Page 40 of The Bourbon Bride

“I’m supposed to start working at The Mansion in the new year as the general manager to get my feet wet in the operations and management side of things. Then I’ll run the Xenios Group, eventually, when Daddy retires. It’s my legacy, what I’ve been raised to do, and what I want most is to take over and expand it into something bigger, something that helps more people somehow. I want to leave my own mark, you know? Hospitality is in my blood. I don’t see anything else even remotely as fulfilling.”

Hayes taps his steepled fingers against his bottom lip and nods once.

“What about the plans your parents have for you?”

My shoulders slump. “I don’t see a way around them, honestly. If I want that legacy, I have to do what they say, even if it kills a part of me to do it. I’ll have to go home eventually and face the music.”

“Stay here with me.”

“And what, become estranged from my family in the hopes they’ll see clearly eventually? I don’t think you understand the lengths they will go to in order to ensure the survival of their company. This marriage would ensure the financial stability they crave and branch the business out into other endeavors, which aligns with my own future aspirations. Not that I’d ever willingly marry for it,” I assure him.

“What if the Daniels weren’t able to provide that financial stability your parents are thinking they’re getting by arranging your marriage?” He says the last part like an accusation, and I can’t help but agree.

“If you know something I don’t, that would help my case, I’m all ears.” I lean my elbow on the table and sip my wine.

“I’m working on it. Don’t give up on me.”

“I don’t think I have much time. I’m maxing out the bounds of your helpfulness in keeping me while I negotiate with a tyrant, and it’s not exactly fun hiding out. I miss Savannah. The sea air, the small-town charm, the historic buildings, being able to walk everywhere, and the Spanish moss draped on every tree. I miss home,” I say wistfully.

Hayes reaches out and covers my hand on the table.

“There is no limit to what I would do for you, angel. You’re not maxing out anything by staying with me.”

I smile. “Thank you for that. I’m forever grateful that you would help me out in a time of need. It’s really my own unease with putting that on someone else that’s getting to me. Fairchilds don’t overstay their welcome, even if it’s open-ended.”

“How about I put you to work so you’re not counting tiles all by yourself in the house next week?” he offers.

“What do you have in mind?” I’m curious what he thinks my ability is.

“I have a few projects at work that could use your background and honestly, your feminine touch. Think you’d like to learn more about Underworld Spirits?”

“I don’t know the first thing about liquor distribution, but I can tell a good whiskey from tequila.”

He chuckles with me when I smile.

“This is the place that makes the bourbon we had at my ball, right? The exclusive one only available at The Abyss?”

“The very same, but it’s a full-scale distillery making that delightful bourbon as well as a smaller-scale production of craft vodka and gin. We’ll move into tequila when I can get the perfect agave supplier and start production in Mexico because it has to be just right, or you get bottom barrel shit that leaves you on the floor with a hangover.”

He rubs his temples like he’s had the experience, even though his wealth should have assured he never touched anything less than Patrón Silver.

“Such a large operation for one retailer?”

“We’re beginning the mass production and distribution portion next week. We have a launch party tomorrow, with a gradual rollout planned to keep demand high. I was actually hoping you’d be my date to the party.” He squeezes my fingers and smiles his blinding white, panty-melting grin.

“A real date instead of staying tucked in your cozy home? What is this, a trick question?” I laugh because it’s easier than admitting to the bubbly high that hit me with his request. It’s one thing to know he trusts me to work on a project for him, and another entirely to know he wants me on his arm at a big party he’ll be in the spotlight for.

“It’s a black-tie affair. We can go shopping tomorrow to make sure you have something comfortable to wear.”

I laugh out loud. “Comfortable black-tie? Have you seen an evening gown? Comfort is the last thing that comes to mind when sequins, glitter, corsets, and trains are involved.”

His eyes burn with liquid emeralds and a predatory grin cracks his face, showing off white teeth.

“Mmm, corsets. You want to take dessert to go and let me unlace you?”

I tap my nose and smile. “I don’t have a corset with me, but I may have other surprises that still allow me to breathe that you’d find equally appealing. I hope your usual includes something chocolate.”

Hayes looks around for our server and raises his hand. When the server arrives, he says, “We’ll take the soufflé to go and a box for the leftovers, please.” He hands off his credit card and returns his heated gaze to me. “I like the idea of surprises when it comes to you.”

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