Chapter 16

Skye

When Friday rolls around, I can’t help but feel like I have a spring in my step. My training with Geraldine this week went well. Thursday was a similar routine of Wednesday; although Gabriel wasn’t there.

I can only imagine the responsibility he has on his shoulders since he’s now running the family business. Georgia filled me in on quite a bit the day I was at the distillery for my interview; giving me a rundown on the who’s who and what’s what around town. She mentioned — with Grayson’s recent return — their roles were redefined and they’re getting ready for future expansion. It’s a busy time for Bassett Brothers Bourbon, and the family all seems excited for it.

I admire that they can work together. It’s a rarity to have all five siblings under one roof.

When I glance at my phone, I smile when I see it’s the woman in question. Her ears must’ve been burning.

Georgia

Looking forward to drinks tonight. We’ll meet you at eight?

Me

Okay, sounds like a plan

Georgia

Me and Celeste will be there for sure. We’ve gotcha back

That makes me laugh because I can just imagine it.

I may have only known Georgia a short time, but she sure seems like the life of the party.

Me

I take it that jeans are acceptable attire in a small town bar with a Moose you can ride for kicks?

Georgia

Jeans would mean you’re overdressed ??

Me

Noted

Georgia

Cowboy boots are optional

Me

I wish I owned a pair now ??

Georgia

??????

It might be a good chance for me to let my hair down a little, since next week will be a full week looking after Trinity. It will be Geraldine’s last few days before she heads off, so I know I need to ask her any questions before she leaves. Though she’s extremely organized and has plenty of information in that trusty notebook about Trinity’s likes and dislikes, contact numbers, and some kind of schedule and activity list that keeps her entertained when the need arises. I’m sure it will come in handy when I’m left to it.

I have dinner with Gran and Gramps before I go out on Friday. Travis pops over because he heard Gran was making her famous roast chicken and vegetables and he can’t help himself.

“How are things going for you over at Gabe’s place?” He passes me the gravy.

“They’re going better than the cafe,” I admit. “Way better.”

“Did you tell May what your plans were, honey?” Gran asks.

“Yeah, we had a chat the other day. She was happy that Gabriel found me to help out. There’s no hard feelings. In fact, I think she just gave me the job because I’m your granddaughter.” I laugh. “She’s also hired someone new, so we’re all good.”

“Good for you.” Gramps gives me a wink. “You’ll settle in better doing something you know.”

“That’s true, and Trinity is an adorable little girl.”

“So he’s treating you alright?” Travis asks, switching tact. “Gabriel, I mean.”

Aside from him being completely gorgeous, has a great job, an awesome kid and an ass I can’t stop looking at. “Yeah, he’s been great. I’m enjoying it.”

“That’s good. I won’t have to give him the hard word when I see him tonight.”

“Oh, you’re going out too?” Uh, oh. There’s only one place to drink in this town. And it’s Moose’s.

“Yeah, me and a couple of the guys, Gabe included, are having a few drinks at Moose’s.”

Voila. Of course they are. “What a coincidence, me, Georgia-Blue and Celeste are going there tonight too. I thought it might be a good way to mingle and meet a few of the locals.”

“I’m glad you’re making friends easily,” Gran says with a smile, tucking in to her roast.

“Sure you don’t mind hanging out in the same bar as your little sister?” I poke my tongue at him.

He rolls his eyes. “I’m sure I’ll cope.”

“I think Gabriel Bassett would be a wonderful catch,” Gramps says, catching me off guard. “I’m just saying. He’s got a good, steady job. Dresses impeccably; I’ve never seen him not in a suit. He comes from good stock. The Bassetts are the original founding family. They’re good people. And a bonus; he has an adorable little girl. If a man can raise a child on his own, that says a lot about his character.”

I burst out laughing. “Gramps!” While he’s not entirely inaccurate about any of that, I know exactly where he’s going with it. “I’m just here to babysit his child. I don’t have any interest in him in that way.”

Travis looks up. “Gramps has a point. You’re not getting any younger, old girl.”

I shoot him a glare. “Thank you for the pep talk, but I’m good. Worry about your own love life, or lack thereof.” I give him a smug smile.

I can tell he wants to flip me the bird – that’s his usual MO – but he won’t at our grandparents’ table.

“In all seriousness, I feel bad we fell out of touch when we moved,” Trav goes on. “I think being back will help me reconnect and plant some roots of my own.”

“Well, you know the odds are in a woman’s favor in this town. There”re more men than women, unless there’s a cute deputy at the station.” I giggle.

Trav shoots me another glare. “There isn’t. The deputy is Marjory Fuller, and she’s already riding my ass and I haven’t even started yet. The woman could shoot fireballs from her eyes.”

“Language, Travis!” Gramps warns.

“Sorry, Gramps. I like her and all, but her view of how this town should be run leaves a little to be desired.”

“I think you’ll find Marjory wants to move to Florida to be closer to her kids,” Gran tells us. “But you didn’t hear that from me. Stick it out. You’ll be fine. Just remember, the folks in this town are set in their ways. They’re not gonna like change very much, but that’s no reason not to shake things up. You’ll find a rhythm honey, and people will respect you for it.”

