by Reese Ryan
Laney didn’t answer. Not surprising.
When they were kids, Savannah was mesmerized by her grandfather’s stories about his days running moonshine in the Tennessee hills as a young man. But even as a child, Laney took a just-the-facts-please approach to life. She’d viewed their grandfather’s stories as tall tales.
Their positions hadn’t changed as adults. But Laney would come around when Savannah proved the truth.
Joseph Abbott, founder of the King’s Finest Distillery, claimed to use recipes from his father’s illegal moonshine business. But, in reality, he’d stolen their grandfather’s hooch recipe and used it to parlay himself into a bourbon empire. And the tremendous fortune the Abbotts enjoyed.
“If the Abbotts are as heartless as you believe, does it seem wise to take them on alone? To get a job with them under false pretenses and snoop around in search of...what? Do you think there’s a vault with a big card in it that says, ‘I stole my famous bourbon recipe from Martin McDowell’?”
“I didn’t get this job under false pretenses. I’m extremely qualified. I’m going to do everything I can to help grow the company. We’re going to be part owners of it, after all.” Savannah navigated the one-lane bridge that crossed the river dividing the small town.
“You’re risking jail or maybe worse. If something were to happen to Granddad...” Her sister’s voice trailed. “You’re all Harper and I would have left. We can’t risk losing you. So, please, let it go and come home.”
She didn’t want to worry Laney. School, work, taking care of a two-year-old and seeing after their grandfather was strain enough. But this was something she had to do.
If she succeeded, it would be well worth the risk.
“I love you and Harper, Laney. But you need to trust that I’m acting in all of our best interest. And please don’t rat me out to Grandpa.”
“Great. I have to lie to him about it, too.” Laney huffed. “Fine, but be careful. Remember, there’s no shame in throwing in the towel and coming to your senses. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
After hanging up, Savannah sighed heavily and focused on the road as the colorful shops of the quaint little town of Magnolia Lake came into view.
She parked behind the small building where she was staying. It housed a consignment and handmade jewelry shop downstairs and two apartments upstairs. The shop and building were owned by Kayleigh Jemison, who was also her neighbor.
Inside her furnished, one-bedroom apartment, Savannah kicked off her heels and stripped off her jacket. Her thoughts drifted back to Blake Abbott. He was nothing like the cutthroat, ambitious jerk her grandfather had described. Blake was tall and handsome. His warm brown skin was smooth and practically glowed from within. He was charming with a welcoming smile and liquid brown eyes that made her stomach flip when they met hers.
Her grandfather had only known Joseph Abbott personally. The rest of the Abbotts he knew only by reputation. Maybe he was wrong about Blake.
“You are not attracted to him. Not even a little bit,” Savannah mumbled under her breath. “He’s the enemy. A means to an end.”
But Blake was obviously attracted to her. A weakness she could exploit, if it came to it.
An uncomfortable feeling settled over her as she imagined Laney’s thoughts on that.
The solution was simple. Avoid Blake Abbott, at all costs.
Three
Savannah signed her name on the final new hire form and slid it across the table.
Daisy was filling in for the HR manager, who was out sick. She studied the document and gave it a stamp of approval. Her thin lips spread in a big smile, her blue eyes sparkling. “You’re officially a King’s Finest employee. Welcome to the team.”
“Fantastic.” Savannah returned the smile. “So, what’s next?”
The conference room door burst open.
Blake Abbott.
He was even more handsome than she remembered. The five o’clock shadow crawling along his square jaw made him look rugged and infinitely sexier. Uneasiness stirred low in her belly.
“Daisy, Savannah... I didn’t realize you were using the conference room.” His hair, grown out a bit since their initial meeting, had a slight curl to it.
“We’re just leaving anyway.” Daisy collected her things. “Did I forget there was a meeting scheduled in here?”
“No, we decided to have an impromptu meeting about the changes Savannah proposed for the jubilee celebration. We can all fit in here more comfortably. Come to think of it—” he shifted his attention to Savannah “—this would be a great opportunity for you to meet my family...that is...our executive team.”
She wasn’t in a position to refuse his request. Still, there was something endearing about how he’d asked.
It took her by surprise.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting the company’s founder.” Savannah forced a smile, unnerved about meeting the entire Abbott clan. Especially Joseph Abbott—the man who’d betrayed her grandfather.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a bit longer.” He sounded apologetic. “We want the changes to be a surprise. Speaking of which... I know it’s last-minute, and I hate to throw you into the fire on your first day, but do you think you could present your ideas to the rest of our team?”
Savannah’s eyes went wide. “Now?”
“They’re all really sweet.” Daisy patted her arm and smiled. “You’re going to love them. I’m just sorry I can’t stay to hear your presentation. Got another new hire to process. Good luck!” Daisy called over her shoulder as she hurried from the room.
“I’ve been telling everyone about your proposal. Got a feeling my father and brother will be more easily persuaded if you wow them the way you did me.”
Savannah had anticipated meeting every member of the Abbott family, eventually. But meeting them all at once on her first day was intimidating. Particularly since she had to refrain from saying what she wanted.
