.”

“He is. If you don’t mind going to be there for Addy? She and Wolf, I mean Henry. Sorry bad habit. Henry and Addy were just as close growing up. His death is going to hit her hard.”

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