"Believe it, my love." I kissed sensually along her jaw. "This is your new reality. It won't always be sunshine and rainbows but I promise you this," I cupped her chin and made her look directly at me. "You'll never worry about money or my love for you ever again."
She smiled and kissed me warmly, pouring all of her love and gratitude into my mouth. As I kissed her back, tasting the maple syrup and strawberries on her lips, I sealed my promise to her.
"But if you make a beer that tastes like shit, well that's your own damn fault," I said when our mouths parted.
"You asshole!" she shrieked with laughter and playfully attempted to punch me in the chest before I pinned her arms down and sealed my lips over hers again.
Her body squirmed and writhed beneath me, which only served to make me harder.
In one smooth motion, I slid my hands underneath her thighs and lifted her onto the breakfast table. Together we shoved our plates and utensils aside and Aubrey carefully laid back with her legs wrapped tightly around my hips.
I grinned as I teased her wet entrance with my hardness. She was just as ready as I was.
“I don’t think we’ve broken in this table yet,” I mused.
“Better change that,” she replied, returning my grin.
***
Three months later, Aubrey's brewery, which she decided to name Open Sky Brewing Company, was ready for its grand opening.
It had completely transformed in the six-month span of us getting back together. The front area, once a blank white space, became a warm and inviting tasting room.
She allowed guests to venture back into the warehouse as well, where her creations fermented away happily and the many experimental barrel-aging products sat majestically lining the walls.
The barrels we sourced from Joe were beautifully potent and fresh with wine, so several beers only needed a few months of aging in them and were ready to serve for the grand opening.
She’d never admit it, but she took to the transition of moving into my house quite well. After working long hours in her new space surrounded by noisy construction and stifling temperatures, she’d come home and ask a maid to draw her a bubble bath, where’d she’d soak and relax with a glass of champagne. I loved coming home from the office to find her wearing nothing but a blanket of bubbles.
Without Aubrey's knowledge, I bought her favorite barrel from Marty, the Chardonnay one holding the Belgian Golden Ale. It had been ready to serve for weeks but Aubrey was so busy getting ready for the grand opening and making sure her interns knew their stuff, she never got around to it.
"I'll bring it over from Marty's and bottle it once all the hoopla dies down," she said the night before the opening. "I'm so nervous."
"It'll be amazing, babe," I assured her as we settled into bed. "You've worked so hard. It's time you got recognized for it."
"I just don't want to disappoint anyone," she murmured into my chest. "All the local newspapers and beverage magazines are going to be there too."
"And they're all going to fall in love with you." I rubbed her neck and shoulders, easing the tension out of them. "Just like I have."
She looked up at me with an amused smirk. "You're lucky you're so good at saying all the right things."
"I'm not just saying it. It's going to be great and everyone is going to want your product."
"I hope so. Regardless, I'm not going to sleep a wink," she sighed.
Eventually she did, curled up peacefully at my side and looking absolutely angelic.
In the middle of the night, I found myself waking up and looking in the opposite direction. My sleepy eyes opened slowly and focused on the locked, black safe in the corner.
Immediately I was wide awake and aware.
I don't know how I knew but just like that, the time was right. A strong, instinctual feeling called to me.
Tomorrow at her grand opening.
That would be the time to propose.
CHAPTER 33
AUBREY
I've never been a party planner. The mere idea of planning a grand opening party for Open Sky Brewing sent me panicking. Thankfully, Logan put me in touch with a wonderful event planner, but it was still stressful.
I wanted it to go off without a hitch, but was that even possible?
We hired live music to play and a popular local food truck to serve tasty bites along with the beer. My front tasting room was tiny, so we'd open up the entire warehouse to the public.
Lots of local press outlets expressed interest and started spreading buzz weeks before the scheduled opening. Our Facebook event had over 200 people RSVP and who knew how many more would still come?
Chances were good that I'd run out of beer that night.
I was so grateful to have Logan with me every step of the way. He was nothing short of encouraging and provided everything I needed to run my new business, whether it was an HR professional to help hire my new staff or a rough, dirty fuck to release frustrations about a stressful day.
Every day became easier and easier for me to fully trust him again, and he never went back on what he told me. He definitely wasn't a perfect person and could be a cocky prick sometimes, but after only a few weeks of being back together, I knew he loved me truly, fully, and deeply.
A week before my grand opening, we happened to be watching the news after dinner where Andy and Charlie's prison sentences were announced. The judge considered it an open-and-shut case and they would both serve five years.
"How does it feel, babe?" Logan asked once we shut off the TV and got ready for bed.
"Good," I said carefully, unsure of how to express my emotional state. It was somewhere between euphoric and relieved. I certainly felt lighter than I had in years. "I think this is what closure feels like."
"I'm glad you're finally getting the closure you need," he said, planting a kiss on my shoulder before cupping my chin to make me look at him. "I'll never take you for granted like he did. You're my greatest treasure."
"Better be," I said in a joking warning tone.
He gave me a long, serious look before attacking me in a frantic fit of tickles, which quickly became very x-rated.
