Page 6

“If I may suggest… we rearrange the furniture and bring in a table for me to sit at under the window there, it could work. Tight quarters, but… that could lead to some interesting opportunities for creativity.” She winked.
I raised an eyebrow. “Or compromising positions if we aren’t keeping things professional.”
She blushed—just a little. Then smirked. “You wish.”
Damn. I did wish—was this considered flirting?
“Now tell me about these brews, Keaton. What makes each one different?” She pointed to the glasses.
“So the marketing queendoesn’tknow everything,” I flatlined.
“I know what I researched online, and obviously from spending time at Hops. But I’d love to hear directly from you, withyourexperience.”
“Sure. I don’t mind sharing, and I’ll try not to be snooty about it.” I chortled.
“Hey, you don’t really think I was like that do you?” Her brow creased, voice full of concern.
“Nah. Just teasing. You were fine, and you impressed the heck out of Richard. Anyway…” I sat across from her and gladly imparted my knowledge with her on the world of craft beer. With a captive audience of one, I took advantage and gave hermy extra special attention. After an hour or so, including having her taste each of the four beers, it was clear the ales were more to her liking.
“I’m working now to bring out new Autumn flavors. Those special holiday editions are perfect for bottling, with flavors like pumpkin and fall spices. Otherwise cans are usually better. But the artwork on the label and can has to be on point. That’s the unique thing about craft brew culture—I can show what my company represents through the art shown there,” I finished.
“I get it. You’re creating the whole vibe and experience you want your fans to love,” she said, her eyes locking with mine. “Which is exactly what I do in marketing. I think we have a better understanding of each other now, don’t you?”
I sent her my best smoldering smile. “It’s a great start.”
She licked her lips, then chuckled and reached for her bag. “Wow, I think the beer samples might be going straight to my head. And on that note, I think I’ll leave you to it today.”
I grabbed the beer flight and dropped it in the sink behind the bar as I walked her out. “You met Jessa on the way in, I presume?”
“Yes, we had a lovely chat—about you,” she teased.
“She’s just as much a fan of Brewed for Love as I am,” Jessa called out.
“Well, you know. I mean... who wouldn’t be? Obviously, America fell in love with you, since you made it all the way to the finals.” Sophie’s cheeks pinked a little walking out.
I knew right then that pretending I was not attracted to her was going to be a full-time job.
I let that hang in the air until we reached her car, a red sedan, nothing fancy. She looked great in red with her dark hair around her shoulders and a smart red suit. As she leaned in the backseat to set her bag down, I noted her toned tanned legs and an ass that redefined the wordnice.
“So, you’re a fan of my reality TV work?” I cocked an eyebrow.
“Don’t let it get to your head. I won’t ask you for your autograph or anything,” she quipped.
“You know where to find me if you need me.”
“I do. Would you mind if I work here in the mornings through lunch each day?”
“Not at all. See you tomorrow.”
Back in my office, I opened my laptop and pretended to work while her sunshiny fragrance lingered in the air. She got under my skin. If pretending not to be interested was the plan, I was already losing the game.
4
TAKEOUT DATE
SOPHIE
I hadn’t meantto skip dinner. But in my defense, branding the entire future of a craft brewery empire while resisting the temptation of its brooding, beardy owner had taken more brain power than expected this week.