Page 4 of Untethered Heart
“And what did you say to that?”
Gage crosses one gigantic leg over the other, shrugging his even meatier shoulder. “Said I might know a guy. After I tasted his product, of course.”
I nod my head. “You mentioned he’s from out of town?”
“Killara Bay. About two hours south.”
“How long was he staying in town?”
“He was already headed back earlier today. Start of the weekend rush for pubs.”
“You got some contact details for me, then?” I reach forward and place my now-empty glass on the corner of Gage’s black desk. The one that’s always meticulously organised.
When I lean back in the seat, he’s got a business card extended out to me. I tuck it into the breast pocket of my vest.
“I’ll get in touch with him when we get back from Royal Harbour.”
For the past two weeks, we’ve been finalising every aspect of the business plan and branding. When I say we, I mainly mean myself, Isabelle, and Beth. Gage contributed minimal input of grunts and eyebrow arches. Our younger sister, Beth, has also drawn up the interior design proposals, so we’re ready to nail our meeting with the High Rollers tomorrow.
“Are you picking up Beth on the way to the airport?” I ask.
“Even though it means I need to get up half an hour earlier? Yes.”
I stifle my laughter behind a closed fist.
Our baby sister is a tyrant, but as hard-working and dedicated as she is, she takes her sleep very seriously. My brother will be dragging her out of bed at five to make our six o’clock flight. Not that it matters if we’re late. Owning the plane has its perks.
“Well, I’d better head out then.” I stand, straightening my vest with a smirk. “Need my beauty sleep.”
“I’m taking the bed cabin,” he says as he stands, towering a head over me. I might be the oldest, but Gage is definitely the biggest. “There’s no way I’m sitting next to Beth in a confined space after only three hours of sleep.”
“You could just leave here early and let your staff close up.” I pull the office door open, letting the music bleed in.
“Nah. One less thing they have to worry about, the better.”Or one less thing my control freak of a brother has to stress over.
“If you say so.” I shrug. “I’m sure Beth will be occupied enough with Isabelle.”
A heavy hand lands on my chest, halting my movements. “Why is she coming?”
My brows pinch together as I stare at the prickly expression my brother wears. I mean, he’s always grumpy, but this face looks grumpy with purpose.
“I know we’re family, but Heart Assets is still your business consultant, and she’s the appointed marketing manager for your project.”
I see him swallow. My brother is not easily unnerved. Usually, he’s the one doing the unnerving.
“Didn’t think that meant she travelled for pitch meetings.” His voice takes on an uncertain tone I’m not used to hearing from him.
I shrug a shoulder. “Well, she’s very passionate about the project, and I think she’ll do well selling it to the High Rollers team.” I move out from under his hand and continue walking down the hallway to the main bar area.
“If you say so,” he grumbles.
“I do. We need her for this.” I wave him off and make my way out. “See you in the morning.”
Perhaps my brother wouldn’t be so stressed if he loosened up now and then. I might work long hours, but I still know when to live a little. And often. Although I haven’t found anyone to relieve the stress with since that last woman. Scarlett? Or was it Stephanie? Whatever her name was, she left a bad taste in my mouth, and I haven’t been feeling it lately. I’ve been too busy focusing on Heart Assets, building on what my grandfather created.
I’m hungry for it, and when I set my sights on something I want, I won’t stop until I get it.
Chapter three
