Page 46 of Connor

“The springs are for the community.” Tanner follows up, and I grin, thinking it’s cute these two burly businessmen actually want to do good by the people in this town.

“So what options do we have?” Victoria asks.

I think about it for a moment.

“We could only offer a mineral soak on particular days or at certain times? During school hours, for example. Make it known to the kids and the community those are the days that it’ll be locked down for private soaks for the distillery, but all other times it can remain open for the community,” I suggest, and Connor looks at me and nods.

“I mean, it’s on Victoria’s private land. She doesn’t need to let any of them on it at all,” Sawyer pushes.

“But it’s nice for the people of Whispers to enjoy it,” Victoria says, and I can feel the love the boys and she have for this town move through me. Sure, they’re part of this big business, leaders in the whiskey industry worldwide, but they don’t tread on the little guy to get where they want to go. It’s admirable.

“I like Daisy’s idea. Keeps it doable for everyone. Dad?” Connor asks, and I turn to look at Tanner and see his eyes on me.

“I think what Daisy offers makes the most sense. Get me the days and hours, and I will talk with the community. Get their buy-in.” Tanner nods to me, like he appreciates my thoughts, and I smile, relishing this feeling of acceptance.

“Oh, before I forget, the local mayor mentioned that there’s a submission currently being reviewed for a new business in town,” Tanner says as we all start to gather our laptops and paperwork.

“Really?” Sawyer looks surprised.

“What’s it for?” Victoria asks, and I just wait and listen, not sure what they’re talking about.

“A bakery. Someone from out of town, apparently. But I told them I think a bakery would be a great addition and one we would support,” Tanner explains.

“Yum, fresh pastries every morning sounds delicious,” Victoria says, grinning.

“Great, well, let me grab my things, Sawyer, and I will meet you out front,” Connor says, and as we all stand from the table, his gaze moves to me again quickly before he walks out the door, the rest of us following suit. I swallow my newfound feelings. All that fighting and tension when we first met has melted into an interest and arousal I’ve never experienced before, and I have no idea what to do about it.

We shuffle out of the meeting room, and I walk with Sawyer toward reception.

“So, how are you enjoying the job so far?” he asks, making small talk, and I smile.

“I’m really enjoying the opportunity. The spa is going to be amazing once it’s complete.”

“A few more weeks, right? What are you going to do then?”

It’s something I haven’t really thought about too much yet.

“At this stage, I’ll be here for probably another month. While things are on track, I need to ensure that the staff are trained and the opening week or two goes well. After that, I’ll head back to the city. I enjoy pulling this kind of thing together, but my real passion is yoga. I did a lot of it back in the city at my mom’s wellness center, so it’s almost second nature. I’ll be looking for the next opportunity where I can broaden my skills even further.”

The more time I spend here in Whispers, the less I feel like going back to the noise and grind of New York, though. And the less I feel like going back to Sunshine and having my business ideas restricted again.

“Before I forget, I have some new paperwork here for you to read over and sign,” he says, handing over a folder.

“Oh, is it time sensitive? I have a few other things I need to go through in regard to product contracts and things at the moment,” I tell him, putting the folder under my other work that I’m holding, knowing the pile on my desk is growing by the minute.

He gives me a weird grin. “No. Not at all. Take your time with it. It’s not urgent.”

Before I can ask more, we get interrupted.

“Oh, Daisy?” Stephanie, the receptionist, says, and Sawyer and I both look at her from where we stand at the front area. Him waiting for Connor, me heading to my office.

“Yes?” I ask her. She’s a young girl, very friendly, always has a smile.

“The team at the restaurant said there was a man who came to the distillery for lunch and asked about treatments.”

“Oh wow, really?” I feel proud that we have some inquiries already. We haven’t even started advertising.

“Hmm, it seems like your reputation is already out,” she says with a bright smile, clearly happy too, but I frown in confusion.

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