Page 60 of A Little Twist

My jaw clenches, and I give him a tight smile. “Sorry about that. I can’t keep her away from Aiden’s son and his friends.”

His laugh is more of a bark, and he slaps a hand on the polished bar as he rises from his chair. “Don’t apologize. She’s not wrong, and I expect she’ll get feistier as she gets older.”

“She starts kindergarten in the fall. It feels like that time has flown, and yet it felt like it took forever.”

“The days are long, but the years are fast. I don’t know who said that.” He polishes off the last of the bourbon. “What I do know is we’ve got another unicorn on our hands here. I’ll let Chip know.”

“Thanks, Ben.”

Chip Rogers is the publisher ofBourbon Standard, which is the industry bible.

“Don’t thank me. It’s simply the truth.”

I follow him past the large, oak barrels that line the interior of the tasting room out the glass doors leading to the porch. His pickup is parked next to my car, and I walk with him to the vehicle.

“Aiden married that little Bailey girl.” He leans his arm on the door after he opens it. “That was something else about her daddy. I wouldn’t have expected it to play out that way, but I’m glad justice was served. I know that case weighed heavy on Andrew.”

“We were all pretty shocked, but Britt and her mom were glad to have answers. They’re glad to put it all to rest.”

“Yeah,” He lifts his chin, looking towards the grassy field. “I was thinking about paying a visit to Gwen, seeing as I’m in the neighborhood and all.”

My brow arches, and I scratch my jaw. “That’s an interesting idea.”

“Think so?” He puts a hand on his hip, turning to me. “There was a time not too long ago when it felt like something might happen between us. Wouldn’t be surprised if that time has passed.”

I confess, I’m having a hard time picturing Gypsy Gwen with Grumpy Billy Goat Bender. Still, I’m not one to crush anybody’s dream.

“It might not’ve passed. Being alone gets old after a while.”

He exhales, nodding. “You talking from experience?”

“Maybe.” Sleeping with Cass woke me up to how long it’s been.

“What about that?” He angles his cigar at me. “You’re a good-looking man. I’m sure you could find a lady pretty easy.”

I almost laugh at him turning the tables on me. Instead, I answer honestly. “There might be something in the works. It’s too soon to tell, but it’s promising.”

“Good.” He climbs into the truck. “You’re too young to put out to pasture.”

He slams the door, and I shake my head at his ability to fish information right out of me like a still pond on a cloudy day.

It’s been a while since I’ve been fishing.

Making a mental note, I head back to my office to see what I can do about this gauntlet that’s been thrown. Brazilian Butt Lift, my ass. That girl is asking for it.

Hopping on Amazon, I spend several minutes searching, until I find the perfect thing. Clicking on expedited shipping, it should be here tonight.

I lean back in my chair, satisfied when my phone buzzes on the desk. Aiden is texting our brothers group chat.

Aiden

What’s this bullshit about developing the land around Stone Cold?

I tap a quick reply.

You’re supposed to be on your honeymoon.

Adam is right behind me.

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