"So," Wyatt says, pulling out his ever-present notebook. He clicks his pen and holds it at the ready. "Walk me through the process."
I move to the brite tank, checking the temperature gauge. "The beer went through primary fermentation and is now in secondary. Using the cold infusion method, we’ll add cheesecloth bags full of the coffee grounds and let it steep anywhere from eighteen hours to three days, depending on how strong we want the coffee flavor."
"And we decided on?"
"Forty-eight hours is the plan. Based on our tasting notes, that should give us the right balance. But we’ll test each day to be certain." I pull out the large cheesecloth bags. "These are basically huge teabags. We'll use all five pounds, distributed across the five bags to ensure an even infusion."
Wyatt nods, his eyes serious as he watches me measure out the coffee. "Do you need help?"
"Sure. You can hold the bags open while I pour."
We work in companionable silence, and I'm suddenly hyper-aware of how close he's standing. Close enough that I catch the heat radiating off him, nearly distracting me from the way his arms flex as he holds the mesh bags steady. The man has truly ridiculous forearms. It's deeply annoying how attractive they are.
Focus, Merri. Coffee. Beer. Competition. Not Wyatt's sexy arms.
"So we just drop these in?" Wyatt asks as I seal the fifth bag.
"Yep. We submerge the bags in the beer, close up the tank, and wait. The coffee oils and flavors will infuse into the beer without any heat, which preserves the notes we tasted in the samples."
"Huh." He watches as I carefully lower the first bag into the tank and secure it. "That's pretty cool."
"Brewing is an art and a science. The best beers require both."
"Like coffee roasting."
"Exactly like coffee roasting." I lower the second bag, making sure it's fully submerged. "Which is probably why our collaboration is working so well. We both respect the craft."
"And we both refuse to settle for mediocre."
We're lowering the third bag when my phone buzzes on the counter. I glance at the screen and grin. "It's a video call from Danny. Do you want to say hi? He'll be thrilled to know you're here."
"Sure, why not?"
I accept the call, and Danny's smiling face fills the screen. He's in his Navy uniform, clearly on a military base somewhere, looking ridiculously tanned and happy.
"Hey, sis!" he says. "How's my favorite brewery owner?"
"Busy, as usual." I tilt the phone so he can see Wyatt. "Look who's helping with the coffee infusion on our beer."
Danny's smile widens, delight lighting up his face. "Wyatt! Man, it's good to see you!"
"Hey, Danny." Wyatt leans into frame, pressing his side into mine. I try to ignore the shiver that travels up my spine. "How's the Navy treating you?"
"Can't complain." Danny's eyes dart between us with obvious glee. "So you two areactuallyworking together without bloodshed? I'm shocked. Someone alert the media."
"We are grown-ass adults, Danny," I answer primly.
"We made a deal," Wyatt adds.
"Right. A deal." Danny is clearly trying not to laugh. "You know, when you first told me about this competition, I thoughtfor sure one of you would end up in jail for assault. But here you are, playing nice in the sandbox."
"We're managing," I respond, trying to keep my tone light. It’s impossible to ignore every point where Wyatt's body touches mine. With the solid warmth of his chest against my shoulder blade, I can feel him breathing.
"It's temporary," Wyatt offers.
"That I believe," Danny replies. "Do you two need a chaperone? Should I request leave to supervise and make sure nobody ends up covered in glitter?"
"That was ONE TIME, Danny!" I protest, stomping my foot.
