Page 37 of Her Chocolate His Bar

In fact, I couldn't fucking wait to tell the woman who’d been haunting my dreams and taking up just about all of my headspace for the last few months that I was fucking crazy about her.

“Cynthia?” an older man appeared next to Miss Blair, followed by a few other people. “Is this the young man you spoke about?”

“Yes, Uncle Albert. This is Sonny Delgado.”

“Mr. Blair, it is nice to meet you.”

“Come on, Sonny. Let me make some introductions.”

“Sounds good, sir. Have you been waiting long?” I asked, curious since they were a full hour early.

“No, no. We just arrived. I wanted to check to see if you were prepared, now don’t worry, we like what we see. The board and I have been looking around the place, Sonny, and I have to say, you’ve done well. This is a fine establishment,” Albert Blair said, looking around at the bar.

I should have been pleased, but really, I was annoyed. Though not as petulant and arrogant as his niece, Albert Blair had the same holier than thou look many people born into wealth seemed to have.

To my disappointment, the rest of the Blair Group seemed much the same.

While they went on about the history of whiskey, and the merit of a good label. I put forth my two cents and plainly as I could.

“Whiskey Neat is not seeking to compete with the older, staid brands that have cemented their positions in the market. It is something for the newer generation of men and women,” I explained.

“Sophisticated, light, with a pleasantly balanced nuance of flavors guaranteed to please everyone from the newest whiskey drinkers to those with the most refined palates. I started my distillery as an experiment fifteen years ago, and the oldest bottles are on reserve to be released next year as a special label.”

“That sounds wonderful, Sonny. But will anyone buy it?” Albert Blair smirked.

“Yes, Albert, I believe they will. They already are buying the five-year blend, and the future of my label looks promising. I think, after tonight, you’ll think so too,” I told him.

“Well, shall we then?” he asked.

For the next fifteen minutes, I kept the Blair Group entertained outside of the party room reserved for the tasting while covertly looking for Delani.

I needed her there, with me, by my side, dammit. I knew I was acting like a lovesick puppy, but what could I say?

The front bar was packed, and I looked around in semi surprise, figuring tonight was reserved for people on dates.

Looked like many people didn’t have romantic plans this Valentine’s Day, but for once, I did. With a very special woman.

A woman I was crazy about.

Fuck. Where was she?

Finally, Buck signaled, and I led them into the party room, which was officially set up for the tasting.

“Before we step inside, allow me a moment to thank you for taking time from your schedules to join me tonight. I hope you will enjoy the food and drink pairings here for you tonight. Everything is from local vendors and customized to go with my specialty cocktails. There are also straight shots for those of you who prefer your Whiskey Neat,” I said with a wink, enjoying the pun before I opened the doors. “After you.”

I backed up, opening the door to the party room without turning my head. Judging from the looks on the faces of each member of the Blair Investment Group, we’d hit the nail right on the head.

Elation and pride filled me, but my need to have Delani there, at my side, surpassed even that.

I turned around to follow my guests and froze in my tracks.

Holy. Fuck.

My mouth went dry as I finally figured out where my sexy neighbor had been hiding.

She did this for me?

My brain was about to explode, and my heart just about fucking stopped inside my chest.

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