Love and Miss Fortune by Maggie Preston

Author:Maggie Preston
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, contemporary romance, small town
Publisher: Maggie Preston
Published: 2021-06-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Chance lifted his glass as the photographer framed the shot and signaled the three count with a raised hand. “To the best damn team of moonshiners since the repeal of prohibition.”

“And to the man who put their Cadillac on the right road.” Lautaro added, touching his glass to Chance’s, pride putting a steel rod in his spine.

Chance stepped out of the photo a millisecond before the photographer’s flash. This was Harley and Lautaro’s moment but damn if he didn’t feel a touch of pride at seeing their names on the winner’s list displayed on the overhead screens.

Craft Distillery - Debut Category

Fortune’s Brew

Bronze Medallion

The photographer jotted down their information in a little notebook before diving back into the crowd of people mixing around the winners’ tables at the front of the ballroom. The excited murmur of voices ebbed and flowed, punctuated by the clink of glasses being raised and the occasional flash from a camera.

Fortune’s Brew had edged out Lazy River Distillery, who’d been awarded Honorable Mention in the category. The fight he’d had with Leo earlier in the day replayed in his head.

“You’re supposed to be on our side,” Leo accused, his eyes cutting to Harley over Chance’s shoulder. “You’re getting cozy with the enemy.”

“Harley isn’t the enemy. If you can’t stand on your own there’s nothing anyone can do for you.”

“Don’t count on that.” Leo spit out the words and Chance could tell by the way his eyes widened he hadn’t meant to say them.

“What’s that mean?”

Leo rolled his shoulders, taking his time before responding to gather his thoughts. “I’m going to move forward with A Shot and a Beer with or without you. I have a new partner to consider.”

“You partnered with Dean without consulting me?

“I needed the money. I have investors to consider. Plans I’ve made.”

“What investors?” It was the first time Leo had mentioned outside money, but Chance should have known that Leo would tuck his tail between his legs at the first sign of hard work. Why he’d ever considered going into business with the man, he didn’t know. “You’ve already made a deal with my mother, haven’t you?”

“No.” Disappointment edged Leo’s voice and Chance realized that the investment from Sondra was a package deal. Leo got the money if he delivered Chance. “But I will,” he lied. Leo and the truth were only acquainted in theory. Chance had learned that in Chicago last year. “She has the connections to make the bar a reality. Don’t let pride stand in your way.”

Chance bristled at Leo’s words. “And don’t let ego make you think you can do this without me. You’re still an unknown, Leo. Don’t forget that. Even without the Gold name, I’m known in this industry.”

Leo puffed out his chest at the challenge. “Then let the best man win,” Leo snapped as he turned and walked away.

Chance returned his attention to Harley, his own chest puffing a bit at the look of contained excitement on her face. It was one of the things he loved most about his job.

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