Page 6 of Tennessee Trouble

“Hanging out?”

“Something like that. You?” I change the subject as fast as I can, before I slip up. “You know CedarSteel?”

“Part of the reason I’m here.”

Well, I’ll be damned. Most people show up to Leprechauns and Liquor because of Midnight Mavericks. They’re the giant that brings in outsiders to this thing. In fact, they’re usually the hosts over in Pigeon Forge. But thanks to a scheduling snafu, their normal venue was booked, and they begged us to host this year, despite us having turned down attending the last few events.

“Only part?” I press.

He nods, giving me another lopsided grin. “Have business in the area. And since this event was here, instead of Pigeon Forge this year, I thought I’d stop by.”

“Pigeon Forge isn’t that far…” I tease.

“No, just out of the way.” He pauses, looking me deep in the eyes, like he’s trying to determine whether I’m safe to speak freely around. “And full of tourists.”

Well, holy shit. Who is this guy?

“So, is CedarSteel your favorite then?”

If I can talk to this guy about moonshine, then maybe I have a chance. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s a chance of one night of fun, as my bestie put it. But a chance at a real conversation.

“No, if I’m going with something commercial, it’s Ol’ Reverend.”

Ol’ Reverend?! Now he’s pulling my leg.

I choke on my own gasp, hand flying to my chest to keep it together.

“Ol’ Reverend? Then you know they’re known for keeping it simple. Good, clean, straight up moonshine. Nothing fancy.”

“Nothing wrong with that.”

“There isn’t,” I agree. “But, doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with it.”

“Nothing wrong with a little fun either,” he says, stepping in closer, that crisp, distinct soapy smell hitting me again. Heat races up the back of my neck, and I fight the urge to step into him even more. “So, you know your ’shine.”

“It runs in my family. Not what my professors wanted to hear though when asked why I was pursuing a chemistry degree at Tennessee.”

“That’s why I majored in fermentation sciences at Colorado State. There was zero question and even less judgment.”

Fermentation sciences? That would mean he…

“You’re in the business?” I ask, my wording making it sound a lot more nefarious than it actually is.

“Co-own a brewery with my best friend, slash brother-in-law. We have four beers on the market, plus have recently acquired a gin via a weird turn of events.”

Holy shit. Did the universe just land the most perfect stranger in my lap? Mr. Tall and Broad is a beer brewer and chem nerd? Dear Lord, please let him be single.

I try and steal a glance at his left hand, but I don’t have a way to do it without being completely obvious. Damn it.

“So, you here by yourself?” April asks, chirping up from behind me.

Or, my bestie can come to my rescue.

“I am,” he answers her, without taking his eyes off me. The heat from my neck spreads to my cheeks, and I have no doubt they’re pinker than if I’d spent all day in the sun. “Any way I could convince you to give me a personal tour?”

“That depends. You willing to give Wink & Shine a taste first?”

Closing the gap between us even more, he glances at the tent, then back at me. “I’m more than willing to taste everything you have to offer.”