I’ve never been here before, and it’s nicer than I imagined. Big, tall trees line the parking area, and the buildings are new yet have a rustic feel to them, almost blending in with nature. Their gardens are amazing, too—green, colorful, lush. It looks like you could spend a spa day here as well as enjoy a liquor tasting. While I know Tanner and Connor Whiteman are wealthy and well liked, I wasn’t expecting a whiskey distillery to be so picturesque.
Jumping out, I round the back of the van, grabbing the two large trays I have ready to go. I need to close my eyes and take a deep breath as I close the door, because there’s chafing on the inside of my legs that burns with every movement. Even so, a grin comes to my face. What Sutton and I did was completely and utterly insane, but so good in the best possible way.
Walking inside, I spot generators and cables everywhere, spotlights on out back, and if I didn’t know any better, it looks like a movie set.
“Hey, Stephanie.” I smile as I greet the receptionist.
“Hi, Nikki. They’re about to break for lunch, so they’ll be wanting those sandwiches down in the end room. Along this hall and last turn on your right.”
I nod, the trays starting to feel heavy in my arms, and with only Stephanie's directions on my mind, I make my way down the hall. People stride past me, commotion in every room I pass. I have no idea what’s going on, but I find it fascinating.
As I get toward the end of the hall, I look into one of the rooms and stop short. Because standing there, in a designer suit that looks like it was made just for him, is the very same man I dry-humped last night. There are lights and cameras everywhere. He’s next to the bar, bottles and glassware propped perfectly, the lighting just right. I watch as Sutton pours whiskey into a glass, a dazzling Rolex watch sparkling on his wrist before he brings the glass to his lips and sips. A camera whirls around him, taking a close up of the way his neck moves when he swallows, how his large hand grips the crystal glass with ease. I swallow in unison with him, my mouth feeling dry. It’s hot, captivating, and so on brand for a whiskey company, it’s genius. It’s not how I usually see him. No, this is Sutton Silvers, the movie star, not Sutton the clumsy hiker, who walks around with his hat pulled low, who stalks me at the diner. I vaguely remember him mentioning he had a job at the distillery, but I had no idea it was all this.
“Cut,” I hear someone yell as a few people clap, the noise startlingly me to gasp. Sutton looks right at me, my breath catching all over again as he grins and gives me a wink. I offer him a small smile as my cheeks heat, then continue down the hall on wobbly legs, not wanting to interrupt his work. I see the last door on the right and turn, walking in and almost slamming the trays down, relieved to have them out of my hands.
“Rough night?”
His deep voice sends a shiver down my spine, landing between my legs. Looking up, I see Sutton’s blazing eyes burning into me. His grin is wicked, and I can’t help the smile that comes to my lips. He steps forward, eyes locked on mine, still in his suit, full of confidence, and slides a hand around my waist, pulling me to him.
“Something like that.” My hands land on his forearms as he leans down, taking my lips in his so tenderly I feel my knees almost buckle.
“Mmmmm… I needed that,” he says gruffly, like he’s holding himself back. Last night was fun, sexy, flirtatious. But you never really know what the next move is after a night like that. A man like Sutton has women falling over themselves to get to him. He’s used to women who are beautiful, polished, and sexy. Not ones who dry-hump him into oblivion. God, even now, my cheeks heat at the memory.
“You did?” I ask breathily.
“I haven’t stopped thinking about last night, Tinker Bell, and seeing you now, kissing you, just makes me feel better.”
My stomach swooping is interrupted as a throat clears behind him, and I pull back, startled, seeing Tanner Whiteman is standing right next to him.
“Oh.” My eyes widen, my flush now traveling all over my body with embarrassment. But Sutton doesn’t move, not worried that Tanner just caught us together.
“This a private party, or can I get a sandwich?” Tanner gives Sutton a shit-eating grin, and Sutton smirks at him, pulling me into his side protectively.
“Oh… they’re here!” I internally cringe, but Sutton’s thumb brushes against my lower back, easing my nerves.
“Good, the crew are starving.” Tanner smiles my way like I saved the day.
“Filming something?” I ask.
“Something.” Sutton’s eyes haven’t left me as he nods, not giving much away.
Before my brain can stop me, I tell them, “With all that power draw, you may be exceeding the amperage rating of your circuit breakers.”
Tanner's eyebrows shoot to his hairline, and Sutton’s grin widens. Meanwhile, I mentally scold myself for opening my mouth.
“Explain.” Tanner moves his body to face me completely, giving me his full attention.
“Oh… I just… well… usually, that’s the case on most film sets,” I say quietly.
Sutton looks at me with intrigue. “Been on a film set before?”
I bite my tongue and remain quiet, not answering. I’ve been around them. Not a lot, but my dad has been interviewed before; the media followed him a bit, more so when Mom died.
“What do you suggest? I don’t want an OH&S problem,” Tanner asks. He’s a big man and pretty intimidating, although one of the nicest guys I’ve met.
“Um, you just need to redistribute the load across multiple circuits to prevent tripping.” It’s an easy fix. I assume they have the people here to do it.
Tanner looks at me like he’s trying to figure me out. “Okay…”
