Page 21 of Sunkissed Colorado

“If anything, that proves your resilience. Same with your military service. Numbers and spreadsheets don’t come naturally to you, but you’re a strong leader to the other employees. I’ve also never once seen you give up on anything, no matter how difficult. That’s a rare quality.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He sighed, scratching his head. “But the issue is my granddaughter.”

Oh,hell. Maybe she’d said something to him after all.

But then Manny continued. “With Zandra back in town, she could potentially take over operations herself. Step into my shoes.”

And now I truly felt like an idiot. How had I not seen this coming?

Zandra had a business degree. She was family. How could I ever compete with that?

“No worries. I totally get it. Family comes first.” I hadn’t even considered applying for the job a few days ago, but dammit, the disappointment stung.

“Now, don’t give me that hangdog face. I’m not saying you have no shot.”

My eyes lifted.

“You really want this, Callum? It’s not just an increase in salary. It’s a heck of a lot of work.”

Before I could respond, there was a soft knock. Zandra appeared in the doorway, but when she saw me sitting there, shetook a step back. “Sorry. Rosie and I finished lunch, and I thought I’d say goodbye before I drove back to Silver Ridge, but I can come back later.”

“Nonsense,” Manny called out. “It’s ideal timing you’re here. I need to talk to you and Callum both. I’ve got a proposition for you.”

“Uh oh,” I muttered. “Is that good or bad?”

“No jokes right now, Callum,” my boss grumped. “Zandra, don’t make me wait. Come sit down.”

She came in, her eyes darting between her grandfather and me. I just shrugged and subtly shook my head. I didn’t know what Manny was going to say either.

Yet a touch of warmth flared in my belly, just from having her closer.

“It seems you’re both interested in replacing me as the head of Hearthstone Brewing. And I believe you’re both excellent candidates.”

Zandra’s gaze flew to me again. “Callum too? You’re sure?”

I gave her a sardonic stare. “I’m the only other person in here.”

“Callum, you’ve been a loyal employee for years. You’ve proven yourself time and again. But you don’t have broader business experience. You also have a tendency toward being too friendly and familiar. In other words, you need to learn to keep your dick in your pants with the customers.”

Zandra snorted, then tried to cover it with a cough.

“Yes, sir.” My face burned, though everything he’d said was true.

His granddaughter looked like she was loving every second.

Then Manny turned to her. “Zandra, you have the smarts and the degree, as well as business experience. Of course, the results of your last venture were…” He paused. “Less than stellar. More like a dumpster fire, from what I’ve read about your company’s demise online.”

That satisfied expression slid off herface, and I felt a stab of sympathy. So she’d had a bad breakupanda career setback? Maybe that explained why she’d been so extra pissy.

“I can always trust you not to hold back, Grandpa.”

“And why would I? You’re both tough. You can take the truth.”

I stood and crossed my arms, shifting on my feet. “Then tell me straight, Manny. Would you honestly hire me over your granddaughter?”

“I would. I don’t believe in nepotism. But you’d have to earn it, Callum. So would she.” There was something devious in his smile.