On the morning of my grand opening, he already left for work before I got up but was sweet enough to leave a note.
"Busy morning at the office but I'll be there tonight before showtime! Love you, babe. -L"
I was sad to not have our usual breakfast together, especially with my nerves turning my stomach in knots but I told myself his work was just as important as mine, if not more so.
After coffee and a few bites of crepes, I drove to Open Sky in the car Logan insisted on buying for me as a moving-in present. Truthfully, he wanted to buy me an Aston Martin to match his but I insisted that was way too excessive. We fought about it until we compromised on a BMW M5, which was still nicer than anything I'd driven in my life.
I spent the whole day sweeping and cleaning the brewery from top to bottom, knowing everything would just get covered in beer after hundreds of people walked through it.
The photobooth we rented was dropped off after lunch and the food truck arrived soon after. By four in the afternoon, the band began setting up and the first few curious customers peeked their heads through the door. I couldn't turn them away so I invited them in and poured their beers myself since my bartenders hadn't arrived yet.
Logan showed up an hour later, right around when members of the press arrived and took pictures of the brewery before all the party-goers arrived.
"Hey babe," he greeted, giving me a quick peck on the lips.
"Where have you been?" I asked. "I haven't seen or heard from you all day."
"Just planning a little something extra for you," he said with a mischievous grin. "Look, I had something delivered in the back loading deck. Don't go back there, okay?"
"Um, excuse me?" I said, placing my hands on my hips. "This is my brewery, sir. You're telling me I can't go to my own loading deck?"
His grin grew wider as he lean
ed down to whisper in my ear, a diversion from his hand grabbing a firm handful of my ass.
"It's a surprise for you. Now do as I say, you naughty little girl or you'll be punished."
I barely held back a yelp as he nipped the shell of my ear but he didn't squirm away fast enough before I ran my hand along the bulge in his pants, already hard for me.
He bit his lip and winked as I watched him walk off to mingle and socialize with the guests who already arrived.
I wondered what he had planned. Loading decks were used for large shipments like pallets of kegs or grains. Whatever it was had to be big. And expensive, most likely.
I sighed, not wanting to admit that I was getting used to Logan's extravagant spending. While I legally owned this brewery, I was just as penniless as before we met. Everything was purchased and made possible because of him.
He at least spent money wisely, and everything he did for me was because he knew me. His gifts weren't just expensive, they were the most thoughtful and personal gifts I'd ever received.
"Miss Adams!" A chipper voice from a nearby woman pulled me from my daydream. "Do you mind answering a few questions for Fermented Beverage magazine?"
"Of course not!" I gave her a warm smile and poured beers for both of us to talk over.
By the time we finished our conversation and I looked up, the brewery was packed. And more people were pouring excitedly through the front door like a rushing river.
I forgot all about Logan and his mysterious surprise as I swam through the crowd, introducing myself to new guests and reconnecting with old friends. Bella, Marty, and the entire Oak Barrel crew arrived to show their support and I couldn't have been more grateful.
The band finished their warm up and started playing their first song. That's when it became a real party.
Everyone danced, laughed, drank, and ate their fill from the food truck. I didn't know such joy was possible. They all came here to support me, what I made.
Well, what Logan and I made.
After nearly an hour of mingling, I realized I hadn't seen him since he arrived. The band took a break as I scanned the crowd for him, and heard his voice before I saw his face.
"Everyone! Can I please have your attention for just a moment."
I swung my head to the back of the warehouse where the band set up in front of rows of barrels. There he was, standing at their microphone and looking straight at me.
"Aubrey, can you come up here?"
I glared at him as the crowd hushed and parted for me. I did not like being the center of attention. Throwing my own party had been stressful enough, now I had to stand up in front of everyone?
I mouthed what the hell are you doing? as I approached him, but Logan just gave me a kiss as I joined him up front.
"Aubrey, I think everyone in this room knows what a brilliant, talented creator you are," he began before turning to the crowd. "Do you all fucking love this beer or what?"
Cheers erupted and hundreds of glasses raised in the air. It was a such a surreal sight to behold and left me completely speechless.
"We're all so proud of you and thrilled to see what's in store for Open Sky in the future," he continued, returning his piercing gaze to me.
I bit my lip, willing myself not to cry from the swarm of emotions overtaking me.
"I personally feel like I fell in love you before I ever met you, because of the beer I tasted that you created. That's why I had to find Oak Barrel Brewing and somehow support it."
My heart hammered in my chest as I listened to him speak. The crowd of people watching us seemed to disappear. My whole world shrank down to focus only on his face and the beautiful words he spoke to me.
"Then when I met you, I could never get enough of you," he went on. "Not only were you supremely talented at your craft, you were the most beautiful, intelligent and passionate woman I'd ever met. And with each passing day, I only fell deeper in love with you."
I felt ready to faint as I watched him lower to one knee, his eyes still raptly focused on mine.
"After all we've been through, you've accepted and loved me back despite all my faults. For that, on top of everything else, I'm still falling deeper in love with you to this day.
"Aubrey Adams, will you marry me?"