That they were liars and thieves who’d built their fortune by depriving her family of theirs. But she couldn’t say that. Not yet, anyway. Not until she had proof.
“I’ve got my notes right here.” Savannah opened her portfolio. “But with a little more time, I can create a formal presentation.”
“What you presented to me is fine. They’ll love it.” Blake slid into the seat across from her.
Her belly did a flip.
“Hey, Blake, did you eat all of the...? Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were meeting with someone,” came a voice from the doorway.
“It’s all right.” Blake waved in the woman Savannah recognized as his sister. “Zora, this is our new event manager, Savannah Carlisle. Savannah, this is our sales VP, Zora Abbott—the baby of the family.”
“And they never let me forget it.” Zora sat beside her older brother and elbowed him. The woman leaned across the table and shook her hand. “Welcome aboard, Savannah. We need you desperately. You’ve certainly impressed my big brother here. Not an easy feat.”
A deep blush of pink bloomed across Blake’s cheeks. He seemed relieved when another member of the Abbott clan stepped into the room.
“Max, this is your new event manager, Savannah Carlisle,” Zora informed the handsome newcomer, then turned to Savannah. “Max is our marketing VP. You’ll be working for him and with our mother—who isn’t here.”
There was no mistaking that Max and Blake were brothers. They had the same square jaw capped by a cleft chin. The same narrow, brooding dark eyes. And the same nose—with a narrow bridge and slightly flared nostrils.
Max wore his curly hair longer than Blake’s. And where Blake’s skin was the color of terra-cotta tiles, his brother’s skin was a deeper russet brown. Max was a little taller than his brother, with a leaner frame.
“I look forward to working with you, Savannah.�
� Max sat beside her and shook her hand, his grip firm and warm. His smile seemed genuine. “I’m excited to hear more of your ideas for the anniversary celebration.”
“That’s why I invited her to join us. She can relay them much better than I can.”
Two more men walked into the room. “Didn’t realize we were having guests,” the younger of the two said, his voice gruff.
“My brother Parker.” Zora rolled her eyes. “Chief financial officer and resident cheapskate.”
Parker was not amused, but the older man—whom Zora introduced as their father, Duke—chuckled and gave Savannah a warm greeting.
Parker offered a cursory greeting, then shifted his narrowed gaze to Blake.
“I thought we were going to discuss the proposal honestly.” Parker sat at one end of the table. Duke sat at the other.
“We will.” The intensity of Blake’s tone matched his brother’s. He nodded toward Savannah. “No one is asking you to pull any punches. She might as well get accustomed to how we do business around here. Besides, she can best respond to your questions about the kind of return on investment we should expect.”
“Welcome, then.” Parker tapped something on his phone. “I’ve been described as...no-nonsense. Don’t take it personally.”
“I won’t, if you promise not to take my tendency to shoot straight personally, either.” Savannah met his gaze.
Parker nodded his agreement and the other siblings exchanged amused glances.
“You found someone Parker can’t intimidate.” Zora grinned. “Good job, Blake.”
The Abbotts continued to tease each other while Zora or Blake filled her in on the inside jokes. Savannah smiled politely, laughing when they did. But an uneasiness crawled up her spine.
The Abbotts weren’t what she’d expected.
Her grandfather had portrayed them as wild grizzly bears. Vicious and capable of devouring their own young.
Don’t be fooled by their charm.
“Ready to make your presentation?” Blake asked.
Parker drummed his fingers on the table and glanced at his watch.
Don’t show fear.
“Absolutely.” Savannah stood, clutching her portfolio.
Blake’s warm smile immediately eased the tightness in her chest. Her lungs expanded and she took a deep breath.
Savannah opened her portfolio and glanced around the room.
“All right, here’s what I’m proposing...”
* * *
Blake typed notes into his phone as Savannah recapped her presentation. She’d won over everyone in the room. They were all on board with her plan—even penny-pinching Parker.
The event had graduated from the “little shindig” his mother had envisioned to a full gala. One that would retain a rustic charm that paid homage to the company’s history. Savannah had also suggested holding anniversary events in other key cities.
The upgrades Savannah proposed to the old barn on his parents’ property to prepare for the gala would significantly increase its rental income. They could charge more per event and would draw business from corporations and folks in nearby towns. All of which made Parker exceedingly happy.
“There’s one thing I’m still not sold on,” he interjected. “The majority of our market share is here in the South. Why invest in events elsewhere?”
“It’s the perfect opportunity to deepen our reach outside of our comfort zone,” Savannah said.
Parker folded his arms, unconvinced.
“She’s right.” Blake set his phone on the table and leveled his gaze on his brother. “I’ve floated the idea with a few distributors in the UK, California and New York. They love our products and they’re eager to introduce them to more of their customers. I’m telling you, Parker, this could be a big win for us.”
Savannah gave him a quick, grateful smile. A knot formed low in his gut.
“Savannah and Blake have done their homework,” his father said. “I’m ready to move forward with Savannah’s proposal. Any objections?”
Parker shook his head, but scowled.
