Series: Jackson Family Distillery #4
Publication date: May 8th, 2025
Synopsis:
Catching a woman breaking into his car was not the way Ace Jackson wanted to start his day. Finding out she's the new hire at his family's distillery is even worse. Sure, she said she mistook his car for her's, but there's something about Millie he doesn't trust. Too bad all his siblings vetoed his vote. What's the point of being the oldest if you don't get to be in charge?
Millie Danes told the grumpy Adonis she wasn't breaking into his car, but did he believe her? No! The guy has a stick up his butt bigger than the pine trees gracing the Rocky Mountains. Unfortunately, he's her new boss or she'd try and see if she could melt that icy exterior. But she has more on the line than a job, she needs funds to start her dream. Her very one aerial studio.
When a theft is discovered at work, Ace enlists Millie's help as a spy in exchange for the money to build her dream. Their tentative truce becomes complicated when desires fan the flames of temptation. In the battle of love, who will fall first?
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Excerpt
"Ten thousand," she said with a straight face.
Ace's jaw dropped.
"Are you fucking serious?"
"Okay, twenty." She crossed her arms over her chest and sent him her own smug smirk.
He scowled. "That's not how negotiations work, Millie."
Lifting one shoulder in a small shrug, she turned and headed for the door. "Fine. If you don't need me--"
"Five."
The offer sounded from behind her, resigned but firm. She paused. She could work with five.
"It's a ridiculous number for what I'm asking, but if this keeps going on we stand to lose a hell of a lot more than that, so five. Take it or leave it."
Giddy excitement filled her. She'd done it! She was getting the money she needed for her studio. Her dream would become a reality.
Schooling her features, she turned with a serious expression pasted on her face and stuck out her hand. "Deal."
Ace grabbed her hand and shook, muttering something about her being a stubborn pain in his ass under his breath before quickly letting go.
Gracing him with her most charming smile, she winked. "Buddy, you just bought yourself a spy."
His gaze took her in, a wary expression filling his eyes. "Why do I get the feeling I just sealed my doom?"
And he called her dramatic.
She huffed out a laugh. "Because you always think the worst of people."
"I do not," he frowned.
"You're right." She moved closer and patted his cheek like one would do a petulant child. She had to stand up on her tippy toes but the deepening scowl on his face was worth it. "You're a bastion of believing the good in everyone. Happy now?"
Ace grabbed her hand, tugging her closer until she nearly fell into him. She had to place her free hand on his chest to steady herself. A small gasp left her as her palm encountered the firm harness of him. The steady thundering beat of his heart pumping against her hand. His thumb rubbed small circles in her palm as he stared down at her with a wolfish grin.
"I'll be happy when the thief is caught, so get out there and do your job."
Normally Millie bristled at anyone commanding her to do things, but this weird back and forth power control thing she had going on with Ace was... exciting. Something about pushing this man's buttons tempted her in a way she'd never been before. Knowing she was playing with fire, Millie trailed her fingers down his chest, stopping right above the snap of his jeans.
"Sure thing, boss," she said in a voice far huskier than she'd intended it to be.
With that she pulled her other hand out of his and turned. Moving across the office she left, closing the door behind her and leaning against it to catch her breath.
"This is either going to be a thrill ride or a disaster," she whispered into the distillery, not sure if she was referring to the spy mission or the dangerous flirting with Ace.
Either way, it wouldn't be boring.
Bestselling author MARIAH ANKENMAN lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her.
Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone's day a little brighter with one of her books. To learn more about Mariah and her books visit her website.
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