Page 13 of The Havenport Collection

Cecelia

L iam Quinn was fascinating. It had only been a week, but I was learning so much about him every day.

He took responsibility for everything. No problem was too small for his attention.

He pored over quality reports with Karl, analyzed sales with Shane, designed cans with Mark, and even mopped the floors when necessary.

He was positive without being insincere and treated everyone the same.

He helped and encouraged and smiled at everyone.

It became very clear after a few days that I was not special.

He made everyone feel appreciated and valued.

He remembered every detail about people, asking Karl about his granddaughter’s dance recital and Kyle about the new Marvel movie that just came out.

He would top off people’s coffee, order pizzas when the team worked late, and call Ubers if someone had a few too many in the taproom.

Initially, I had been attracted to his overwhelming hotness. But as I got to know him more, I found myself attracted to his inherent goodness. My attraction to him was so distracting, I started avoiding his office and working on my laptop in the taproom instead.

When I had agreed to assume responsibility for the annual Oktoberfest event, I assumed it was actually in October.

Apparently, Oktoberfest technically starts in September, which meant I had even less time than I thought to pull this off.

I got right to work, nailing down the details—vendors, music, working through the menu with the caterers, and ordering decorations and other necessities.

I had no background in event planning, but as a naturally organized person I was finding it to be an exciting challenge.

Liam rolled his eyes at my color-coded binder, but I knew deep down he was impressed.

I had also developed a really annoying radar for when he was around.

It was like my body felt his presence before my eyes saw him enter a room.

I chalked it up to my deep-seated need to people please.

I always wanted to make sure the boss saw me being productive.

Did I mention I was great at lying to myself?

Anyway, I was clicking away when I felt his warm, masculine presence.

I looked up to see him exiting the men’s room, sweaty, dirty and wearing rubber gloves.

He carried a bucket of cleaning supplies and my heart stopped.

It was not uncommon to see Liam cleaning or sanitizing or mopping floors.

There was so much to be done every day. But he was the owner of this place, and he was not above scrubbing toilets.

He had several people he could order to do it, but he didn’t.

He took the shit work himself, pun intended.

Despite the fact that he had most definitely just been scrubbing toilets, he looked so hot I could feel my panties catch fire.

His T-shirt clung to every muscle in his back and his hair was a mess.

His beard needed a trim and his blue eyes shone.

He was in jeans, but they sat so low that when he reached up, I could see a sliver of his abs and a very happy trail, leading down to what I imagined was an impressive package.

Truly, the godlike face and hot bod didn’t hurt, but a man who willingly cleaned bathrooms?

A unicorn. A bearded, blue- eyed unicorn and I wanted him so badly I ached.

My LELO was going to be working overtime tonight.

And as much as I wanted the real thing, my battery-operated friend would have to do.

Because nothing could ever happen between us.

He was not the type of guy for a quick roll in the hay.

I knew it would probably be a fantastic roll, but he did not seem like the love ’em and leave ’em type.

Neither was I, actually, despite Nora’s protestations.

And I couldn’t risk getting attached and getting my heart broken.

I was here for a reason—to learn more about myself and what I want.

To become New Cecelia and find my purpose.

I couldn’t afford to be distracted by my hot boss.

“How’s it going, Cece?”

I gave him my best I wasn’t just eye fucking you smile. “Great. Just working through the event details.”

“Excellent. Can we walk through some things in like thirty minutes? I have some stuff to do but should be free after three o’clock. Does that work?”

You can have me anytime anywhere. Stop it. “Yes. No problem.”

“Great. Meet me in my office then.”

I nodded and pretended to get back to my laptop while I discreetly watched him walk down the corridor to the brewing area. I couldn’t decide if I enjoyed watching his back muscles or his butt muscles walk away more, but it was a close call.

I was getting comfortable here. I was learning the ropes and finding my footing.

We had some big plans for the next few weeks, and I was anxious to get started.

I had my work cut out for me. The brewery website needed updating, the social media accounts were positively anemic, and all the event planning had to start from scratch.

It would take all of my marketing experience and a lot of luck to put this place on the map, but I was getting a bit more confident every day.

When I accepted this job, I saw it as a way to fill some time between “real” jobs. But now, I was seeing more and more how this place was stretching and growing me professionally. I was learning things, getting out of my comfort zone, and taking on more responsibility every day.

I wanted to help Liam and all the new friends I had made here.

I wanted this for him and for Havenport.

He cared so deeply about everyone and what they were doing.

He took responsibility for everything and never cast blame.

He remained positive and upbeat, despite the crushing pressure of sustaining this business.

Unlike me, who couldn’t conceal my hot mess if my life depended on it, Liam exuded calm confidence at all times.

He did not share his stress or anxieties with anyone, instead he just worked even harder. It made me feel special that he had opened up to me, told me the truth, and unburdened himself. It was like we shared an intimate secret, and he trusted me to keep it for him.