“Excellent. Savannah, would you mind typing up your notes and sending them to the executive email list so my wife can get a look at them?”
“I’ll do my best to get them out by the end of the day, Mr. Abbott.”
“Duke will do just fine. Now, I’m late for a date with a five iron.”
“The gala is going to be sensational.” Zora grinned. “Right, Max?”
“It will be,” Max agreed. “I wasn’t sure that turning Mom’s low-key, local event into something more elaborate and—”
“Expensive,” Parker interrupted.
“Relax, El Cheapo.” Zora’s stony expression was a silent reminder that she wasn’t just their baby sister. She was sales VP and an equal member of the executive team. “The additional sales will far exceed the additional expenses.”
“Don’t worry, lil’ sis. I’m in.” Parker tapped his pen on the table. “I’m obviously outnumbered. I’m as thrilled as you are to expand our market and rake in more cash. I just hope Savannah’s projections are on target.”
“I look forward to surprising you with the results.” Savannah seemed unfazed by Parker’s subtle intimidation.
“C’mon, Savannah.” Max stood. “I’ll show you to your office. It isn’t far from mine.”
Blake swallowed back his disappointment as she left with Max, Zora and their father. So much for his plan to give Savannah a tour of the place.
“Watch yourself,” Parker warned.
“What do you mean?” Blake stuffed his phone in his pocket and headed for the door.
“You know exactly what I mean. You’ve been stealing glances at Savannah when you think no one is looking. Like just now.” Parker followed him.
“You’re exaggerating.”
“No, I’m your brother.” Parker fell in step beside him. “I know the signs.”
“Of what?” Blake turned to face his brother. “A man very impressed with his new hire?”
“It’s worse than I thought.” Parker shook his head. “Look all you want, just don’t touch. She’s our employee. A subordinate. Don’t cross the line with her. And for God’s sake, don’t get caught up in your feelings for this woman.”
“Good advice.” Blake resumed the walk to his office. “Too bad you haven’t been good at following it.”
“That’s why I know what a horrible idea it is.”
“Don’t worry, Parker. I won’t do anything you wouldn’t.” Blake went into his office and shut the door.
He didn’t need Parker to remind him that Savannah Carlisle was off-limits.
Four
Savannah surveyed the gleaming copper stills and the pipes running between them that filled the distillation room. “They’re beautiful.”
She was home. Exactly where she was meant to be, had it not been for Joseph Abbott’s treachery.
“I guess they are.” Daisy checked her watch again.
Blake’s assistant was a nice enough woman, but her limited knowledge wasn’t helpful to Savannah’s cause. If she was going to take on the powerful Abbott family and prove they’d stolen her grandfather’s bourbon recipe and his process for making it, she needed to learn everything there was to know about the making of their signature bourbon.
Daisy gave the stills a cursory glance. “I never really thought of them as beautiful.”
“I do. I just didn’t think anyone else did,” a familiar, velvety voice chimed in.
Blake again.
The man seemed to pop up everywhere. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be a daily occurrence.
“Didn’t mean to scare you, Dais.” Blake held up a hand. “Just met with Klaus—our master distiller,” he added for Savannah’s benefit. “I’m surprised you’re still here. Doesn’t Daphne’s softb
all game start in an hour?”
“It does.” Daisy turned to Savannah. “Daphne’s my ten-year-old daughter. She’s pitching as a starter for the first time.”
“I’m sorry.” No wonder Daisy had tried to rush her through the tour. “I didn’t realize you had somewhere to be.”
“Get out of here before you’re late.” Blake nodded toward the exit. “Tell Daph I’m rooting for her.”
“What about the tour? We’re nowhere near finished. Savannah has so many questions. I haven’t done a very good job of answering them.”
“You were great, Daisy,” Savannah lied, not wanting to make her feel bad. “Your daughter’s pitching debut is more important. We can finish the tour another day.”
“Go.” Blake pointed toward the exit. “I’ll finish up here. In fact, I’ll give Savannah the deluxe tour.”
Daisy thanked them and hurried off.
“So you want to know all about the whiskey-making process.” Blake turned to Savannah. He hadn’t advanced a step, yet the space between them contracted.
“I mentioned that in my interview.” She met his gaze, acutely aware of their height difference and the broadness of his shoulders.
His fresh, woodsy scent made her want to plant her palms on his well-defined chest and press her nose to the vein visible on his neck.
“Thought that was just a clever bit to impress me.” The edge of his generous mouth pulled into a lopsided grin that made her heart beat faster.
“Now, you know that isn’t true.” Savannah held his gaze despite the violent fluttering in her belly.
She was reacting like a hormonal high-school girl with a crush on the captain of the football team.
Blake was pleasant enough on the surface, and certainly nice to look at. Okay, that was the understatement of the year. His chiseled features and well-maintained body were the stuff dreams were made of.
But he wasn’t just any pretty face and hard physique. He was an Abbott.
E-N-E-M-Y.
Her interest in this man—regardless of how good-looking he was or the sinful visions his mouth conjured—needed to stay purely professional. The only thing she wanted from Blake Abbott was insight into the history between their grandfathers.
