LITMIR.BIZ

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and gave Savannah a warm greeting.

      Parker offered a cursory greeting, then shifted his narrowed gaze to Blake.

      “I thought we were going to discuss the proposal honestly.” Parker sat at one end of the table. Duke sat at the other.

      “We will.” The intensity of Blake’s tone matched his brother’s. He nodded toward Savannah. “No one is asking you to pull any punches. She might as well get accustomed to how we do business around here. Besides, she can best respond to your questions about the kind of return on investment we should expect.”

      “Welcome, then.” Parker tapped something on his phone. “I’ve been described as...no-nonsense. Don’t take it personally.”

      “I won’t, if you promise not to take my tendency to shoot straight personally, either.” Savannah met his gaze.

      Parker nodded his agreement and the other siblings exchanged amused glances.

      “You found someone Parker can’t intimidate.” Zora grinned. “Good job, Blake.”

      The Abbotts continued to tease each other while Zora or Blake filled her in on the inside jokes. Savannah smiled politely, laughing when they did. But an uneasiness crawled up her spine.

      The Abbotts weren’t what she’d expected.

      Her grandfather had portrayed them as wild grizzly bears. Vicious and capable of devouring their own young.

      Don’t be fooled by their charm.

      “Ready to make your presentation?” Blake asked.

      Parker drummed his fingers on the table and glanced at his watch.

      Don’t show fear.

      “Absolutely.” Savannah stood, clutching her portfolio.

      Blake’s warm smile immediately eased the tightness in her chest. Her lungs expanded and she took a deep breath.

      Savannah opened her portfolio and glanced around the room.

      “All right, here’s what I’m proposing...”

      * * *

      Blake typed notes into his phone as Savannah recapped her presentation. She’d won over everyone in the room. They were all on board with her plan—even penny-pinching Parker.

      The event had graduated from the “little shindig” his mother had envisioned to a full gala. One that would retain a rustic charm that paid homage to the company’s history. Savannah had also suggested holding anniversary events in other key cities.

      The upgrades Savannah proposed to the old barn on his parents’ property to prepare for the gala would significantly increase its rental income. They could charge more per event and would draw business from corporations and folks in nearby towns. All of which made Parker exceedingly happy.

      “There’s one thing I’m still not sold on,” he interjected. “The majority of our market share is here in the South. Why invest in events elsewhere?”

      “It’s the perfect opportunity to deepen our reach outside of our comfort zone,” Savannah said.

      Parker folded his arms, unconvinced.

      “She’s right.” Blake set his phone on the table and leveled his gaze on his brother. “I’ve floated the idea with a few distributors in the UK, California and New York. They love our products and they’re eager to introduce them to more of their customers. I’m telling you, Parker, this could be a big win for us.”

      Savannah gave him a quick, grateful smile. A knot formed low in his gut.

      “Savannah and Blake have done their homework,” his father said. “I’m ready to move forward with Savannah’s proposal. Any objections?”

      Parker shook his head, but scowled.

      “Excellent. Savannah, would you mind typing up your notes and sending them to the executive email list so my wife can get a look at them?”

      “I’ll do my best to get them out by the end of the day, Mr. Abbott.”

      “Duke will do just fine. Now, I’m late for a date with a five iron.”

      “The gala is going to be sensational.” Zora grinned. “Right, Max?”

      “It will be,” Max agreed. “I wasn’t sure that turning Mom’s low-key, local event into something more elaborate and—”

      “Expensive,” Parker interrupted.

      “Relax, El Cheapo.” Zora’s stony expression was a silent reminder that she wasn’t just their baby sister. She was sales VP and an equal member of the executive team. “The additional sales will far exceed the additional expenses.”

      “Don’t worry, lil’ sis. I’m in.” Parker tapped his pen on the table. “I’m obviously outnumbered. I’m as thrilled as you are to expand our market and rake in more cash. I just hope Savannah’s projections are on target.”

      “I look forward to surprising you with the results.” Savannah seemed unfazed by Parker’s subtle intimidation.

      “C’mon, Savannah.” Max stood. “I’ll show you to your office. It isn’t far from mine.”

      Blake swallowed back his disappointment as she left with Max, Zora and their father. So much for his plan to give Savannah a tour of the place.

      “Watch yourself,” Parker warned.

      “What do you mean?” Blake stuffed his phone in his pocket and headed for the door.

      “You know exactly what I mean. You’ve been stealing glances at Savannah when you think no one is looking. Like just now.” Parker followed him.

      “You’re exaggerating.”

      “No, I’m your brother.” Parker fell in step beside him. “I know the signs.”

      “Of what?” Blake turned to face his brother. “A man very impressed with his new hire?”

      “It’s worse than I thought.” Parker shook his head. “Look all you want, just don’t touch. She’s our employee. A subordinate. Don’t cross the line with her. And for God’s sake, don’t get caught up in your feelings for this woman.”

      “Good advice.” Blake resumed the walk to his office. “Too bad you haven’t been good at following it.”

      “That’s why I know what a horrible idea it is.”

      “Don’t worry, Parker. I won’t do anything you wouldn’t.” Blake went into his office and shut the door.

      He didn’t need Parker to remind him that Savannah Carlisle was off-limits.

       Four

      Savannah surveyed the gleaming copper stills and the pipes running between them that filled the distillation room. “They’re beautiful.”

      She was home. Exactly where she was meant to be, had it not been for Joseph Abbott’s treachery.

      “I guess they are.” Daisy checked her watch again.

      Blake’s assistant was a nice enough woman, but her limited knowledge wasn’t helpful to Savannah’s cause. If she was going to take on the powerful Abbott family and prove they’d stolen her grandfather’s bourbon recipe and his process for making it, she needed to learn everything there was to know about the making of their signature bourbon.

      Daisy gave the stills a cursory glance. “I never really thought of them as beautiful.”

      “I do. I just didn’t think anyone else did,” a familiar, velvety voice chimed in.

      Blake again.

      The

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