“So this is the famous Weldon Brewery,” he said, still surveying the place. The floor-to-ceiling windows lining the back opened up the space even more and highlighted its rustic appeal. “This place is impressive.”

“Thank you.” A proud grin spread across her face. Motioning for him to follow, she walked across the floor and rounded the bar. “What would you like?”

“I’ll leave that up to the expert.”

“Oh, my gosh.” Mischief lit up her face and laughter tumbled out of her. “Do you want to hear something funny?”

“Sure.” He smiled at her infectious laughter, curious about what brought it on. “It must be a good one.”

“When your brother had the nerve to show his face here after writing that horrible review about Aubrey’s bakery, I told him he should drink Witch’s Brew, which gave heartless jerks permanent impotence.”

“You did not.” Seth laughed, incredulous. She was so awesome.

“Oh, yes, I did.” She cocked her hip to one side and planted a hand on her waist in an unmistakable badass pose.

“Well done. Landon definitely deserved that dig. As for me, I’ll stay far away from Witch’s Brew. I’m not a heartless jerk, but better safe than sorry,” he said with an exaggerated shiver. “So which brew would you recommend for me?”

“Let me think about that one.” Tara pinched her chin between her thumb and index finger, seeming to give it some serious thought. “Back at the wedding, I would’ve recommended Buzz Off for sure. But you’ve grown on me over the course of the evening. Don’t get smug. It just means I’m not quite ready to kick you to the curb.”

“Very kind of you,” Seth murmured wryly. “On the bright side, that means you’re not immune to my charms.”

“You know what? I’ll create a special brew for you, and call it Inflated Ego.”

“Ouch. Even if I did have an inflated ego, spending time with you is sure to bring it down a few notches.”

“It’ll be good for you. You know, it builds character,” she smirked. “But I’ll give you a break. Why don’t you have Buckle Down, our barrel-aged stout. I’m pretty proud of that one. It’s not perfect, yet, but it’s getting there.”

“I can’t wait to try some,” he said with genuine enthusiasm.

She filled a heavy snifter with dark, rich stout, finishing it with a thick, creamy head. It was the perfect pour. As she handed him the beer, his fingers skimmed across hers, and desire enflamed his entire body. Her quick, indrawn breath told him she’d felt it, too. They stared at each other, unnerved by their reaction to each other. Their breathing became shallow as sexual tension wrapped around them.

Tara broke eye contact first, and poured herself a light golden brew in a chalice. She cleared her throat and held her cup toward him with a too-bright smile that belied what just happened between them. “Gun bae.”

The moment had passed, but his blood still pumped loudly in his ears. But following her cue to dismiss the flare of attraction, Seth clinked his glass against hers with an answering smile. “Cheers.”