Page 82 of Bourbon and Proof

I fire off a text to be sure there isn’t something worth knowing.

ACE

Anything interesting on our friend’s phone?

FAYE

Incoming text from the chief to his brother just now.

We do not have the luxury of ignoring him. You need to come with me.

I could make some assumptions, but it’s a waste. By the time I’m back, most of my concerns will be resolved.

ACE

Let me know if there’s anything more while we’re away.

“Alright,” Hadley says, coming back and leaning against the archway of the kitchen. “Griz, don’t eat all of the cheese I have in that fridge. Your body willnotlike you.”

He gives my shoulder a squeeze, and I nod. I have plans of my own that will end up fixing some problems and get him what he wants. He gives me one more glance before he turns to look at Hadley. And like the conversation didn’t happen, his mustache twerks up as he says, “I think you should rename it to ‘Griz dinner.’ It has a nice little ring to it, don’t you think?”

While they carry on, I decide it’s time for me to call in a favor I’ve been keeping in my pocket for a while now.

ACE

Things will be clear by July 5th. Make your way back to Fiasco with her then.

“This might bethe most beautiful view I’ve ever seen,” Hadley says, awed, as she stands out on the balcony of our suite. A four-hour private flight and a gondola ride to our resort has both of us more eager than tired to enjoy some time away from things in Fiasco.

“I’ve always thought so,” I tell her, smiling at the way she takes it all in. Her hair is up in a messy bun on top of her head, and she’s wearing a New Zealand rugby club sweatshirt, blackleggings, and black shiny stilettos. She’s fucking cute, sexy as hell, and the best view I’ve seen in a long time.

There’s a term in chess called a zugzwang. It’s what Wheeler Finch had done to his daughter. She was put at a disadvantage because she was forced to make moves she wouldn’t have made otherwise. The only problem is, he never factored in the idea that it would backfire if the board had suddenly fallen and then restarted. That’s what my wife did with his entire fortune. From real estate to tied investments, she took all of it and started a new game. Only this time, she knows she’s in it. And if there’s one thing about Hadley Foxx, she’s fucking phenomenal at strategy and wearing a proverbial crown. Smart and thoughtful decisions have now been put into play that will impact our town in ways they don’t even realize yet. It’s the least selfish thing I’ve ever witnessed,and fuck, do I love her even more for it.

When she realizes what I’ve said, she turns to look at me with a broad smile. “Took you long enough to say something, Daddy.”

I move fast, wrapping my arm around her waist before she can pull away. “What did I tell you about throwing around that nickname?” I smile into her as I drag my lips along the side of her neck and breathe her in.

“Maybe you should remind me. The air is really thin up here.” With a hum, her hands run up my neck and fingers push into my hair. It’s the simplest thing, but being touched by her feels so damn good.

A buzzer rings out, signaling someone is at the door, and it has her slipping out of my arms and moving toward it. When the door swings open, it’s a familiar face. A friend I never expected to have, but a friend, nonetheless.

“Holy shit, Atticus Foxx is in Strutt’s Peak. I can’t fucking believe it.”

I cross my arms as Law Riggs leans against the doorway and smiles wide. His easygoing demeanor is contagious, and I findmyself mirroring it. “Then come to find out, you’re bringing your wife?” He holds out his hand for her and says, “And she’s even prettier than you are, Foxx.” Even though I know he’s happily married, and the fact that I probably speak more often to his wife than him, I still find myself not liking his hands anywhere near her as he pulls her into a hug.

They both stop abruptly and turn to look at me.

Hadley’s eyebrows pinch as she says, “Did you just growl?”

I don’t say anything; instead, I lean against the wall and try to dial back whatever the fuck that was. I also observe two people who I’m just realizing are guaranteed to cause trouble together.

“Holy shit, you did.” Hadley looks at Law with lifted eyebrows. “Quick, hug me again, let’s see how mad we can make him.”

Law barks out a laugh. “I think I love you.”

“Hadley Foxx. It’s a pleasure to meet you, but I am very taken.” She turns and smiles at me, and then says, “I really love how Hadley Foxx sounds.”

I try not to react to how much hearing it hits me square in the chest.

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