20

Alistair

Three years later…

Benedict and I sat in the modern conference room at Donague Agency, awaiting our meeting with the new marketing team.

Hard Rock Brewery had thrived since its inception over two years ago, beloved by customers for its diverse beer selection and local appeal. While successful, we recognized the potential for further growth and sought external expertise to elevate our brand.

Benedict scrutinized some framed advertisements on the walls, hands on his hips. He leaned in to read the fine print of one. "I'm not sure about this place, Alistair," he remarked, echoing his earlier concerns.

He had asked me that question several times since I had suggested seeking outside help for marketing and event planning, and my response remained consistent.

"I'm not certain, but I'm more convinced about this place than any others we've considered. They put Clayton Winery on the map and seem knowledgeable about both wineries and breweries."

Before Benedict could respond, people began entering the room, carrying folders and laptops.

The last person to walk in froze upon seeing me, her mouth agape, before hurriedly taking her seat at the far end of the long table from me.

Liliana.

She was even more stunning than I remembered, now dressed professionally in a knee-length skirt and a crisp white blouse, her hair pulled back neatly. My mind briefly wandered to tangling my fingers in her ponytail before I refocused on the meeting.

She glanced up at me, and I smiled warmly. She returned a shy smile before diverting her gaze back to her papers, her cheeks turning pink.

Alex McCain, a partner at the firm, began discussing potential campaigns for Hard Rock that could propel us to new heights.

I struggled to concentrate on McCain's proposals because my attention kept drifting back to Liliana, soaking in the sight of her after so long apart and recalling the night we spent together before she left.

Our eyes met intermittently throughout the meeting.

Benedict nudged me and nodded in Liliana's direction, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as if he had just realized who she was.

I nodded back, attempting to divert my attention. Perhaps I could catch some crucial details about McCain's vision for our business.

". . . and that's why I'm confident that Liliana Waverly and Bethany Curtis will make an excellent team to manage your account," McCain declared.

Liliana appeared taken aback as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Liliana honed her skills at a top New York agency before joining us six months ago, where she has excelled in serving businesses in Everbrook and the surrounding areas. Bethany has been a pivotal member of our team for four years, handling our top accounts with finesse."

Liliana seemed on the verge of saying something, but Benedict interjected instead.

"I'm sure they'll do an outstanding job," he interjected with a wink in Liliana's direction. Her sweet smile tugged at me, tempting me to leap over the conference table and kiss her again.

Many nights after her departure, I had lain awake, tempted to call her.

But New York was where her life was now.

She had a new job, perhaps a new circle of friends, maybe even a new boyfriend. It wasn't my place to cling and hold her back.

All I could do was hope that maybe she’d call me. Text. Give me any excuse to go visit her and hold her in my arms again.

That never happened, so I’d tried to move on.

And I was left with the duty of helping Julian get back on his feet. I had to be there for him even though he hadn’t wanted the help. He had wanted nothing to do with me after our blow up.

I’d never been able to stop thinking about Liliana. And being in the same room with her had my body instantly on edge, almost ready to pounce.

Alex talked to Liliana for a few minutes, and it hit me. I really didn’t know if it’d be a relief to finally be near her after so long, or if it’d be torture because she’d moved on and had no interest in reliving anything we had together.

“I didn’t know you were back,” Benedict said warmly. “I wasn’t sure about this place, but now that I know you’re a part of the team, I’m not worried.”

They talked pleasantly for a bit, and Liliana immediately started brainstorming some promotions and marketing opportunities she thought would work well for a brewery and for Hard Rock in particular. She promised to have more ideas to run past us within a few days.

When the meeting was over, I made my way to Liliana when Bethany approached me.

“Hi, I wanted to come introduce myself officially.” Bethany held out her hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you and Benedict. I’m excited to see what we can do for your business.”

“Likewise,” I replied. “I hope we can come up with some great things together.”

I watched as Liliana spoke to Benedict, but she seemed in a hurry to leave.

“Will you excuse me?” I said to Bethany, not taking my eyes off Liliana.

I reached her before she could make it out the door.

“Liliana, hang on a sec,” I said, then I said to Benedict over my shoulder, “I’ll catch up with you in a little bit.”

When he and Bethany left, Liliana and I stared at each other for a second. Then we both smiled, stepping closer, and I carefully pulled her into a hug.

“It’s so good to see you, Liliana. How have you been?"

She hugged me, tentatively at first, then more tightly, before letting go and stepping back.

“I should have told you I’d moved back. I-I’ve just been so busy,” she said awkwardly. "What about you? The brewery seems to really be taking off."

"Yeah, it's going great," I said.

An uneasy silence stretched between us. The time apart hadn’t changed my pull towards her. I still felt magnetically drawn to Liliana.

Having her in my arms again made my blood pound through my body. I still wanted her so much. The urge to kiss her was fucking unbearable, but I knew better than to do anything at her workplace.

“What are you doing tonight?” I asked. I’d missed being near her for three years. I didn’t want to add another day to that tally. “Have dinner with me.” I brushed my knuckles against her forearm, wanting to make my meaning clear. “Let’s catch up.”

Her big blue eyes met mine. I thought I saw want in them. Something that matched the way I felt.

But I could also tell that something was wrong.