They sat and ate while watching Netflix on the pull-out sofa, but by the end of the third episode of the show they’d chosen, she sat up.
“Hey,” she said quietly.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t want this to be weird, or for you to take this personally,” she said, and he held his breath, frozen in place as he waited for her to finish her thought. “But … I think I want to sleep alone tonight.” She sucked in her lip as she stared at him, obviously waiting for his response.
“Okay. Sure. I’ll take this bed.” His heart pounded in his chest as he tried really hard not to take it personally. He really should be used to rejection by now, but then again, he usually didn’t put himself in situations to feel it. Yet, here he was.
“No, Jake. I don’t want to do that to you. I can sleep out here.”
He shook his head. “Alex, I’m not going to have you sleep on this pull-out. It’s fine.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Thank you, Jake.”
They went back to watching the show for one more episode, but he couldn’t help thinking that his concerns had been valid. Something had changed.
* * *
Day 419 Day 12 on tour
I don’t know how I feel today. Things have been so confusing with Jake. I hadn’t planned on asking him to sleep in a separate bed, but I just needed some space. I hate the thought it might have hurt his feelings. The most ridiculous part was that I’d missed him and almost called him back, but I didn’t want to look like a flake. The last thing I want to do is mess with his head. Or my own. This is temporary.
Lunch with Nate’s family was amazing, but sad. It’s weird to be around them now. Am I trying to hold onto something that I have no business holding on to? Too many things feel uncertain now. I hope things are better when I move. Today I intend to feel optimistic. Again. I hope this time it sticks.
Alex slid her journal into her bag and looked ahead through the pickup windshield. Jake had gone into the truck stop to pay for the diesel. Once he was finished, he got into the truck and put on his seat belt.
“I was looking at our route this morning. We should be there by noon,” she said.
“Perfect. I called the RV park yesterday, and our spot’s available at noon, which means we can hook up and then get over to the liquor store around two. And then I was kind of thinking that after tomorrow’s event in Olmstead, maybe we should just head out right away and drive through the night.”
“Oh.” She turned and looked out the windshield. “Okay. So, this will be our last night sleeping in the RV then?”
“Yeah,” he said shortly. “I think I’m ready to get home.”
Okay. That hurt a little. And it was official—she’d hurt his feelings.
“I’m ready to get home also. But … I think I’ll just miss the RV,” she said, hoping he’d take her meaning for what it was. A sign that she’d loved their time together.
He sent her a quick smile before looking back at the road. “You never want too much of a good thing.”
That was a direct hit, and she didn’t know how to respond to it. “We’ll still see one another quite a bit before I leave. I agreed to come into the Stag a few times a week and help cover the desk.”
His eyebrows went up. “I didn’t realize that.”
“Does it bother you?”
His chuckle had a bitter undertone. “Just another decision at work I had no part in making.”
“Jake, I’m sorry. I…”
“It’s fine, Alex. Has nothing to do with you. We need the help and you’ll do a good job.”
She was quiet as he started up the truck and pulled out of the filling station.
“Getting on Seventy-five, right?” he asked.
“Yeah. All the way to Chattanooga.” She glanced at her phone just to verify she’d told him correctly. She hated this coolness between them so much, but she wasn’t sure how to fix it. “Then we’ll get on Twenty-four all the way to Nashville.”
He nodded. “This is a pretty drive. You’ll like it.”
She couldn’t help thinking that she’d like it a lot better if he wasn’t acting so weird. Playing back yesterday, she tried to recall if she’d done or said anything that might have offended him—except the not-sleeping-together thing. Nothing came up, unless it was something someone at the Williams house said. But she couldn’t imagine that. And he’d been totally fine until her request, so that had to be it. She’d ruined everything by telling him she didn’t want him last night.
Trying to focus on the intention she made today—to feel optimistic—she kindly asked him what kind of music he wanted to listen to since she usually picked and he just went along with whatever. Of course, that had been his same response now. With a sigh, she decided to put in an audiobook.
