Page 12 of Restored By the Mountain Man
Liz’s face, faded as it has become, watches me from a distance in my mind. People whisper when they think I’m not around about how it’s been three years, it’s okay to move on.
I don’t deserve to move on. Ever. Which means, these damn reactions to Zoe Diaz need to stop.
Pouring my morning black brew, my phone chimes. I open my emails, leaning against the kitchen counter, facing thedouble French doors leading to the backyard. The one that just came in has me straightening up and scrolling.
From:[email protected]
To: Ezra.Hunter@hunterdistillerycom
Sent: Thu 6:25 am
Subject: Wild Farms - Hunter Distillery contract
Ezra,
Hopethis email finds you well. Veronica and I were reviewing numbers and planning for the next quarter. We’ve supplied some amazing distilleries throughout the years. We’re ready to take Wild Farms to the next generation, and what we have always admired about your family’s business is the integrity and innovation you bring along with genuine passion.
I knowI’ve been stringing you along these last two years. I also know this is extremely last-minute, but I’d like to invite you this weekend to the farm. We’d love to give you an official tour and share our plans for the upcoming year.
Feelfree to bring any staff member needed to test out the grain. Veronica insists on hosting you for dinner. We’ll have accommodations taken care of.
Letme know if this is plausible.
Look forward to hearing back.
Bests,
Francisco
Eagerly,I hit reply and accept the offer to meet up this weekend. I don’t have to think twice. Wild Earth Farms is four hours east and the second-largest grain farm on the West Coast. I’ve had my eye on partnering with them for the last couple of years.
Nash will be over the moon when I tell him.
Feel free to bring any staff member needed…
Of course, Zoe instantly comes to mind but that would be the dumbest thing I could do. I wouldn’t survive a weekend away with her.
I drive over to the distillery, drop off my stuff at the office, and start my rounds. My gut twists with anticipation at the idea of running into her.
I’ve been avoiding her for the last three days. That’s not entirely true. I’ve caught myself watching from afar, seeing as she laughs with Cynthia, is kind to the staff, and taste tests Ansel’s creations with enthusiasm.
She’s only been here since Monday, and already she’s thriving.
Like a moth to a flame, I stayed behind last night when I saw she was working late after everyone left. It was mesmerizing to see how gracefully her slender fingers, with painted tips in a deep purple, used the barrel thief to insert and extract the blend. She carefully poured the selections into her tulip glass. Her cute focus as she analyzed the color, aroma, and the legs before sipping reverently. Her eyes closed on an exhale.
I wanted to taste the whiskey on her tongue.
That’s when I got the fuck out of there.
But it’s time. I have to face her at some point. Passing her office, I don’t find her there. I head to speak with Gus when I turn the corner and what I see has my body tense.
Alex is leaning on the wall, laughing at something Zoe is saying. I size up my Warehouse Manager, with his blonde waves almost at his shoulders, taller than Zoe but not as tall as me. His stance is relaxed, flirtatious.
Something takes over, and my feet march over to where they stand. Zoe notices me before the fucker does. Her eyes widen in surprise before they soften with a smile.
Damn.That causes my steps to falter. A tickling warmth bubbles up to my chest.
“Ezra,” she greets.
