“Fair enough,” Emerson replied. “It’s pretty great having you back and seeing you around the place.”
“It’s nice to be back in the office. And it will be great to get the events side of the business off the ground again in the tasting rooms, beyond those that were carried on while I was gone.”
They sipped their coffee in silence, watching Stan, the warehouse manager, ensure the latest delivery got packed up and shipped off. The idea that it was headed to people who would love it warmed her insides.
She thought of Connor, the way he’d enjoyed her gin on Friday night, the way it had loosened his reserve. She remembered the words he’d spoken to her and grinned.
“You’ve been smiling like that all day,” Olivia said. “What’s got you in such a great mood?”
Connor.
They’d spent the most amazing weekend together, but Friday night, after they’d returned from dinner… Gah, just thinking about it now made her want to clench her thighs together. He’d taken her just the way he’d promised. He’d been ruthless, pounding into her.
And it hadn’t been enough. In the morning, they’d had sex in his shower with her back against the wall and her legs wrapped around him. On Sunday morning, she’d been as sore as if she’d played six straight sets of tennis. Sex had become her new exercise.
And their relationship had evolved almost overnight. They had been closer, more tactile, more open and honest.
“Em,” Liv called out. “Earth to Emerson.”
“Sorry,” Emerson said, taking a sip of coffee to clear her head. “It’s Connor. He’s the reason I’m in a good mood.”
Olivia squealed. “Yay. I’m so glad. He’s a really nice guy. And seems to get what you do. You complement each other.”
“Which is why somebody needs to pinch me. I’ve fallen for a guy in, like, five seconds.”
“Sometimes when you know, you just know. And perhaps it’s genetics. Mom and Dad always said they fell in love with each other on the day they met.”
Emerson remembered the way her mother had once explained it. “She said it was like a thunderbolt.” The word suited her own situation perfectly.
“I’m happy for you, Em. Honestly. You needed something good after the last little while. You deserve it.”
Emerson patted her sister’s leg. “Thanks.”
“So, is it serious?” Olivia asked.
“Certainly on my part, and I’m pretty sure it is on his.” She knew it was. In the early hours of Sunday morning, he’d told her so. As she’d hovered on the edge of waking. He’d told her how he saw what they had as something long-term, not just for now.
Em, it’s hard to believe that only two months ago you weren’t in my life, but now I can’t imagine you out of it.
“Well, I’m glad he can see just how special you are…like the rest of us do.” Olivia checked her watch. “Should we head back in?”
When they arrived back at the mezzanine, Olivia disappeared into her office.
Liv’s words boosted Emerson as she sat down at the round table in her office and began to tackle the mail from the weekend. She separated it into piles. Bills to be paid, things to do, circulars to be tossed. A large brown manila envelope caught her eye. Her name and address were printed on a label. Emerson ripped it open.
A copy of a presentation dropped out. It had notes scribbled on it in what looked like Connor’s writing. Finch Liquor Distribution Potential Acquisitions.
It seemed odd that Connor would send her something in the mail, seeing as they’d woken with each other that morning. He’d not even mentioned he would be sending her anything. But she began to flick through it anyway.
The first few pages were interesting. Details of how the marketplace was changing in favor of higher-end, artisanal products. Perhaps that’s why he’d wanted her to see it. It was certainly reassuring to know that her segment continued to grow. What had once been called mother’s ruin was now a highly profitable product.
There was a doodle in the corner, a circle that had been repeatedly drawn over and over, and the thought of Connor sitting bored in a boardroom somewhere made her smile. From what she knew of the man, he much preferred to be outside.
The next few pages were the criteria for an acquisition strategy. The type of company that would be a good fit for Finch, what the parameters for success would be, what the anticipated costs would be…before and post-acquisition. Connor had built quite the framework and she wondered how he’d gotten some of the information.
After that were pages that looked to be describing potential acquisition targets all over the country. Perhaps that was why he’d sent it to her, to review the list. She’d heard of the first few companies.
Wow, some of her peers were worth a considerable fortune.
She turned the page, and there, in the title, was Dyer’s Gin Distillery.
Loan foreclosed.
Minimum deal. Wait until after loan foreclosure.
The words began to blur. Emerson’s head began to spin. She felt sick.
She reached for the envelope and peered inside to see if there was a note of any kind. But there was nothing. Just the presentation.
The next page continued under the heading Assessment of Assets.
Jake Dyer is behind Medallion’s success…
Emerson Dyer, new but competent CEO. Lacks experience…
She did. She couldn’t deny it. Never in a million years had she thought she’d be put in charge. And she’d rather her father still be here than be holding any important title. But to see it in 12-point Helvetica font was like a slap to the face. Harsh and instant.
Old assets in need of renovation…
Turn events hall into expanded distillery. Move into other white spirits? Tequila?
Tears stung as her anger began to boil.
Had he been using her to get information? She studied some of the numbers. A couple were wrong. More than a couple. They all looked low.
She reached for her phone and dialed Connor’s number. Wherever he was, he better have an answer as
