She stared another minute before ultimately nodding. He kissed her once more before letting her go and opening the door. He gestured for her to go ahead of him and then he followed her in.
“Wow,” she muttered as soon as they were inside.
Reese had to admit, the place was spectacularly done in an industrial, modern yet old-charm combination. The exposed brick walls, scarred wood floors, and leather-and-metal chairs in the lobby area were perfect. Definitely masculine, rustic, very Smoky Mountains and spot-on for a distillery.
“I’ve never been to a distillery,” she told him. “I may just have to do an article on Hawkins because this place is amazing, and I only just walked in. Think I could get a guided tour?”
“Of course you can.”
Reese turned to see Sam striding toward them. He reached out and shook Reese’s hand, then turned his attention to Josie.
“I’m Sam Hawkins,” he stated. “I’ll give you a tour anytime you want. After dinner, if you have the time.”
Josie’s smile widened and nodded. “I’m Josie and I’d love that, but I should tell you I’m a journalist, so I ask all the questions.”
Sam laughed and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m aware of who you are, and you can ask all the questions you want.”
Of course Sam had done his research. He’d invited virtual strangers into his space, strangers who were near family. Reese had done his share of looking into all parties in attendance as well.
Sam’s fiancée, Maty Taylor, was an attorney. Actually, she had been Rusty’s attorney, so Reese had to assume that’s how Maty and Sam met.
Then there was Nick and his fiancée, Silvia Lane. Silvia was expecting a baby and the two were finishing up a spectacular resort in the mountains. Reese had every intention of booking their best suite once it opened.
“We’ll discuss a possible article later,” Josie promised.
Sam nodded. “Sounds good. Everyone is already in the back if you guys want to follow me.”
Josie slid her hand into Reese’s. The fact that he didn’t even have to ask for her support just proved how in tune they were with each other. He might be a bundle of nerves on the inside, but having her with him during the most difficult, worrisome time in his life was absolutely invaluable.
They headed all the way into the back where a large enclosed dining area had been set up. The three exterior walls were all windows, providing a breathtaking view of the mountains.
“This is our main tasting room.” Sam directed his comment to Josie. “I can set you up with a tasting after the tour, too, or you can try anything you want with your dinner.”
Josie’s smile beamed once again and Reese could feel the excitement rolling off of her. This was why she excelled at her job. She truly loved what she did, and it showed through her enthusiasm and her research.
Reese turned his attention to the other three in the room. They stood in a group near the table all set up and he found that their smiling faces put his nerves at ease. Instinct had gotten him far in business and he had a good feeling about today, about the future.
“You must be Reese and Josie.” A slender woman with long blond hair approached them and extended her hand. “I’m Maty Taylor, Sam’s fiancée. We’re really glad you both could join us.”
The other two came around the table as well, and Reese felt the nerves slip away as all of the introductions were made. There was something so ironic that the three men were all broad and powerful and each of the women they were with appeared to be bold, confident. Reese wondered what other underlying similarities they all shared.
“I’m Nick Campbell and this is my fiancée, Silvia Lane.”
Silvia had a small baby bump and Reese felt a twinge of jealousy. What would Josie look like pregnant with his child?
But immediately, he shut that question down. He wasn’t ready for long-term with her or anyone else. He and Josie were forging their way through this new territory and the thought of a child terrified him.
That one-day-family idea he’d had wasn’t coming anytime soon. He had too many plans he wanted to have in place before he started thinking about his legacy.
“I have to be honest,” Maty said, leaning toward Josie. “Silvia and I are giddy with excitement that you’re here. We absolutely love your column.”
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sp; Reese watched as Josie simply beamed. “Thank you so much. I love meeting readers one-on-one. Writing can be a lonely industry.”
“And congratulations on the engagement,” Silvia added. “Isn’t it funny how life works? The guys all discover they’re brothers and we all have recently become engaged.”
Josie glanced to Reese and he literally saw the proverbial shield come down, masking her true emotions. Nobody knew her like he did, so her reaction wouldn’t be noticeable. Still, he hated they were in a position to lie.