It’s raining when I leave the clubhouse for the short walk over to the brewery. I hold my leather jacket over the coffee mug, taking it slow so as not to spill any. Rain soaks my skin in minutes, and wind whips at my hair. But I don’t spill a drop.
Sydney is out of her meeting early, and she frowns at me when I hand her the coffee.
“You’re soaked.”
I shrug. “But your coffee’s warm.”
I hand it directly to her, and her gaze meets mine over the mug.
“Thank you.” She takes a sip, keeping her eyes locked on mine.
Her eyes sparkle deep emerald, and there’s a warmth in them that I haven’t seen since I came back. She looks beautiful, and for the first time since I came back, I believe I may have a chance.
“Sydney I…”
The office door slams open, and Barrels charges in. “Will that loading bay door hold in the winds?”
Sydney turns away and sits at her desk. The moment’s gone, and I walk out with Barrels, answering his questions about the coming storm.
5
SYDNEY
Saturday afternoons are my favorite time at the brewery. In the quiet season, when we’re not brewing seven days a week, I’m usually the only one here.
I let myself in and go to disarm the alarm but stop when I realize it’s already disabled. Someone else is here.
With Freya and Nate all loved up at home, I was hoping to get some quiet time at the brewery and get ahead on work for next week.
We postponed yesterday’s shipment because of the high winds on the mountain. It wasn’t safe conditions for a truck to drive on these mountain roads. It means juggling the schedule and rebooking with our customers, and I’d rather get that done today so I can start fresh next week.
Nate didn’t want me to go out in the storm, but my SUV is an all-wheel drive and it can handle a bit of wind and rain. Besides, we’re only under a severe thunderstorm watch.
Rain beats down on the skylights and rattles the windows. The wildness of the storm soothes my turbulent mind, reminding me there are forces out there greater than myself.
I’m focused on a spreadsheet showing inventory and those missing two kegs, so I don’t hear Viking enter the office until he’s right by my desk.
“What are you doing here?”
I jump at the sound of a human voice and spin around to find Viking. His arms are folded over his chest, and he’s got a frown on his face.
“You scared me.”
“You shouldn’t be out in this weather.”
He sounds just like my brother. The only difference is that Viking has no right to look out for me.
“I’m fine. The worst of it is supposed to hit overnight.”
Viking glances out the window where the thunderous clouds make it seem more like night than late afternoon. I was so engrossed in my inventory that I didn’t notice how dark it had gotten.
“Go home, Sydney, before it gets too dangerous to drive.”
I clench my teeth in irritation. Viking has no right to tell me what to do. He gave up the right to protect me four years ago when he chose the military over me.
“I’m just fine here.”
He shakes his head. “This storm is going to be bad. You need to leave while you can.”