It had worked a little, because when they arrived in Nashville three and a half hours later and pulled into the RV park, they were so engrossed in the mystery they were listening to that Jake didn’t want to get out. When it finally came to a reasonable place, she pushed PAUSE.
“It’s the boyfriend,” he said instantly.
“You think?” she said. “I think that seems too obvious.”
He shrugged. “It can’t be her stepdad. He was in Alaska when the sister was killed.”
“Yeah, but how can you be certain?”
Obviously considering her statement, he narrowed his eyes. “It could possibly be the stepdad, but to me that seems more obvious than the boyfriend.”
“It’s probably neither of them.”
They smiled at each other, holding the gaze for a moment too long. She really liked these moments with him, when there was no overthinking or worry. They just had fun. That’s what she wanted for the rest of their time together. That was what attracted her to him.
“Hey, I need to say something…” She licked her lips before continuing. “Last night…”
He put up a hand. “No need to explain, Alex.”
“I know that. But I want to. Yesterday was overwhelming—”
“I get it.”
“Will you let me finish,” she snapped, and his eyes went wide.
“I’m sorry. Yes, finish.”
“Being in Atlanta was more difficult than I’d expected. Last night, I was afraid it was going to be a cry-myself-to-sleep kind of night. I hadn’t had one in a while and I didn’t want to do that to you.”
He was quiet, glancing down at the console between them.
“Look at me, Jake.” Lifting his eyes, he stared back at her. “If tonight is our last night, I’d really like us to be … together. If you want. I know it’s not fair to be this way, so … uncertain. I don’t want to make this about me, but…”
“Yes,” was all he said.
She met his eyes. “Yes, what?”
“I want you tonight.”
Fifteen
That afternoon, Jake had told her they should dress up a bit so she’d worn some thin cropped pants, one of the tops she and Charlotte had chosen, and her favorite rose gold flats. Their first stop was with the owner of a very successful liquor store chain in Nashville. When they showed up at the large brick building in an obviously upper-middle-class part of town, she and Jake got out of the pickup, and she grabbed the bag full of Stag product samples.
As they walked toward the door, Jake spoke quietly. “This will be my third try to get an account with Peter Dunn’s company.”
“Really? What’s the big deal?” She wondered if that was why he’d seemed a little nervous on their way over.
“Besides the fact that he owns eighteen liquor stores throughout Tennessee?” He gave her a long look.
“Okay, point taken. But obviously there’s more. There are plenty of liquor store chains you guys work with.”
“Yes, he’s also a silent partner in a Sip, Bite, Match. They opened twelve new units this past year across the country. So now a total of thirty-two.”
“Isn’t that the Chuck E. Cheeses for grown-ups place?�
�
“Yes, and my hope is that if Dunn starts selling us in his liquor store, it will lead to an account with the restaurant.”
They stepped onto the sidewalk that led to the front door. “I have a good feeling about today,” she said.
He winked at her. “Thanks. I hope you’re right.”
They stepped inside, and after alerting the woman at the counter of who they were, a man finally came out from a back office. If Alex had to guess, he was closing in on sixty, but was still very handsome with an angular jaw, expertly cut thick hair, and a tan that said he probably had a big old pool in his backyard.
“Mr. Dunn.” Jake stepped forward with a hand out. “Always good to see you.”
“Likewise, Jake.” Peter Dunn turned to Alex with a roguish grin, his eyes quickly looking her up and down. “And I see you brought your secret weapon here.”
Huh. So that was the kind of guy they were dealing with. She put out her hand, but her smile was forced, for Jake’s sake. “Alexis Parker. It’s nice to meet you.”
“So, you think you might be ready for the big time?” Mr. Dunn gave Jake a wink that Alex hated. She wanted to inform him that the Stag was already big time without his help, thank you very much.
“I’m certain we are. We’re now selling in twenty-nine states,” Jake said with just as much confidence.
