Page 6 of Whiskey Kisses For the Mountain Man
“I know you do, Punky Brewster.” She’s taken to calling me that since day two. As my new boss, I didn’t want to question her.
I fold my hands on my desk and lean in. “I don’t get the reference,” I whisper.
Nora grins, leaning her hip on my desk. “Before our time, really, but I know someone who watches reruns. You’re the peppier, Christmas version, but you find yourself in elaborate trouble just the same by using your creative charm.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” I beam up at my boss, loving the idea of having a nickname already. It feels like a rite of passage.
Nora shakes her head. “Eden Ridge men aren’t ready for you.”
I stand, gathering my things. “Well, it’s a good thing I’m not looking. I’m on a hiatus.”
“From romance, or dick altogether?” Nora asks.
My hand stills on my mouse. “Pardon?”
“Dear God, Lettie. You’ve had dick before, right? Or, do you lean toward the female persuasion,” she smirks.
Laughing, I shut down my computer. “I have slept with men, yes. Never felt a pull in the other direction, to my mother’s relief,” I roll my eyes. “I did kiss a girl once, hoping I felt something. Alas, nada.”
“Well, Lettie Donovan. As I said, Punky Brewster rebellion courses through your veins. There’s more to you than meets the eye.”
“As I know there is more to you, the town’s MC Princess,” I dare say.
I maintain eye contact. I do my homework. Always. I researched the town, my new bosses, and everything. Some wild news articles from recent months featured an incident with a mention of Nora Graves. I knew then that if I was going to get this job, I had to earn her respect.
Her calculated stare softens, and there it is. Respect.
“You’ll do just fine here, Lettie. Shall we go see your new place?”
“Yes, please,” I bounce, hooking my large bag over my shoulder.
“What do you think?”Nora asks, watching me turn in place, taking it all in.
The cabin is higher up in the mountains on Hunter property. This particular set of cabins is a couple of miles from the distillery. They’re newer, which means no neighbors. A little isolated, but that’s fine by me.
It’s a two-bedroom, one bath with an open concept living space combining dining, kitchen, and living room together. The design is intentional, and with the right interior setup, I foresee a cozy and open space.
I face Nora. “It’s perfect.”
“Great,” she steps forward and hands me the keys. “Good luck. I won’t be out of cell service all day, but on the back of Mason’s bike, I may miss a call or two. Text me or leave a voicemail. I will respond before the end of the day,” she promises.
“Go,” I shoo. “Have fun. You’ve worked so hard. The success of this year’s Fall Festival has carried over. It’s your time to reap the rewards. Daniella and I have this.”
“I hate not being in control,” Nora mumbles.
I laugh. “I can tell.”
I shrug. “To be fair, I’m the same way. When you’ve built something with your own hands, from the ground up, it’s hardto step away and trust you’ve laid a strong enough foundation to keep it from falling without your presence.”
Nora sighs. “Ain’t that the truth?” She turns to leave before stopping at the door. “How did you find the Hunters and staff at the Distillery? I got your formal report, but how was meeting the team in person? I heard Ezra and his girlfriend were going out of town.”
“Yes, they informed me of that. They were lovely and provided everything I needed without hesitation.”
“Who’s your contact then?” she asks.
“Oh,” my smile twitches. I set my bag on the kitchen bar counter. “Their distillery manager, Owen McKenna.”
Nora’s stare is too keen. “I haven’t met him yet. Was he accommodating? Do you foresee the two of you working well together?”
