Page 174 of The Grumpy Boss Agreement

Her reluctance is as clear as the day is long.

"Or," I suggest, leaning in with a conspiratorial whisper. "You could hide out with me. I’m thinking about sneaking out onto the patio with a bottle of whiskey."

"Is that so?" She quirks an eyebrow, amusement flickering across her features. "You know I love whiskey. How would you feel about making that a bottle of cinnamon whiskey?"

"Gross," I say, feeling a smirk tugging at my lips. “Cinnamon whiskey tastes like chugging those little heart-shaped candies. Bleh.”

“I can just find somebody else to talk to,” she fires back.

“You’re awfully quick to leave me! Listen, if cinnamon whiskey is a requirement, I can procure the supplies. I think I saw a bottle behind the bar.”

“Oh, it’s on.” Pearl flashes me a naughty grin.

That grin goes down as smooth as a shot of real, un-cinnamon-flavored whiskey. I could get used to this kind of flirtation between the two of us.

I grin at her. “Who knew dodging forced social interactions could lead to a secret whiskey mission?”

"As Sava says, I’m hearing a lot of talking but I’m not seeing a lot of follow-through. Get your ass in gear." Pearl gestures with a flourish. Together we navigate through the throng of guests, side-stepping the occasional overzealous dancer.

We reach the fully stocked bar, an oasis in a desert of social niceties. In addition to having every wine under the sun, the Cape Winery allows guests to choose from an assortment of varied alcohols. The bottles are lined up in precise lines and the bottle of cinnamon whiskey is very close to the door.

"Looks like we found the treasure," I whisper to Pearl. I wait until the bartender turns away, then filch the bottle I want. But I also make sure to leave fifty dollars in the spot where the bottle was.

"Definitely worth the expedition," she agrees, following me out of the overcrowded bar and onto the patio.

It’s the end of March here and still quite crisp outside despite the sun shining down on us. I sweep my jacket off and offer it to her.

We make eye contact. You know, I’ve never noticed before, but her darkened amber colored eyes are just the color of a very expensive shot of whiskey.

Pearl blushes and accepts the coat, pulling it on. “Thanks.”

I open the bottle of cinnamon whiskey, and take a couple of gulps. It burns as it goes down my gullet and I wince. It’s so sweet that I’m pretty sure my gut is going to rot out on contact.

I make a disgusted sound. Pearl eyes me but I just raise my hands.

“It was an honest reaction.”

“Uh huh,” she says. Pearl takes the bottle and sips from it, wiping daintily at her lips when she’s done.

"So, Pearl," I say, my tone curious. "How's life treating you?"

She hesitates, taking another sip from the bottle before passing it back. "Actually, things are terrible." Her voice trails off. She glances away, toward the beach in the distance.

"Sounds serious." I take a shot of the whiskey and prod her, nudging her gently with my shoulder. She takes the bottle back but doesn’t make any move to drink more just yet.

"My great aunt Delta’s land," she finally says. Her whiskey-colored gaze returns to mine and I find it tinged with worry. "The property tax bill came. Land assessors were just out, and they assessed an amount for the property taxes that's astronomical. We could lose everything if we don't figure something out."

"Damn, that's rough." My brow furrows as I process her predicament.

Aunt Delta's estate is one of those intricately woven pieces of the town’s tapestry. Located just south of South Shore, it’s almost priceless. The land has fifty miles of shoreline and it is in pristine condition. I would be lying if I said the real estate lawyer in me didn’t perk up at the mere mention of the land becoming distressed.

By distressed, I mean possibly underwater on property taxes.

And Pearl... she doesn't deserve this stress.

"Have you considered any options?" I ask, trying to sound helpful rather than like the vulture I am.

"Not yet. I just don’t want to have to sell any of it." She sighs, the fight seemingly draining from her. "I'm at my wit's end, honestly."

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