Page 9 of Whiskey Darling
Chapter Four
Allie
“Jade,you have no idea how rude he is. And snarky. And distant. And so… ugh… difficult! I don’t know if he just dislikes me, or the fact Sawyer practically hired me behind his back.”
“So, he avoids you. Won’t look at you. Won’t talk to you.” Jade’s laugh echoes through the phone line. “Yep, I know what the problem is.”
“Share your knowledge then, oh wise one.”
Placing my cellphone on speaker, I pull on my bathing suit bottoms. It’s Saturday, just before lunchtime, and I plan on swimming a few laps. A recent warm spell almost makes the pool heaters unnecessary. This unseasonable March weather won’t last long. It never does in this part of California.
“I’ve seen this before,” Jade explains. “Classic example of junior-high regressive behavior. The man has the hots for your va-jay-jay.”
I groan. “Jade, be serious.”
“I am being serious!” I hear the sounds of a drink being poured before she continues. “It’s the typical pattern of the juvenile male who cannot express attraction for a girl any other way. You know, eighth-grade shit because, obviously, you intimidate him.”
“Nothing about Flynn Alexander is juvenile. And the thought he’s intimidated by anything is laughable. The man is… impressive.”
Jade releases a huge sigh. “You know, he’s the main focus of the conversation whenever we talk. You might be obsessed with him.”
“I am not!” My squeal of protest sounds false. “I barely even speak with the man!”
Jade is undaunted. “You’re avoiding him as much as he’s avoiding you, which only means a higher probability of bad decisions. Girl, bail out. Living it up on the guy’s estate, making an outrageous salary doing what you love isn’t worth the heartbreak.”
“I won’t quit. Besides, I signed a two-year contract.” My tone turns somber. “It’s the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, and I like it here.”
“Other than your cranky boss, you’ve been welcomed with open arms?”
“Just a few grumbles… mostly from those passed over for the position. The bizarre thing is the one person complaining the loudest is the most persistent in asking me out. I’m winning the rest of them over. I think.”
“There’s your answer. You’re staying put. Don’t stress over it, Allie. You’ll figure it out, just like you did in Ireland, and have them eating out of your hand before they know what hit them.”
“I hope you’re right.” I’m determined to excel at this job. Failure is not an option in my vocabulary. Tying the strings of the bikini top around my neck, I adjust my breasts inside the cups while muffling a laugh. “Now, when are you coming out here? A certain guy is dying to take you out, hounding me for all the particulars. What does Jade like? What doesn’t Jade like? What will make Jade fall in love with a guy? It’s like a weird episode of Date My Friend.”
“Hmmm,” Jade responds, sassy as can be. “Are you surprised we didn’t jump each other’s bones that night in Nashville? Decided I would take it slow. If Sawyer’s interested, he’ll be worth the wait.”
“If you want my opinion, he is. Jade, get out here, pronto, because guys like Sawyer don’t last forever. I can’t believe he’s still single.”
“Oh, you know I can’t appear too eager! Now, you go work your magic on those boys. And remember, no one knows more about whiskey than you. If they do, well, they must be freaks, too. Hey… promise me you won’t work all the time, Miss Serious. Put your lists away. Do something spontaneous. Something fun. Preferably with the opposite sex, if you know what I mean.”
“Yes.” I’ve heard this lecture from my best friend many times before. It’s always ignored. “Gotta run now while the sun is hot.”
Half an hour later, I’m in Flynn’s enormous infinity pool. Reaching lap number ten, I flip onto my back, staring up into the cloudless, blue sky.
I did not think I would love California, but I do. I love the weather, the laid-back attitude, the close-knit feel of the town. The mountains and forests surrounding the estate are amazing, and I especially love my temporary accommodations.
Flynn’s guest cottage is gorgeous with two bedrooms, two baths, and a gourmet kitchen complete with white marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The pantry and laundry rooms are kept stocked. The housekeeper, Rose, follows my lists, placing items away before I even realize she’s gone shopping. It’s like being pampered at a high-end resort.
Exiting the pool, I reach for a fluffy towel, patting my legs dry before pulling my hair over one shoulder so I can blot the length.
“I thought the water might be too cold.”
His voice startles me. I nearly drop my towel, whirling to face him.
From the terrace’s lower section, Flynn takes his time ascending the flagstone steps. Dark pink and white bougainvillea cascade over the recessed stone walls, the profusion of blooms creating a natural barrier. It hid him from view until this moment.
How long has he been standing there? Watching me float, soaking in the sun. Humming “Hotel California” to myself.
