28

Alistair

I felt somewhat relieved after apologizing to Liliana about the restaurant incident. It helped that she wasn't pleased with Laura's flirting with me, as she often did.

Jealousy could be advantageous. I could use that.

"I love this idea. Collaborations like this can really elevate a business," Benedict remarked, drumming his fingers on the polished conference table at Donague's office. "And you came up with the plan all on your own."

"The agency's past work inspired the idea, though. And they'll be crucial in making it a success," I replied.

After discussing with Avalon Spirits about a collaboration between them and the brewery, inspired by some of the agency's previous partnerships, they invited us to pitch the idea in a couple of weeks.

That's where I thought the agency could shine. Liliana could join us and help with the pitch. She was better suited for that kind of presentation than Benedict or me.

Plus, it didn't hurt that the pitch would take us on a two-day trip to Colorado.

Benedict and I were meeting with Alex to review the team's progress, which provided the perfect opportunity to discuss our upcoming needs for the Avalon presentation.

"I think Charity would be a great fit to accompany you on this trip. She led the campaign for Clayton Wineries and really knows her stuff," Alex suggested.

Charity was competent, but she wasn't as immersed in our brand as Liliana. I wanted Liliana there, not just for her expertise but also for personal reasons.

"What about Liliana? She's been deeply involved and understands our brand inside out. I'd feel more confident if she led the presentation and supported the pitch in Colorado," I countered.

Alex pondered for a moment before responding, "Good point. Actually, why don't we also have Bethany join? Both ladies have been instrumental in the brewery campaigns. It'll provide more support for you, right?"

I tried to mask my frustration at the suggestion of Bethany joining. Insisting on Liliana alone would have been too obvious.

"Perfect, that settles it," I replied evenly.

"Benedict, sorry to interrupt, but you have Dwight on line one," Alex's assistant informed him with a pointed look.

After a brief interruption, Alex returned to the conference room.

“Sorry about that; it was an urgent call. I ran into Liliana on my way back from the office and told her about the trip. She’s excited to join! She and Bethany will help you prepare the presentation and can present it with you, or you can handle it yourself, whichever you prefer.”

We finished up and were about to leave when I decided to stop by Liliana’s office first. She wasn’t there, and another colleague mentioned she had just left for lunch. I quickly headed out, hoping to catch her in the parking lot.

She was briskly walking through the lot, and Benedict had already left since we’d driven separately. I hurried after her.

“Liliana, wait up,” I called out.

She stopped and turned around.

“Hey, I just heard about the collab with the liquor company.”

“Yeah, it’s a great opportunity for us,” I replied. “I’m confident you’ll nail the presentation, and then we can relax and maybe check out some sights, if you’re up for it.”

“You don’t give up, do you?” she said, shaking her head, but her smile told me she didn’t completely dislike the idea.

“I don’t, Liliana. Not when it comes to you.”

As I took a step closer, a car pulled into an empty spot next to us, and my mood darkened when I recognized it.

“Son of a bitch,” I muttered under my breath.

Liliana raised her hand, just inches from my chest. “He’s picking me up for lunch.”

"Tell him to go away," I said angrily.

She looked shocked at first, then almost like she might laugh out of disbelief. By the time Austin got out of his car, she said, "I get that you don't like him, but don't talk to me like that."

Her voice rose in volume as she finished the sentence.

I closed my eyes and sighed.

"Sorry," I apologized, realizing I had crossed a line.

"Alistair, I'm only saying this once." Austin approached me aggressively, as if he might throw a punch. "Stay away from my girl."

I straightened up, facing him directly. Austin wasn't small, so I didn't tower over him like I did with most people. "Your girl? Is that so?"

"Yeah, it is," he asserted, trying to sound tough.

Liliana stepped between us. "Both of you, stop it."

I almost chuckled. "Stay away or what, Austin? What are you going to do about it?"

"Just stay away from her," he gritted through his teeth.

Hearing him call her "my girl" again was too much.

"She was mine before she was yours," I retorted sharply.

Liliana gasped and held her head. "This can't be happening."

Austin shook his head, clearly angered. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me," I shot back, ready for whatever reaction he had.

Austin lunged toward me, but I stood my ground, knowing he wouldn't actually do anything.

"I work here!" Liliana shouted, motioning toward the building. "People are watching from the windows!"

She was right. We were causing a scene, and it wasn't appropriate, especially for Liliana's sake.

It definitely wasn't the time or place.

I had to back off, so I held up my hands.

"You're right. I'm sorry, Liliana. Have a nice lunch together," I said, through gritted teeth.

"We will," Austin said smugly, placing a hand on Liliana’s lower back and pushing her in the direction of his car. "Get in the car, babe."

Liliana shifted away from his grasp, clearly uncomfortable with his claiming gesture.

I couldn't let it go.

"I’m sure Liliana will get in the car when she’s ready," I snapped, glaring at Austin.

Austin's head whipped around, his eyes blazing.

"You better watch yourself, man," Austin spat out. “Get in the car, Liliana,” he said, not taking his eyes off me.

I took a step closer. “Don’t talk to her like that,” I threatened.

He turned to Liliana and grabbed her wrist. “Let’s go. Now.”

That's it.

Before I could pry him off her, Liliana forcefully yanked her arm away.

Finally breaking my gaze from Austin, I turned to Liliana. She was seething, her eyes ablaze with a fury that could melt steel.

"Get your hands off me," Liliana hissed in a low, threatening tone. "Austin, get in the damn car. And if you ever speak to me like that again, it will be the last words you ever say to me."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

That's my girl.

I smirked with satisfaction, but Liliana's hard stare quickly wiped the smug expression from my face.

"And you," she continued, her voice edged with frustration. She paused, remembering my client status. "Go back to Hard Rock and prepare for the presentation."

"Yes, ma'am," I replied softly, biting back another smile.

She narrowed her eyes at me, and I glanced down at my shoes to hide my amusement.

She looked incredibly attractive when she was fired up, even if some of that fire was directed at me.

"Both of you, leave. Now!" With that command, Liliana spun on her heel.

Austin attempted a quick apology and plea, but Liliana forcefully pulled her arm away again and stormed back toward the building.

I hadn't started this, but I sure as hell intended to finish it.

After Liliana disappeared inside, I turned to Austin. "In case you didn't hear me clearly earlier, let me repeat it for you. She was mine first. Save yourself the embarrassment and give up now. Because you don't stand a chance with her. Have a nice day."

I got into my car, sent Liliana a text with an apology, and drove off.