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Gramps offers. “That’s what they say, anyway.”

I love that our grandparents have always given good, solid advice without being biased or hurtful to others.

I feel that tightness again in my chest at the thought of anyone hurting Gabriel and Trinity.

I can’t even imagine how hard it is going to be when he has to explain to Trinity about her mom leaving as she gets older. Surely she’d have questions. I mean, she’s only five. It’s the kind of thing that could break your heart.

The fact Gabriel is going to be at Moose’s tonight could be interesting, but that’s no reason to not enjoy myself. I mean, I don’t want to make a fool out of myself and get smashed, but I think a couple of cocktails could be in order. I wince — do they even do cocktails in this town?

After dinner, I take a little extra care with my hair, makeup and outfit tonight. I haven’t been out in forever.

I have two best friends back in North Carolina; Nadine, who I met when I was in college, and Isabelle, who I’ve known since high school. The last time I went out was with them a few weeks before I headed to Stoney Creek — my unofficial send off. I’ve been keeping them updated on all the town gossip going on around here, and what I’ve been up to via text. They also know Gabriel Bassett is my new sexy, single CEO boss and happens to have a gorgeous daughter that I already adore.

Isabelle and I had a little text-a-thon this morning, which went a little like this;

Izzy

I had a dream last night that you fell in love with your boss and didn’t end up coming home!

I nearly spluttered my tea all over the counter when I read the message.

Me

Wow, good morning to you too! How vivid was this dream? LOL

Izzy

Very vivid, Skye. You better watch out, it’s not the first time I’ve been right about something like this!

Me

You can predict the future now?

Izzy

Lol. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing BTW, he sounds hot. I’d jump his bones if I were you

Me

Thanks for the advice. But I am just his nanny

Izzy

Mark my words, S. CEO and the nanny kinda has a ring to it

Me

Gabriel Bassett has a ring to it, full stop. But I’m keeping it professional, looking after his five-year-old, that’s it.

Izzy

Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that

I laugh to myself, thinking back to our back-and-forth banter, because she’s right. Gabriel is hot but crushing on him is very bad, though it’s not like I’m making it obvious. It also isn’t my fault my heart accelerates and my cheeks flush whenever he’s around; another annoying trait of having red hair and pale skin is that I can’t hide it when I’m nervous or embarrassed.

Maybe I am going crazy and it’s been way too long since I’ve been with a guy, but I know we had a bit of a moment when he saw me playing with Trinity and Bunnykins the other day. Shit. This is really bad. I also can’t help that it’s like static electricity when he’s around. I feel unexpectedly giddy knowing I’m going to be seeing him tonight outside of work.

“Sure you don’t wanna grab a lift with me?” Travis — the ever helpful brother — gives me a side eye. “You’re never too old to have your big brother looking out for ya, sis.”

I shake my head. “I’m sure. I’d love a ride, but that doesn’t mean you get to watch over me like a hawk.”

He puts a hand over his heart. “Would I do that?”

Travis isn’t a big drinker, and with the title of new sheriff under his belt, he has to act accordingly. Me, on the other hand? Not so much.

“I’m half ready, so just give me another ten minutes or so.”

“You look fine to me.” Typical man. I’m not even dressed.

“Thanks, but I need to go change.”

He continues to help Gran clean up while I dash off. I know that he’ll be banging down my door in five minutes, asking if I’m ready yet.

I decide to wear jeans and a nice black and silver shimmery lace top. I pair it with the cowboy boots I picked up today. They look so cute and Georgia will appreciate it. I also grab my black shawl in case it gets cool later.

I quickly throw my head upside down and spray the crap out of it with texturizing spray. My hair has a life of its own, and it generally never behaves. A quick spritz of my favorite floral perfume and I’m out the door.

The bar is quite crowded when we get there. I guess Friday night is big around here, being the end of the work week for most people, and the start of the weekend.

When we walk up to the bar, I already see Georgia-Blue and Celeste sitting with a glass of wine each. Georgia is talking to a large, wide-set guy with dark hair and a black cowboy hat. He has an array of tattoos up each muscular arm. He’s cute, with a handsome face and blue eyes.

Celeste gives me a little wave when she sees us approach. “Hi!” She grins. “You made it.”

“Hey,” I smile, waving back. “Long time no see.”

Georgia jumps off the bar stool to give me a hug, then waves to Travis, who’s trailing along behind me. “Oh my God, tell me those boots are new.”

I smile, sticking one foot out so they can have a better look. “I thought the occasion called for it.”

She claps her hands together. “And I see you brought the sheriff with you?”

“Someone’s gotta keep the peace around here,” he chuckles from behind. “And I’m not quite in the sheriff’s shoes just yet.”

“Don’t be modest now,” Georgia says, making no bones about giving him a welcoming hug, too. “I know I don’t know you formally, but from Gabe’s stories about you two as thick as thieves when you were kids, I feel like I know you.”

Travis laughs just as the big dude turns around and a wide grin spreads across his face as he looks at him. “Well, if it isn’t the prodigal son, returned to the fold at last.” He gives Trav a big hug and a slap on the back.

