Page 40 of Savannah's Secrets

“Everything looks great, Savannah. You’ve done well. Take a breath and relax.”

“I forgot to bring Dade’s badge. He was a last-minute addition, so I made it in my office this morning.”

“Not a big deal. Send one of the guys to get it.”

“I need everyone here. There’s still so much to do. The first band is already late and guests will arrive shortly.” The words rushed from her mouth.

“Then I’ll get it.” Blake fought the urge to kiss her. He held out an open palm. “Give me the key to your office.”

Savannah dropped her keys in his hand, her eyes filled with gratitude. “There’s a small crate on the edge of my desk. My cell phone is in there, too. Thanks, Blake.”

“Anything for you, babe.” He lowered his voice so only she could hear him. “Now stop being such a perfectionist, or you won’t get a chance to enjoy your own damn party.”

Savannah seemed surprised he’d called it her party. She smiled gratefully, then made a beeline for the caterer.

Blake’s gaze followed the sway of Savannah’s hips as she crossed the room. He turned in the opposite direction when someone squeezed his shoulder.

“Gramps.” Blake gave his grandfather a bear hug. “I wondered when you’d get here.” He gestured around the room. “So what do you think?”

“It’s remarkable.” The old man removed his thick glasses and wiped them on a hankie he produced from his inside pocket. The corners of his eyes were wet with tears. “I didn’t expect all this.”

“But you deserve it, Gramps.” Blake draped an arm around his shoulders. “We wanted to show you what you and King’s Finest mean to us and to the community. And this is only the beginning.”

His grandfather’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“This gala kicks off a yearlong international celebration of our brand. The entire thing was envisioned by the new events manager we hired a couple of months ago—Miss Savannah Carlisle.” Blake nodded in her direction.

“Oh, I see.” His grandfather chuckled. “The pretty little thing you were cozied up with here at the bar. The one you couldn’t take your eyes off when she walked away.”

Blake didn’t bother denying it, but refused to throw any more logs on the fire.

“We were discussing a small problem, which I promised to handle.” Blake’s gaze met Savannah’s. Her mouth pinched and her eyes narrowed. “But first, let me introduce you to the woman behind all of this.”

Blake walked his grandfather toward Savannah and she met them halfway, forcing a smile as she got closer.

“Don’t worry—I’m headed out to take care of that errand in just a minute,” Blake said quickly. “But my grandfather arrived, and I know you’ve been dying to meet him.”

“For longer than you know.” Savannah’s smile was tight and her shoulders stiff. Her hand trembled slightly when she placed it in his grandfather’s palm.

His grandfather clasped her hand in both of his and smiled broadly. “My grandson tells me I have you to thank for all of this. Can’t begin to explain how much it means to me.”

“The look on your face when everything’s said and done… That’s all the thanks I’ll ever need.” Savannah’s attention turned to members of the band finally arriving. “I look forward to chatting with you at length later, but right now I need to show the musicians where to set up. Excuse me.”

They both watched as she approached the band and guided them to the stage.

“I see why you’re so taken with her, son.” The old man chuckled. “You go on and take care of whatever it is you need to.” His grandfather smiled at Zora, who was walking toward them. “My granddaughter will keep me company until you return.”

Blake drove the short distance to the distillery. He retrieved the small crate from Savannah’s desk and checked to make sure the badge and her phone were there.

Her phone buzzed, indicating a text message. The message scrolled across the screen, capturing his attention.

It’s been two months. Give up and come home. I feel icky lying to Gramps. Giving you one week. Won’t do it anymore.

Blake scanned the screen quickly before the message disappeared. It was from Savannah’s sister, Laney.

A rock formed in Blake’s gut.

What did Laney want Savannah to give up? Her job at the distillery? Her relationship with Blake? And why was Savannah asking her sister to lie to their grandfather?

Uneasiness skittered along his spine.

Blake couldn’t ignore the text. His feelings aside, if there was a risk of Savannah leaving them in the lurch, he needed to know. They’d scheduled a year’s worth of events to celebrate the King’s Finest jubilee. Savannah was the point person on every one of them.