When I arrived at the lounge, the place was already full of people—the kind of crowd who looked like they could tell the age of the bourbon by sniffing it. I immediately felt like the poor relative crashing a wedding.
Also… does bourbon even have an age? Or was that just a wine thing?
You so shouldn’t be here.
So why didn’t I turn around?
Instead, I scanned the room, looking for him. I didn’t spot Holden right away but instead saw Sarah’s wife—Indigo—standing off to the side, talking to another guest.
I made my way over since she was the only person I technically knew, even though we hadn’t actually met. I tried to blend in, but thankfully, Indigo noticed me before I got to her and made an ass of myself. Her eyes lit up as she recognized me.
“Mylo, right?” she greeted me with a warm smile, her dark hair falling loosely over her shoulders.
“That’s me,” I nodded, feeling a little—okay, a lot—out of place but very grateful for the friendly face.
“Glad you made it,” she said, stepping closer. “Sarah mentioned you might be coming and ordered me to watch out for you. You’re in for a treat. This tasting has some of the best bourbons you’ll find.”
I managed a small smile, even though my stomach was now host to a bunch of butterflies. “Don’t think I’ve ever had bourbon before, but I’ll give it a shot.”
Indigo chuckled, linking our arms like we’d been friends forever. “That’s the spirit. Trust me, you’ll do fine. Just pace yourself—it’s all about tasting, not drinking.”
“There’s a difference?” I asked, and she burst out laughing.
“You’re funny. I see why my wife likes you.”
I wasn’t trying to be funny, but if that was where we landed, well... okay.
I looked around the room and spotted a couple of other men who looked vaguely familiar, and then it clicked—Bishop and Knox, Holden and Indigo’s brothers. I’d seen them around the resort but hadn’t actually met them yet. You could see the family resemblance, but while all the alphas could definitely be described as handsome, Holden had this intense, brooding thing going on. His brothers, on the other hand, seemed... softer, maybe. More approachable.
Bishop gave off a nerdy, handsome vibe—like the kind of guy who was probably the smartest person in the room but way too polite to ever say it out loud. He must’ve noticed me looking because he gave me a small wave, his kind eyes bright behind his glasses.
I felt my cheeks flush but managed a wave back.
Knox, on the other hand, looked more reserved—maybe even a little anxious—but there was a kindness in his expression that made me think we could be friends. He didn’t wave, just gave a quiet nod of acknowledgment, but it felt welcoming all the same.
Indigo must have noticed. “Have you met Bishop and Knox?”
I shook my head. “No, but I’ve seen them around.”
“Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
We walked over, Indigo greeting a couple of people along the way before we reached Bishop and Knox.
“Knox, Bish, this is Mylo,” Indigo said.
I could swear there was an extra inflection on my name. Or maybe I was just being paranoid. Just say hi.
“Hi, nice to meet you guys,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady as I joined their small circle.
“Likewise,” Bishop replied, his smile genuine. “You’re working in the kitchen, right? Sarah’s mentioned you a couple of times. Said you’re catching on quickly.”
I shrugged, even as I felt a blush creep up my neck. “I’m trying my best. Sarah’s a really good teacher.”
“She is,” Indigo chimed in. “But don’t let her fool you. She can be tough when she wants to be.”
I chuckled at that, nodding in agreement. “Trust me, I’ve noticed.”
As the evening went on,I found myself actually relaxing a little. Even though Holden still hadn’t shown up, being around his family made me feel more at ease. Indigo hadn’t left my side since I arrived, thankfully, because I had no idea what kind of conversation to have with anyone else in the room.