Trav laughs. “Good to see you, Hudson.”

Ah, so this is the famous Hudson. Gray’s best friend and the guy Georgia never stops talking about but isn’t crushing on…

“This is Hudson,” Georgia explains. “Huds, this is Travis’ little sister, Skye.”

“Nice to meet you,” he says, stretching out his hand. He has a nice smile and what I’d call an intense look; like he takes no crap from anyone. I remember the girls saying he used to be a bull rider, and I can totally see that. He has a scar over one eyebrow to prove it.

“Nice to meet you, too.” We shake hands. His hand is giant and heavily calloused, like he’s worked hard his whole life.

“Skye is Gabe’s new nanny,” Georgia adds.

“Temporary nanny,” I interject with a smile.

“Well, that ought to put Gabe in a better mood, at least for a while.” The big guy chuckles.

I can see why Georgia has a thing; he’s big, brawny and has kind eyes that crinkle when he smiles.

Are all the guys in this town super hot?

I can’t wait to get her alone to discuss this phenomenon and find out why she hasn’t made a move. I know he’s Gray’s best friend, but still. Ding-dong.

“One can only hope,” Celeste giggles next to me. “Hey, what’s your poison?” she asks, dangling her glass of wine in the air.

“Do they do cocktails?” I ask, and everyone bursts out laughing. Uh, okaaay. I laugh too, because as I glance around, I realize that this is a country bar that serves beer and bourbon. Surely a sparkling wine wouldn’t be too out of the question? “If they have sweet sparkling wine, that would be great.”

“Coming right up!” Celeste waves me away when I pull some cash out of my wallet. “I’ll get this round. What can I get for the new sheriff in town? I’m Celeste, by the way. I don’t think we officially met. I’m Callan’s fiancé.” She waves her hand around in the air excitedly, showing off her ring.

“It’s good to officially meet you, Celeste. Congratulations on the engagement. And just a beer would be great, honey.”

Celeste grabs the bartender’s attention to order the drinks.

“Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but my posse is over the other side of the bar, ladies.” Hudson tips his cowboy hat and I distinctly see Georgia’s eyelashes flutter just a little.

Who the hell is she even kidding that she doesn’t have a thing for him?

The bartender pours our drinks and slides them over.

“I’m sure you’d have fun with the ladies, Trav,” Hudson goes on. “But if you wanna come hang with us, I’ll introduce you to the guys.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Trav says. “Catch y’all later.”

“Yes, we need some girl time.” Georgia waves them off like she’s shooing chicken.

It’s too dark to get a good look at who ‘the guys’ are, but I can guess who one of them is.

“Wow, that’s Hudson?” I giggle as I take a sip of wine and sidle up onto the seat next to Georgia.

“Yup.”

“He’s totally gorgeous, Georgia.”

“I’m not denying it, but try growing up with such a pain in the ass your whole life. He’s seriously grumpy most of the time. I know he doesn’t look like that now because he loves Moose’s, but he’s broodier than the broodiest.”

“They have a love/hate thing going on.” Celeste gives her a pointed look. “And maybe a bit of sexual frustration, too.”

“Definitely that,” Georgia sighs. “But you know me. I need to find the right one.”

“You’ve been saying that since forever, George.”

“Maybe I’m just picky, but good things come to those who wait. Look at you and Callan! I always knew one day you’d get back together.”

“It’s so exciting you’re getting married,” I add. “And can I just say it again, that sparkler truly is gorgeous!” Every time I see it, I swear it gets more sparkly.

“I’m still so shocked,” she gushes. “He said he had it all mapped out in his head, but didn’t have the guts to ask me.”

“I’m so glad that he did,” I say.

“Me too,” she smiles, looking at it adoringly. “I found my way back to Callan and now I’m going to marry him!”

“That’s so romantic,” Georgia croons, taking a sip of her wine. “Speaking of which, how has your week been over at my brother’s place?”

“It’s been great. Geraldine will be sorely missed, but I’m looking forward to it,” I say.

“Stoney Creek grows on you,” Celeste adds. “I used to find the place a little boring when I was younger. Now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

“The town is adorable,” I agree. “I can see from the bake’ n’ shake how everyone really rallies around for each other. I really dig that.”

I also don’t add that the men in this town are top-notch. Especially my employer. I really don’t need to give Georgia any more ammunition.

As if reading my mind, Georgia says, “Gabe’s here tonight.”

I smile into my wine. “That means I have to behave. I don’t want him thinking I’m a drunk.”

“You’re allowed to have fun,” Celeste quips. “He doesn’t own you after hours.”

“In fact, I think we should go see what they’re up to,” Georgia says, forgetting she wanted girl time. “There’s nothing like annoying your brothers and his best friend — along with the new sheriff — when they least expect it.”

“Wait till she gets on the karaoke machine.” Celeste face palms herself.

“I think I need a few more drinks for that,” she laughs, turning to me. “Are you in?”

I frown. “Karaoke, or gate crashing the boys?”

She grins. “Both.”

“I don’t think I have much choice in the matter, do I?”

Georgia laughs. “Now you’re truly talking like a real local.”