“Not just a show. A headline.”
And just like that, the bar transforms. Dry ice spills over the counter, mist from a dream. Neon liquids swirl like galaxies. A suspended sugar garnish spins gently above a flickering flame.
Maya appears beside me, eyes wide. “What is happening?”
Jeremy sips his drink with a flourish. “Honey, you’re witnessingartistry.”
The bartender sets down the tray, now branded with Asher’s placeholder logo. A tray of magic and misrule in equal measure.
I pick up the lead glass—the Titan—and smile. It’s not just a drink—it’sa revolution.
Let’s see how Nolan Rhodes likes being outplayed.
The moment I step onto the patio, the energy shifts. Nolan’s gaze locks, and his spine stiffens.
I’m coming for you, Rhodes.
Asher Cross sits at a corner table, his posture loose, but there’s a spark of attention in his eyes. He’s used to people begging for it, but tonight, I’m not begging. I’m commanding.
He’s a movie star and beach rebel in one—buttoned-up in crisp linen, but with perfect hair and that signature golden glow that screams I don’t chase, Ichoose.
I carefully set the tray in front of him and sink into the seat across from him like I belong there.
He leans in, voice smooth, with a low husk of authority. “You certainly know how to make an entrance.”
I smile. “You have no idea.”
Nolan’s glare practically burns through the glass, but I don’t acknowledge him. Not yet.
Asher’s attention dips to the drink.The Titancrackles softly, flames dancing across the sugared rim.
“And what exactly am I drinking?” he asks.
I settle back in my seat, crossing my legs and letting the anticipation build. “It’s calledThe Titan. A bold blend of aged scotch, honeyed citrus, and a touch of smoked vanilla.”
“And the other?”
“Oh, that’s the real showstopper.” I motion toward the suspended purple and blue sugar garnish above the second drink, still delicately spinning. “The Mirage. A cocktail so smooth it’ll have you questioning whether it ever existed at all. We took inspiration from your most iconic roles.Titan’s Fallwas raw power.Mirage at Midnight…irresistible deception. You weren’t just acting—you were branding emotion. And we captured that.”
Asher’s brow quirks.
“Imagine having the hottest, most iconic beverage brand on the market. Drinks served in every movie theater your blockbusters play in. Release parties. Not to mention households across the nation, bars in every city. You’d make millions. Maybe billions.”
Nolan shifts in his seat, clearly about to interrupt, but Asher doesn’t break eye contact with me. His interest is locked in place.
Keeping my posture poised, and my expression confident, I continue, “If you’re serious about expanding your reach, then you don’t need tired ideas. You need flash. You need execution. You need someone who doesn’t hesitate to take a risk and make a statement.” I gesture lightly toward the elaborate drinks between us. “You need the unexpected. The unforgettable. Something so absolutelyyou.”
Asher nods thoughtfully, drumming his fingers against the table with a smile dancing across his full, very perfect, leading man lips. “Andyoucan make that happen?”
I meet his smile with one of my own. “I already have. Take a look around. The moment these were placed in front of you, this party followed suit. Now, everyone is crowding the bar, demanding to drink exactly what Asher Cross is drinking.”
His laugh is low and genuine. “I love it. What’s your name?”
Before I can answer?—
“Rorie Adams,” Nolan cuts in, voice flat and sharp as a blade. “Brand Strategist at The Laurel Group. Be warned, Cross. She’s pitching you a tacky product that comes a side of circus. It lacks class.”
I want to yell,You lack class!But then that wouldn’t be classy of me, would it?
