Page 127 of On The Rocks

Griffin followed me silently. The slap of ocean wind set me back a step and into Griffin’s arms. Lightly, he rubbed up and down my arms. “It’s amazing,” he said softly before slipping away from me.

The deck was staggering. It curved, creating little nooks for people to get away from the busy bar. But also, it had a massive area that could be built out with an outside bar.

Water lapped below along with space for boat launches.

Perhaps water taxies around the area with other outside venues. I climbed the wide-spaced stairs to the railing and looked out on the water. The water rippled with the winds and in the distance, an ominous sterling cloud cover was coming up off the water.

I turned around to look at the deck from this vantage point.

It would be stunning.

Bleached wood with a high varnish against the harsh ocean air would be needed.

But I preferred the dark tones of the taproom.

It was slick. Perfect for people my age and younger, creating a place for hookups and the rich music of Miami.

And not for me anymore.

Maybe three years ago, this would have been perfect for me, but it wasn’t any longer.

I turned to Griffin and smiled.

My life had been a series pivots. Evidently, there was one more on the way.

Chapter 27

Griffin

Like Glue

Istraightened away from the railing as she smiled at me.

This place was an obvious moneymaker. There was no doubt she could make something amazing out of this. I just had to figure out how to make myself work in her world.

She ran across the deck and flew at me. I caught her hard against my chest and pressed my nose against her hair. The familiar warm ginger scent of her only made me more resolute to figure this out with her.

“So, this is the one, huh? I can see how amazing it’s going to be?—”

“No. Not for me.” She patted my cheek then turned around and walked back toward Richard Devon.

Confused, I jammed my hands into my pockets and followed her.

“Richard, this place is amazing. I don’t think it’smeamazing, though.”

His brow furrowed and I had to admit mine were the same.What the hell?

“You could put your stamp on this,” Richard began.

She held her hand up, then she lightly touched his arm. “I think I want smaller. More intimate.” She turned toward thewater. “This is made for someone who wants the endless party life.” Then she faced Richard again. “It doesn’t fit me anymore.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I think this would be an amazing investment if you found the perfect person.”

“Youwerethat person. I’m not sure I’d trust anyone else with this undertaking.” The disappointment was evident on his face, but he held out a hand to her. “I wish you the best, though. If your heart isn’t in it, then it would never work.”

“I’m sorry, Richard. I think Daphne’s might have become something else in my heart.” She turned to me and held out a hand.

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