“Well, I love Tanner’s whiskey and wanted to fly out and see what all the fuss is about in this town. I have to say, it’s appealing.”
“The whiskey or Whispers?” I ask him with a quirked eyebrow.
“Whispers. I’m starting to realize these small towns have a hell of a lot of potential if you find the right one.”
I nod, fully understanding that now. “Whispers is pretty special.”
“Heard you’ve built here?”
“Yeah, I’m planning on staying a while.” I keep my answers loose, not wanting anyone to know my business, although Tyler is a decent guy.
“Maybe we need to catch up for a drink soon. Good to see you.” He slaps my arm as we shake, and I see him move on, his team scuffling behind him, already out the door, probably straight back to his jet.
“Sutton.” Tanner walks up, eyes bright, his grumpy side put aside for the evening. “You saw Tyler?”
“He’s happy. Likes the whiskey. Likes Whispers.” Tanner’s keen to work with Tyler—what that looks like, I’m not sure, but there’s certainly a lot of money in this room tonight. I spot another guy I know over in the corner. He owns a family winery in Northern California. They make a great wine, one I think Tinker might like, so I make a mental note to say hello. Maybe I can take her out to California to taste a couple; it could be a beautiful weekend trip when everything settles down.
“Good.” Tanner grabs my shoulder, giving me a squeeze just as a journalist approaches, grinning at me before a microphone is put in front of my face.
“Sutton, tell me, you’ve been asked before to be the face of many brands and many products, but you haven’t done that until now. What is it about Whiteman’s Whiskey that has you putting your name to it?”
“Whiteman’s isn’t just whiskey; it’s heritage in a glass. Every drop carries the craftsmanship of generations, and if I can be a small part of sharing that story, that’s a legacy worth raising a glass to.” I nod at her and feel Tanner beaming by my side. I swear, if there isn’t a box of this release on my doorstep tomorrow morning, he’ll be woken up with a call.
The journalist turns to him. “Tanner, how did you know Sutton Silvers was the right man to be the face of your whiskey?”
“I could’ve picked anyone, but Sutton gets it. He knows Whiteman’s Whiskey isn’t about trends; it’s about tradition, about craftsmanship, about taking your time. About family. That’s why he’s here tonight, and that’s why there was never another choice.” Tanner squeezes my shoulder again. We’ve hit a gold mine working together, and this is just the beginning.
“And Sutton, there’s no woman on your arm tonight. Is that a sign for all the ladies that you’re still single?” There’s a cheeky, flirty glint to her eye. She’s pushing the boundaries and knows it.
My answer is instant and without hesitation. “No. I’m not single. I’m very much taken.”
She looks shocked, and Tanner coughs, but I can’t play the part any longer. I’m not single, and I want the world to know. I just hope it doesn’t paint a larger bullseye on our lives.
“Anyone we know?” she asks.
I grin because I can’t help it. Every time I think of Charlotte, I smile.
“No. And no more questions. You got your scoop.”
She nods, her excitement palpable, knowing I just handed her the leading story that she’ll now break to the world.
“Sutton. There’re some people here I want you to meet.” Tanner turns slightly as a familiar couple stands before me, and my jaw tightens.
“Colin Titan and his new wife, Maribel. Colin is a longtime lover of my whiskey.” Tanner beams, having no idea he’s just shit on my life. I look at Charlotte’s father with barely contained anger. Then my eyes move to her stepmother, and my lip almost curls in a sneer. Standing there, all polished, not a hair out of place. Diamonds dazzling around her neck, her lips plump, her hair frozen solid in place with so much hairspray you could start a wildfire.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Her father extends his hand, and I take in a breath.
“Pleasure is all mine.” I grip his hand tight.
“So you like Whiteman’s Whiskey?” My throat tightens around every word, trying to sound normal and pleasant.
“Yeah, well, it has sentimental value to me.” He nods, suddenly looking a little solemn.
My brow pinches. “Sentimental value?” I ask as Tanner turns away, talking to someone else close by.
“I only open a bottle of Whiteman’s on special occasions. The last time was with my daughter for her twenty-first birthday.” As the word “daughter” leaves his lips, his face falls, dripping with sadness.
I frown. “Oh, did she like it?” I watch him closely as he answers, trying to get a gauge on it all.
