I roll my eyes. “Not quite,” I reply, basking in the melody of her laugh again. “Juliette is Rose’s niece. She’s visiting for a while.”
His brows shoot up, his eyes lighting with recognition. “You don’t say! I see the resemblance now. Rose’s family around here, which means you are, too. Hopefully, Knox here is treating you well.”
“No complaints so far. It’s a really great place you guys have here. Honestly, impressive.”
“Ah, that’s good to hear. You sitting for a tasting?”
I shake my head. “I was thinking about taking Juliette over to the lounge for a more intimate experience.” The words slip out before I can process what I say.
Juliette and Callan freeze, eyes locking for a split second before they burst into laughter.
My face heats up as I realize the connotation behind my words. “Obviously not what I meant. Get your heads out of the gutter,” I scold, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity. “What I meant to say was, I can show you our whisky lounge, and you can taste some there if you’d like. It’s a bit quieter in there.”
The two of them are practically doubled over, tears streaming down their faces as they giggle like a pair of schoolgirls. I stand there, trying to look serious, but my lips twitch. Before I know it, I’m caught in the same infectious fit of laughter.
“I’d love to see the lounge,” she replies, still catching her breath. She glances around the room, her brow furrowing a little. “I wonder where Aunt Rose is? I thought she would’ve caught up by now.”
“We can go find her if you want.” Before I can finish the thought, she shakes her head, her lips curving into a reassuring smile.
“No, that’s okay. I’m sure she’s busy,” she says, her voice softening, the faintest hesitation in the way her eyes flick up to meet mine. “I don’t want to take up all your time, though. I’m sure you’re busy.”
I hold her gaze a second longer, letting the reassurance linger in my tone. “I’ve got all the time you need.”
Before I can say anything else, one of the guests waves Callan over, calling him back into the crowd. He’s quick to respond, flashing a smile in our direction before jogging toward the table, his voice carrying back to us. “Duty calls. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”
I turn my attention back to Juliette. “My schedule is pretty open today. It’s no problem at all.”
The change in her expression is immediate. Her face lights up, that radiant smile of hers sweeping away any trace of indecision. I swear the room brightens along with her.
nine
JULIETTE
It turns out my aunt’s boss is most definitely not some sixty-year-old man. In fact, he’s none other than the annoyingly handsome guy I almost ran over with her car. Funny how life works out like that. I nearly sent him straight to the ER, and yet, he stood in front of me as if nothing had happened. He either has nerves of steel, or he’s just really, really good at pretending.
I managed to exhale a breath I didn’t even know I was holding when he finally spoke. He was relaxed, wearing a pair of faded jeans and a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, giving me a clear view of forearms that had no business looking so good.
The next thing I noticed was his height. Towering, really. He stood at least a foot taller than me, and it should’ve been intimidating, but instead, it made me feel small in a way that wasn’t entirely uncomfortable. He’s definitely the kind of person who doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Weirdly enough, all that authority didn’t make me want to run. And that was…unexpected.
Now, here I am, following him to the lounge. I can’t focus on anything other than his spicy, woodsy scent. Cinnamon and oak with just a hint of something I can’t place. The aroma alone wraps itself around my thoughts, making it impossible to concentrate on anything but him. And, god, every time he speaks, my face practically bursts into flames. That accent. The way he says my name like he’s savoring it. It’s enough to turn my insides into a puddle.
I’d like to think I could keep my cool if he wasn’t so damn attractive. The quiet confidence he carries with him, the steady stride. Everything about him was made to be admired. Honestly? He should work on being a little less attractive.
My eyes are drawn to the wooden beams that stretch across the ceiling as we step into the lounge. They frame the room, guiding your gaze to the plush leather seats that practically beg you to sink into them. The muted lighting is, dare I say,intimate, as it casts a muted glow over everything. It gives the space an air of sophistication.
I can’t help but admire the design of the room as we settle into one of the rounded booths. “It’s beautiful in here,” I comment, my fingers tracing the smooth edge of the table. “It’s so relaxing. Refined.”
Knox flashes me a grin, the pride in his voice unmistakable. “I appreciate that. I had a hand in designing the lounge. It was one of my more recent projects.”
“Well, you know what you’re doing, that’s for sure.”
He raises an eyebrow, leaning a little closer as his gaze shifts to the shelves above the bar that are full of bottles that sparkle in the low light. “You mentioned you’re a whisky fan. What would you like to try?”
My eyes follow his, taking in the treasure trove of bottles. But it’s not the whisky that has my attention. It’s the subtleglint in his eye that’s daring me to trust him, to let go and let him decide.
“Surprise me.” It’s just a drink, right? But the way he’s looking at me, like this small decision actually matters, makes me want to get it right.
He stands, and it’s impossible to ignore the shift in the room. The few women still talking fall quiet, and I can’t blame them. The man is all broad shoulders and a powerful frame. It’s distracting. I tell myself to look away, to focus on literally anything else, but my eyes have other plans.
