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When I saw Tyler at the Fall Fest, it was the first time I’d seen him in person. Through my research of the Slade family and business, I’d found a few photos of Tyler that instantly made me curious about him. He’s obviously attractive, tall, and built like he works the land. He’s rugged with dark brown eyes and even darker hair. Today he’s clean-shaven, but yesterday he’d had a few days’ worth of growth that had me wanting to reach up and feel the scruff.
I couldn’t find an exact age, but I know he’s at least mid-to-late thirties. I’ve always had a thing for older men. Today is the first time I’m noticing the gray coming in a little at his temples and the smile lines around his eyes. It gives him character. He looks exactly like a younger version of his father, Drake, who is by far the most handsome 69-year-old I’ve ever met.
I have to will myself to look away from Tyler—the moment feels so intimate and everyone’s witnessing it. I can feel a small bead of sweat at my hairline. It’s funny how I felt so in control of the situation last night when I was shamelessly flirting with him, but in the light of day, in his boardroom, I feel like I’m two seconds away from becoming a puddle on the floor.
“Like Trent mentioned, I’m from Chicago, born and raised. Go Cubbies! I studied marketing and social media in college. Growing up with the internet and right on the bubble of social media, I feel like it really allowed me to fully immerse myself in this world and know what people are looking for when it comes to advertising, engagement, etc.”
I keep my eyes moving from person to person around the table, avoiding settling on anyone for too long.
“During my research, I was incredibly impressed with how quickly Slade Brewing International grew from a microbrewery with two beers into an international beer and liquor company that now offers very high-end small-batch whiskeys, plus more than seven beers and even more seasonal beers, and now seltzers. Not to mention the presence you have not only inside Colorado, but across America. Since Slade is the official beer of the professional sports teams here in Colorado as well as on tap in several chains throughout North America, I think the new contract we just signed with Top Tier Foods Limited will take us to heights we’ve never imagined.”
I grab the remote control from the table and click it, changing the screen behind me from the Slade Brewery emblem to my first slide.
“Here you can see the list of restaurants and bars owned by Top Tier, along with the number of locations they have in each state. While we’re rolling into these restaurants and bars with on-tap options, tastings, and branding, I’ll be heading up a massive nationwide campaign that will introduce us and our partnership with these restaurants.”
I work through my PowerPoint, my nerves decreasing as I see the genuine interest and surprise by the members around the table. I’m a confident woman and I know I have the work ethic and knowledge to be successful at this job, but it’s always intimidating when you’re trying to convince a room full of men—some old enough to be your grandfather—that you know what you’re doing and can be trusted.
“I’ll be heading up an intense campaign over the coming weeks and months that will focus on getting the Slade name out to a wider audience—one that isn’t just beer or whiskey drinkers. With the extremely successful launch of the Mountain Waters Seltzer line in June of this year, we can strategically focus on marketing to millennials, a practically untapped market with Slade beverages.”
I finish up my presentation then exit the room so that they can carry on with their quarterly meeting. I walk down the hall to where my new office is located. Thankfully, Trent gave me a tour earlier this morning.
I take a seat in my chair and let out a long sigh. I’ve been incredibly tense and nervous about that presentation for the better part of a month.
My view is breathtaking. Coming from Chicago, a lot of people think a view of the lake or a view of the skyline is breathtaking, but this view blows all of that away. It’s what I’ve been dreaming of. I may only be 26, but I’ve spent my entire life in the city and I’m ready for a slower-paced life I can actually appreciate. I make good money, but I’ve always been too busy to actually enjoy that privilege.
“You killed it!”
I spin around in my chair, my thoughts interrupted by Trent standing in my doorway.
“Did I?”
“Absolutely. They couldn’t stop talking about how impressed they were with you and your ‘gumption,’ as my dad likes to say. I told you they’d be on board with it.”
I feel my shoulders finally fall from my ears as a genuine smile spreads across my face.
“Now we just have to convince Tyler about the plan,” Trent says tentatively.
I grimace at that thought. I know I can be convincing, but this is work. I’ll keep it professional and not flirt my way into getting him to be on board with what Trent and I talked about.
“Oh, speak of the devil. Hey, Tyler, come here for a second!” Trent is looking over his shoulder back down the hallway. A few seconds later, Tyler is the doorway and Trent is ushering him into my office.
“We have something we want to run by you.”
Tyler’s hat is pulled down a little lower today, but I can still see his eyes under the brim. He does that thing again that’s so weirdly sexy, leaning his shoulder against the door jamb. He casually crosses his arms over his chest and it emphasizes his bare forearms. His sleeves are rolled up and I can see the dark hair peppering his tan skin. He has forearms like a baseball player, something I didn’t notice last night when he had his long, calloused fingers resting against my neck. Instinctively, I reach my own hand up and rest it delicately at the base of my throat, and it instantly garners his attention. His eyes settle on my hand before slowly raking up to my eyes.
Goddammit. Why does it feel like this man is always undressing me with his eyes?
“Make it quick. I’ve got to be at a cattle auction in Fort Collins in less than an hour.” His tone is clipped, his deep, gravelly voice doing all sorts of things to my insides.
I glance quickly at Trent then back to Tyler. “Okay, here goes.” I place my hands on my desk, folding then unfolding them. “We want you to be the face of Slade Brewing International.”
“The what now?”
“The face. Like, the spokesperson. You remember the Marlboro Man?”
Tyler’s head slowly falls back and he lets out a full belly laugh. “Funny. He put you up to this?” He points to Trent then shakes his head before pushing off the doorway. “I gotta get goin’.”
He turns to leave but I stand up. “It’s not a joke, Tyler. We’re serious.”
His eyes dart from me to Trent, who gives him a huge grin and grabs his shoulders.
“Time to get a haircut and some new clothes, brother. You’re a model now.”
