Page 34 of Connor

“Well, you’ve come to the right place, because believe me, there’s something in the water here in Whispers, because the men are amazing.”

Yet again, my mind flicks to Connor's very fine physique, his abs of steel something that can’t be removed from my memory, no matter how hard I try. If I can’t get this damn image out of my mind, I have no idea what I’m going to do.

“Oh, speaking of water, Connor mentioned you have mineral springs at your place next door to the distillery?” I ask her, and she nods.

“They’re amazing. You should definitely get there soon and check them out.”

“I would like to offer that as an upsell on treatments…” I put it out there.

“I think that would be great, and the whole reason we built the spa on that side of the distillery was so that we could have access.”

That’s great news. “Maybe, like, a thirty- or sixty-minute soak before your treatment to get into a state of relaxation… No stock required, no therapist needed, it would be pure profit. We’ll just need to ensure the safety of the path to the springs and provide footwear and robes.”

“It’s exactly what we were thinking.”

I feel good that we’re on the same page.

“So, I finalized the treatment plan,” I tell her, moving the conversation on to specific business topics.

She smiles. “I read through it last night. I need to speak to Tanner and Connor, but from what I can tell, I think it’ll be perfect. Everything you have outlined will be amazing, and I personally can’t wait to try it all. Connor is better to look at the numbers and staffing, but I can help you start on planning out the retail space for shelving and cupboards and also the treatment rooms.”

“Awesome. I’ve ordered the treatment beds and some supplies already, so they should arrive next week,” I tell her, my tone filled with excitement, and she looks impressed.

“This spa is going to be amazing. I’m so glad you’re here to build it with us. Speaking of which, we need to eat. Tanner will be almost ready for his treatment back at the distillery, and I can’t wait for him to give it a go.”

I took my sleepy time tea last night as well, and after my morning meditation earlier, I feel ready to do Tanner’s treatment. He’s a big man, like his son, so I know there will be a lot of energy to manage, but me and my singing bowls are ready for the challenge.

14

CONNOR

The numbers blur as I stare at the screen in front of me.

I throw my pen on the desk and rub my eyes. They’re dry, itchy, and as I look at my watch, I know why. I’ve had my head buried in my screen for hours. I had a late night last night, talking with my distributors, and then an early morning on conference calls. Even then, I can’t sleep unless I’m imagining red hair and deep-blue eyes, and it’s driving me insane.

Even my morning runs are not helping. Usually, my motto ofexhaust the body to tame the mindis my go-to and helps me every day, but lately, even though I try to take a different running track, I still see her. In her yoga gear, head down, beautiful ass up and…

I stand up at my desk, my chair pushing behind me with force.

“Stop. Just stop.” I talk to myself because, apparently, this is what I’ve become. A rich, powerful business leader who’s losing his mind over the new woman who sits a few doors down in her office. A woman I can’t touch. A woman who doesn’t even like me. Who thought I was an axe murderer, who covered her eyes at the sight of my bare chest, and who I insulted the first time I met her. A woman who every time I speak to her, I end up saying the wrong thing.

I really need to get my shit together.

I’ve kept my distance from her as much as I can these past few days. I know she spent the weekend with Victoria and gave Dad a treatment. I didn’t get photos, but I heard he fell asleep as well and has only spoken highly of it all since then. He’s now firmly in the Daisy Fan Club. Everyone is. I knew hiring her would be an excellent move for the business, and so far, I’ve been proven right. But I had no idea I would turn into a fucking daydreaming asshole in the process.

I walk out my door and look down the hall in the distillery office, seeing only two lights left on. Hers and mine, and before I even think about it, my feet are moving in her direction. I don’t even hesitate. It’s almost like my mind is telling me I'm a fool and I need to get back to work and stop thinking about her, but my body, clearly led by my dick, is sayingNo way, buddy, let me just go insult her some more so that she might actually notice me.

Everything’s quiet as I stand at her door, looking in, watching her work. She’s deep in concentration, biting her bottom lip, writing furiously on a page in front of her, brow furrowed. She’s a hard worker. I feel a sense of pride for finding her and almost smile, before she must sense me, and with a gasp, looks up.

“Oh. Spying again, I see?” she sasses, and my jaw tenses. There she is. The woman I’ve missed. She’s been here for hours, just like me. Yet she doesn’t look stressed or disheveled. She looks just like she did this morning. Bright eyes, fresh face, and although I know she’s been working hard, you wouldn’t know it.

“Not spying if it’s in my own building,” I tell her, sounding more arrogant than ever as I step slowly into her office. I shouldn’t. I should just keep walking down the hall, grab some water or a coffee, as there are hours left ahead of me. I should stop looking, stop loitering, and for the love of God, probably stop talking in this asshole tone I’ve developed around her. She’s now part of my team. But as my mind heats up in debate, my body moves automatically again, my feet leading me to take a seat in the armchair in her office.

“Potato, potahto,” she mumbles, and I bite the inside of my cheek so I don’t grin too hard at the cute saying she has.

“What are you working on? Or are you just online shopping or something?” I ask cheekily, leaning back in the chair. Her scowl tells me I hit a nerve.

“Just thinking about rosters and treatments, what skills I need for staffing,” she says, eyes narrowed.

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