Page 39 of Burn Falls

I smiled wider. “Dr. Young.”

He chuckled. “Draven.”

My cheeks turned hot. “Right. Draven.”

“It’s good to see you again, Calla.” Athan grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it, just like he had the night we met. I think I even heard Draven growl. “And who is this foxy lady?”

I looked over at V. “Valencia, this is Draven and Athan. Draven and Athan, Valencia.”

They all shook hands, and when Athan greeted her, he not only kissed the back of her hand, but his lips lingered, and he stared into her eyes until Draven cleared his throat.

“How’s your family doing, Calla?”

I smiled tightly. “Hanging in there. Thank you for asking.”

“Do you two want to sit with us?” V asked. After saying they would, Athan sat next to her, and Draven next to me.

“Do you live in Burn Falls, Valencia?” Athan asked.

“No. I’m from Seattle.”

“Seattle?” Draven asked.

“Yeah. So is Calla. I mean, before she decided to stay after all that happened with her father,” she responded. I hadn’t even told my mother that I was staying, and here V was telling Draven and Athan what my future held.

Draven turned his attention to me. “I didn’t know you were from Seattle.”

“Moved there for college and never moved back home,” I clarified.

“But you are now?” he asked.

I took a deep breath—I did that every time I had to say I was taking over OBB. It wasn’t because I was going to take on the responsibility. It was because I’d always thought that if my father were telling the truth, it wouldn’t be until after he’d retired. “I haven’t given my mother an answer yet, but yes, she’s giving me the distillery, and I’m moving back.”

“This is my lucky day,” Athan exclaimed.

“Your lucky day?” V asked.

“Yeah.” He nodded. “Now I have an in with the owner of the best whiskey this side of Ireland.”

Draven reached up and slapped him on the back of the head. “What is wrong with you?”

“Ow! What was that for?”

“Do you think Calla seems happy about this?” Draven asked.

“It’s fine,” I stated. “I just wasn’t prepared for all of this. When I go back to Seattle on Sunday, I’ll need to start packing and give my notice at work on Monday too.”

“I’m actually heading to Seattle in a week.”

“Really?” I asked.

“Yeah. My best friend, Martin, lives there, and I go back every month to visit him and his family. I’ve known his daughters since they were born.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet,” V cooed.

“So what I was getting at is that maybe I could swing by a night or two and help you pack or something,” Draven went on.

I balked, surprised at his offer. “You’d do that?”