The Whiskey Journals

Chapter 1 The Meeting

Drake sighed as he walked into the hotel, walking up to the sign in desk. "Reservation for Walker." He didn't understand why Liam just wouldn't let him have a regular room but insisted on his friend staying in the exclusive suite.

"Your room will be ready in fifteen minutes, Mr. Walker. We can take your luggage up for you, if you want to step into the bar while you wait." she smiled at him, slowly and was clearly annoyed when he ignored her playful smile. Drake walked up to the bar, "Whiskey." he leaned back on the stool and took in his surroundings, that was when he saw her.

She was sitting alone at a table, drinking. He smiled, she was drinking whiskey while looking over some papers. Her dainty glasses perched on the end of her nose hiding those bright blue eyes that lit up the entire room. He watched her gather up her black hair and hold it off her neck, as she looked down at her phone cracking a small smile. He noticed she was getting low on her drink, "Refill two glasses, please." he took them, carrying them over to her table.

He sat one down in front of her, "Couldn't let you run out of good whiskey, now. My name is Drake, Drake Walker."

She gave him a smile so slow and enticing. She liked what she saw. Tall, rugged with a light shadow of a beard, dark chocolate hair and matching brown eyes. "Victoria, Victoria McKinnon...Thanks for the second round." She motioned to the chair opposite of her, "Join me."

"You looked like you needed a break from whatever you are looking over there." 

"Family business." she sighed, closing her folder. "What brings you to town? Business or pleasure?"

"I'm actually just passing through but staying a few days. Thought I would see the sights before heading across country, going to visit my mom in Texas."

"She must be excited to see you."

"Her birthday is Saturday, I am planning on surprising her. So you from around here?"

She was about to reply when another man came up, calling out her name. Drake noticed she visibly jumped at his voice. She turned around, growling. "Really? What do you what Shane? I already told you I will pass your message onto my brother."

"It's not your brother I want to talk to." he said, "I need to-"

"Looks like" Drake said, "You need to take a hint. And leave." he leaned into her, nuzzling her neck...hoping she understood what he was doing. "Are you ready to leave yet, Victoria? It's been a long time since we got to see each other and.." he intertwined their fingers , lightly kissing her knuckles. "I can't wait to catch up."

The feel of him so close almost sent her into a tailspin. He smelled like Whiskey and a good autumn wind after a rain. Her body broke out in goosebumps when he pressed light kiss to her knuckles.

Still, she was grateful he was trying to help her out and was sure it's all for show. What the hell? she thought and playfully ran her fingers slowly up his neck, wrapping the small curls of his hair round her fingers and gently pulling. "Other than kissing me as soon as you saw me that is the best idea you've had." she leaned forward and gently nipped his bottom lip. "Let's go baby."

As they stood up, Drake possessively slid his arm around her waist and led her out of the restaurant. They walked together, close like lovers as she knew Shane was standing there watching.

The elevator doors closed and she leaned against the wall, exhaling. "Thank you for that." She said, "Been a while since I needed a hero."

"Glad I could help. Who was that jerk that couldn't take no for an answer?"

"Shane Holston. His family is a pain in the ass. He acts like he is interested in me when its only our business he wants."

"Then we can add an idiot to that list too. Any man would be crazy to NOT be interested in you."