“Very good,” Mr. Dunn said, obviously impressed or a good faker. “Well, let me show you around the new store.”
As they followed, Alex had to admit that Dunn’s flagship store was impressive for a facility that sold alcohol. He spared them no detail, describing how he’d chosen the beautiful wood floor that was actually tile and not wood at all. They then discussed the intricacy of the layout for optimal browsing time, which he claimed was based on some extensive research his daughter had done throughout their seven locations in Nashville. Even the restrooms were gorgeous.
“Mr. Dunn, this really is a beautiful store,” Alex said, feeling obligated to speak first since he’d directed a lot of his comments her way for some reason, as if pretty furnishings impressed only women.
“Thank you, Alexis. I really have my daughter to thank. Ever since she joined my company three years ago, our sales have nearly doubled. One thing about me, I never miss an opportunity to appreciate a woman’s talents.”
Alex didn’t know if the comment warranted respect or for her to throw up in her mouth.
“Your daughter sounds very talented,” Alex said.
“She is. I’m lucky to have her.”
“I learned from the best,” a smooth voice said behind them.
Alex and Jake turned in unison to find a gorgeous woman, probably around thirty or so, making her way down the aisle toward them.
“Jake Cooper?” she asked, putting out a hand to Jake.
He shook it. “Very nice to meet you. Vanessa, I assume?”
“You assume correctly.”
Alex watched the two of them, stunned really, by how beautiful this Vanessa woman was. She was the photoshopped version of a centerfold photo, with the smoothest skin and shiniest brunette hair that curled in long coils over her shoulders. Alex had carefully chosen her outfit and done her hair and makeup, yet still felt like a troll next to this woman who somehow pulled off elegant and sophisticated in a pair of jeans and a linen blouse.
Vanessa turned to her this time, putting out a hand. Immediately Alex squared her shoulders and took it. “Alexis Parker.”
“It’s a pleasure, Ms. Parker,” Vanessa said. She smiled at her father. “I’m sure Dad has spent a lot of time bragging about the new store.”
Mr. Dunn smirked. “You know me. But I’ll let you show them the best part.”
Vanessa’s grin was almost salacious as she turned to Jake. “I’m sure you’ll appreciate what I have to show you, Jake.”
He held out a hand toward the hallway they were standing near. “Then by all means.”
Alex was tempted to reach out and grab his hand, which would have been ridiculous under any circumstances. They were here on business. Also, they weren’t a couple.
“I’ve been following the growth of the Stag online,” Vanessa said over her shoulder as they headed down the short hallway. “I was so impressed with how you capitalized on your gorgeous space by doing weddings.”
“Thank you. We were hesitant, but it’s been amazing, and is now a good part of our profit and brand recognition. We’ve been voted the most popular venue in Kansas City for the past three years.”
“Impressive,” Vanessa said, stopping at a closed door at the end of the hall. “You seem to be popular yourself, if the comments on Instagram are any indication.”
Jake froze, his lips parted, eyes glancing toward Alex. He let out an embarrassed chuckle and rubbed at the back of his neck.
Alex decided to butt in. “You know what they say. Never read the comments. Most of them are pure fabrication.”
“Most?” Vanessa said with a quirk of her lips. “Anyway, I’ll admit I was inspired by your business model.”
“Oh?” Jake asked.
“When this store opened in January, we decided to add an event space.”
“For weddings?” Alex asked, wishing her question hadn’t come out so skeptical sounding. She didn’t want to embarrass Jake, but something about this woman was rubbing her the wrong way. Plus, what was she saying? Weddings in a distillery were cool and hip. Weddings in a liquor store? Uh, no thanks.
“Not weddings, necessarily. Smaller scale. Showers, birthdays, small corporate events. And the best part is that there is a main entrance off the back, so no one has to go through the retail side.”
“Smart,” Jake said. “I’d like to see it.”
“Absolutely.” With a smile she opened the door.
