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“I’ve been fascinated by distilleries and small breweries since I worked at a local craft brewery my senior year of college. I led group tours.”
Blake leaned forward, hands pressed to the desk. “And if you don’t get the position?”
“Then I’ll work my way up to it.”
Blake tried not to betray how pleased he was with her unwavering conviction. “There are lots of other distilleries. Why not apply for a similar position elsewhere?”
“I believe in your products. Not that I’m a huge drinker,” she added with a nervous laugh. “But as an event professional, King’s Finest is my go-to. I also happen to think you have one of the smoothest finishes out there.”
He didn’t respond. Instead, he allowed a bit of awkward silence to settle over them, which was a device he often employed. Give a candidate just enough rope to hog-tie themselves, and see what they’d do with it.
“That’s only part of the reason I want to work for King’s Finest. I like that you’re family-owned. And I was drawn to the story of how your grandfather converted your great-grandfather’s moonshine operation into a legitimate business to create a legacy for his family.”
She wasn’t the first job candidate to gush about the company history in an attempt to ingratiate herself with him. But something in her eyes indicated deep admiration. Perhaps even reverence.
“You’ve done your homework, and you know our history.” Blake sat back in his leather chair. “But my primary concern is what’s on the horizon. How will you impact the future of King’s Finest?”
“Excellent question.” Savannah produced a leather portfolio from her large tote. “One I’m prepared to answer. Let’s talk about the upcoming jubilee celebration. It’s the perfect convergence of the company’s past and present.”
“The event is a few months away. Most of the plans are set. We don’t expect anyone to come in, at this late hour, and pull off a miracle. We just want the event to be special for our employees and the folks of Magnolia Lake. Something that’ll make them proud of their role in our history. Get them excited about the future.”
A wide grin spanned her lovely face. “Give me two months and I’ll turn the jubilee into a marketing bonanza that’ll get distributors and consumers excited about your brand.”
An ambitious claim, but an intriguing one.
King’s Finest award-winning bourbon sold well in the States and was making inroads overseas. However, they faced increased competition from small batch distilleries popping up across the country in recent years.
“You have my attention, Savannah Carlisle.” Blake crossed one ankle over his knee. “Wow me.”
Savannah laid out a compelling plan to revamp their jubilee celebration into an event that was as reflective of the company’s simple roots as it was elegant and forward thinking.
“I love your plan, but do you honestly think you can pull this off in two months?”
“I can, and I will.” She closed the portfolio and returned it to her bag. “If given the chance.”
Blake studied the beautiful woman sitting before him. No wonder their HR manager had recommended the woman so highly. Impressed with her after a joint telephone interview, Max and their mother had authorized him to make her an offer if she was as impressive in person.
Savannah Carlisle was clever and resourceful, everything they needed for their newly minted event manager position. There was only one problem with hiring the woman.
He was attracted to her. More than he’d been to any woman in the two years since his last relationship imploded.
Blake was genuinely excited by the possibility of seeing Savannah every day. Of knowing she occupied an office down the hall from his. But there was the little matter of their family’s unwritten rule.
No dating employees.
Problematic, since he’d spent the past half hour preoccupied with the desire to touch her skin again. But he had something far less innocent than a handshake in mind.
Blake wouldn’t hire her simply because she was attractive. And it wouldn’t be right not to hire her because of her beauty, either.
His feelings were his problem, and he’d deal with them.
“All right, Savannah Carlisle. Let’s see what you can do.”
They negotiated her salary, and then Blake sent her off to complete the requisite paperwork. His gaze followed her curvy bottom and long legs as she sashayed out of the office.
Blake shook his head and groaned. This time, he may have gotten himself in over his head.
Two (#u2ef9d15f-5968-58a5-b903-af5c982d5c44)
Savannah had never relied on sex appeal for a single, solitary thing in her life.
But today was different.
If her plan succeeded, it would correct the course of her family’s lives. Money wouldn’t be an issue. Not now, nor for generations to come.
Her grandfather would get justice and the recognition he deserved. Her sister wouldn’t have to struggle under the crushing weight of student loans.
So failure wasn’t an option. Even if it meant playing to the caveman instincts of a cretin like Blake Abbott.
He hadn’t been obvious about it. She’d give him credit for that. But the smoldering intensity of his gaze and the sexy growl of his voice had made the interview feel a lot like a blind date.
His warm brown gaze penetrated her skin. Made her feel something she hadn’t expected. Something she couldn’t explain. Because despite the charm of the man she’d just met, she knew the truth about Blake Abbott and his family.
They were thieves, plain and simple.
The kind of folks who would cheat a man out of what was rightfully owed to him. Who didn’t have the decency or compassion to feel an ounce of regret for leaving such a man and his family twisting in the wind, floundering in poverty.
So despite Blake’s warm smile and surprisingly pleasing demeanor, she wouldn’t forget the truth. The Abbotts were heartless and cruel.
She would expose them for the snakes they were and reclaim her grandfather’s rightful share of the company.
Once she’d exited the parking lot in her crappy little car, she dialed her sister, Delaney, back in West Virginia.
“I’m in,” Savannah blurted as soon as her sister answered the phone. “I got the job.”
Laney hesitated before offering a one-word response. “Wow.”
“I know you don’t agree with what I’m doing, Laney, but I’m doing this for all of us. You and Harper especially.”
“Vanna come home!” her two-year-old niece said in the background.
“Listen to your niece. If you’re doing it for us, pack up and come home now. Because this isn’t what we want.”
“It’s what Granddad deserves. What we all deserve.” Savannah turned onto the road that led back to town. “This will alter our family’s future. Make things better for you and Harper.”
“This isn’t about Harper or my student loans. You’re playing to Grandpa’s pride and yours.”
Savannah silently counted to ten. Blowing up at Laney wouldn’t get her sister on board. And deep down she wanted Laney’s reassurance she was doing the right thing.
Their grandfather—Martin McDowell—had raised them after the deaths of their parents. He’d made sacrifices for them their entire lives. And now he was gravely ill, his kidneys failing.
“Grandpa’s nearly ninety. Thanks to the Abbotts, his pride is all he has, besides us. So I say it’s worth fighting for.”
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 (#u2ef9d15f-5968-58a5-b903-af5c982d5c44)
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.