The world stood still as Logan produced a small, precious box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a brilliant platinum band covered in glittering diamonds.
My hands flew to my open hanging mouth. My face felt wet but I had no idea if I was crying. All I could perceive was his face and that beautiful ring.
Months ago, I made an offhand comment about how I couldn't wear bulky jewelry while working in a brewery. It would catch on something and get lost in the first day.
This ring was slender and feminine with no massive rock on top. All the stones were embedded securely in the band and shone brilliantly like a wild, open sky filled with stars.
It proved how much he truly knew and loved me. How much he listened and absorbed every little thing I said.
I was so stunned by his thoughtfulness and his effort that I completely forgot that he asked me a question.
"I'm ready for an answer whenever you're ready to give one, babe," he said into the microphone after what must have been an uncomfortably long silence. A collective chuckle rose from the crowd.
"Yes!" I cried. "Yes, of course I'll marry you!"
I threw my arms around him as cheers erupted from the hundreds of faces watching. His chest deflated as he pulled me tightly into him and I realized he'd been holding his breath the whole time.
"As if I could ever say no to you," I breathed into his ear.
He gave me a clutching, possessive kiss and grinned speechlessly as he pulled away and slipped the band onto my waiting finger.
"I'm not done yet," he announced as he stood. Me and everyone else in the room looked at him quizzically.
"A celebration of our love and your success deserves a special beverage to be served." He turned to one of my assistant brewers standing nearby. "Can you bring the barrel, please?"
"What are you scheming now?" I demanded.
"Just wait," he said cryptically, his eyes twinkling.
A few minutes later, two brewers wheeled in a gorgeous Chardonnay barrel with a spigot attached to the bottom.
My eyes widened as I turned to Logan. "Is that...?"
"Yes, my love."
My heart wanted to burst at the outpouring of love and thoughtfulness from him, my future husband, and the infectious energy from everyone witnessing. I'd been dying to taste this beer for weeks. No, years.
Someone handed Logan two glasses, where he carefully poured the beautiful, golden liquid and handed one to me.
It smelled absolutely beautiful. French oak, hints of vanilla, and a bright, fruity grape flavor. Even better than what I hoped for it.
"Cheers, my love."
Logan clinked his glass to mine. We looked directly at each other as we drank deeply, toasting to our love and our future.
EPILOGUE 1
LOGAN
FIVE YEARS LATER
"How does it feel to be retired at thirty-five?"
I raised my head from the pillow and smiled at the image of Aubrey, my gorgeous wife, filling in my vision. Our daughter Ava, bounced on her hip with her tiny fist in her mouth.
"Feels amazing," I said, reaching for Aubrey's hand and drawing her closer. "I get to spend all of my time with my babies."
Ava squirmed in her mother's grip until Aubrey let her go. My little daredevil leaped onto my chest like a monkey jumping from tree to tree. She cackled and wriggled as I held her against my chest and tickled her mercilessly.
"And my old lady," I added, looking in Aubrey's direction.
She gave me that smoldering look from her fiery green eyes that I called the Wrath of Aubrey. She claimed to hate it but named one of her limited edition beers Wrath of Aubrey a few years ago. It sold out the same day it was released and won numerous awards.
&nbs
p; "You're lucky you're holding a child, old man," she said, throwing a pillow in my direction but smiled as she sank into the couch next to Ava and I. "I'm happy you'll be around more often. The kids miss their dad."
"I miss them too. And I miss you, my young beautiful, wife," I said without an ounce of sarcasm. After five years, two kids, and running multiple successful breweries, somehow Aubrey looked even better at twenty-eight than when I first met her at twenty-three.
She glowed with happiness and confidence that she never had when we first met. It was beautiful to see her take charge at work then submit to my commands in bed at night. Just like I said when I proposed, I was beyond proud of her and still fell deeper in love with her every day.
Open Sky Brewing had been so successful, she opened three more locations all on her own, without any financial backing from me. She turned out to be just as successful a business owner as she was a brewer. Aubrey's income rose steadily every year and I had no doubt it would match mine within a few years.
After talking about it extensively, we decided to open the third and largest brewing facility in Montana and move our growing family there. The kids would be close to their grandparents and we could raise them with fresh air, trees, and under the big open sky.
As for me?
Technically, I was still the owner of Oak Barrel Brewing and a number of other businesses but they all reached the points of self-sustainability that I didn't need to manage them myself anymore. With the exception of a few board meetings every month, I had essentially retired. Everything else that demanded more of my time, I sold off and never looked back.
"We should celebrate Daddy's retirement," Aubrey said as she tickled Ava's foot. "Maybe go visit Grandma and Grandpa."
"Gamma gappah!" Ava shrieked and her eyes lit up. She had my parents wrapped around her chubby, sticky little fingers and loved going to see them.
In my early days of partying and throwing money around, my mom expressed her desire for grandchildren, as I was their only child. I blew it off at the time, thinking she just said that to keep me from drinking myself to death. But little Ava became the light of her life. I didn't realize until my parents first held my daughter how truly precious family was.
Big Bad Boss: A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance Page 16