Anxious to see why all the drama was necessary, Alex followed Jake into the space and immediately her eyes widened. The same wood-looking tile ran the length of the room and the ceiling was row after row of wood beams set amongst the ducting and industrial aspects. Somewhat similar to the main floor of the Stag building, but this was new construction, although it didn’t appear to be with the far wall that was half drywall and half exposed brick. The front was made up entirely of windows and clear-glass garage doors. It was really lovely, although not very big.
“Wow. It’s great,” Jake said, walking into the center of the space. “How big is this?”
“Only about three thousand square feet. Four if you open the garage doors and utilize the patio.”
Alex walked over to the windows and peeked outside. The patio had several seating vignettes, a fire pit, and a beautiful grilling station.
“This is gorgeous.”
Vanessa beamed. “Thank you, Alexis. We love it. We just had our ninth event this weekend. A birthday party for Sidney Phillips.”
“The country singer?” Jake asked, surprise in his voice.
“Yes. It turned out really well. I’m fairly certain the photographer has a deal with People magazine, so we should get some buzz. We’ve already had some high profile inquiries since then.”
“Good for you,” Jake said. He glanced at Alex, and she could tell he was getting antsy. She felt the same. Cool story, but it was time to get down to business. “So is it you I need to convince to carry Stag products?”
Vanessa smiled. “This time, yes. But I have to tell you, I’m an even harder sell than my father.”
Jake nodded. “Understood. I’ll start by pointing out that our Signature Bourbon—one of our premium aged offerings—was awarded a Platinum Sip Award this year.”
“That’s impressive.” Vanessa tilted her head to the side. “Did you bring some to taste?”
“We did,” Alex said, interjecting herself. They’d left it at the counter when they’d come in. “I’ll go get it.”
* * *
Jake shoved his hands in his pockets, anxious. There was not a doubt in his mind that Vanessa Dunn was coming on to him. It was in the way she looked at him
, the way she stood a little too close.
Now that they were alone, he stepped toward the garage doors along the wall and looked at the patio.
“The garage doors are a nice touch.”
“I agree. Having alfresco events is very appealing to people.”
“I bet.” Where was Alex?
The feeling of Vanessa stepping a little closer made him anxious. When she spoke, there was no mistaking the interest in her voice. “I’m looking forward to sampling what you have to offer, especially since it seems to be so popular.”
He turned and looked at her. Would he have taken this bait on previous tours? Quite possibly, but right now the thought made him sick to his stomach.
“Well,” he said with a smile, shoving his hands in his pockets. He’d worn dark jeans today but with a button-up shirt and sports jacket, which right now felt like a vise. “Alex should be right back and we can get to it.”
“Hmm.” She linked her hands together loosely, tilting her head to the side. “Do you have plans for this evening?”
He eyed her warily. Technically, no. He didn’t have any official plans. “Not necessarily. What do you have in mind?”
“After her birthday party, Sidney Phillips gave me two tickets to a show she’s doing tonight downtown.” She walked closer to him. “I thought maybe we could go together and then get some dinner. Discuss the Stag. Your liquor. Maybe let me pick your brain a bit on your event-space marketing.”
Staring at her for a moment, he considered her offer. He wanted this account. Wanted it badly. But he was here with Alexis. There was no way he could leave her alone while he went out with another woman. “I appreciate the offer. But Alex—”
“Can find something else to do this evening,” Alex finished for him.
He turned to see Alex walking back in the room carrying the bag of Stag liquor bottles.
“Alex…” he started, but she just shook her head.
“I’m fine. And I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. With the room so empty I could hear you in the hall.”
Vanessa smiled. “It is loud in here. Are you sure you don’t mind, Alex?”
“Not at all,” she said. Her smile appeared sincere. It even warmed when she looked over at him. “Honestly, I have some things I could get done this evening. A night alone sounds nice.”
Maybe for You--A Whiskey and Weddings Novel Page 16
