Page 80 of Lochlan

We're not like other families. For generations, each member of this family has been encouraged to cultivate talents that will contribute to the running of the business. Your father and uncle used their abilities to strengthen several parts of the operation.”

Being used as a pawn for the benefit of our wealth doesn't sit well. “What if I don't want to be a part of the company, or do your bidding.”

The only reaction I get is a raised eyebrow.

“I know you love your family, lad. I can't imagine that you'd walk away from us when we need you.”

There's been a price to pay while living this exiled life. You think differently when you're forced to live in the wilderness, separated from your home. It's possible Granda has decided to send me to New Zealand, Eastern Europe, or even Central America to manage a failing interest. After all this time, I don't know if I can start over again. But he did mention coming back home, and home means Edinburgh.

“Have you ever wondered why Harris hasn't been named the CEO by now?”

“Aye, I have. I thought that it’s because you've been in power so long that it's difficult to walk away.”

“You're right, it's hard to pass the reins to another, but it must be done. The truth is, the job of CEO of MacTavish Distilleries will not pass to Harris. Your brother is an excellent salesman, but he has no vision or inclination to move the company forward. If a company doesn't evolve, it dies. You, on the other hand, have shown the qualities necessary to lead a company. I want to make Harris the head of sales and marketing and install you as the CEO.”

CHAPTER34

NEED A SECOND TO BREATHE

LOCHLAN

Abright winter sun sits lower in the skywhen I return to the green. Geordie and Fiona are hosting a quiz game on the far side. Shouts, cheers, and moans drift to me as players call out answers.

Layla's schedule has me hosting the karaoke competition. She's gone all out and rented first-class sound equipment for the contestants. Ten brave souls have signed up to compete. I didn't know we had musical talent among the winery workers.

Geordie calls out a question from index cards, then points at what I assume is a team. He's in his element in front of an audience, in control, with help from Fiona.

I'm not needed at the moment, so I stand with my back against the rough bark of an old oak tree. Since Fiona's unexpected arrival, I've had to alter my revenge plan. It's been further complicated by Fiona being given control of the California operation and by me being asked to run the company.

There's not enough time to decide which threads should be untangled to get back on course; I need time alone to think.

“It seems I'm the last one to give you my congratulations.” Kenzie steps from behind the tree, her eyes a sweet sadness.

Her presence is unexpected and not welcomed because we're talking in sight of everyone.

“Why didn't you leave when you heard the news?” I ask.

She leans her back against the oak a hand's distance away from me, watching the quiz game. “I was about to walk away. Then I thought I needed to hear you admit that you've chosen Fiona.”

“I didn't know you were coming to the luncheon; you haven't been on the schedule for the tasting room. I thought you had quit your position.”

“Would that have made a difference?”

I don't dare do what I want, which is to take her into my arms, or carry her back to my room. I hitch a foot against the tree and fold my arms. We must look like two spies passing information, talking but not looking directly at the other, only observing on the periphery. “What do you want me to say?”

She peers down at her feet, a curtain of hair hiding her face. “I don't know, maybe the decent thing and let me down easy. Say something likeit's not you, it's meoryou deserve much better than an asshole like me.”

This time, I risk a real glance at her. “Everything you just said is true. I couldn't have said it better.”

She steps away from the tree, not bothering to be discreet to confront me.

“I see you've reverted to a soulless bastard again, and this is all the closure you're willing to give me. Have a nice life, Lochlan. I hope you and your wee Scottish princess will be very happy.” She turns away, ending our dialogue.

“I can't talk to you properly with my back against this uncomfortable tree, wondering if every employee in the operation is noticing our discussion.” After that’s said, Fiona turns her frowning attention to us.

“You're not able to talk to me because of logistics? How long does it take to say ‘I've chosen Fiona over you’?” She glances over her shoulder at the lively game, but I know she's seeing Fiona and wondering why. When her attention comes back to me, she takes a step back.

“You've said and done just enough to string me along. I should have listened to your warning that you'd hurt me. That promise you kept.”

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