Coffee goes down the wrong pipe. I manage not to spit out what’s in my mouth, but fuck me. Twenty million dollars? For a company I started with maxed out credit cards and sheer stubbornness?
"That's..." I scramble for words that aren't 'holy fucking shit.' "Substantial."
And all I’d have to do is give up everything I’ve built and sit back and watch while he destroys it all and lords over me like he’s my boss.
"It's what you're worth." He sips his coffee like he didn't just drop a bomb. "Plus, there’s so much room to grow. Think beyond Portland. Imagine Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco—the whole West Coast under your distribution network."
Even I can admit it’s tempting. He’s basically laying my ultimate dream at my feet and offering me an insane amount of money to make it happen. But the way he tells me to imagine it like I haven’t already done that a million times rubs me the wrong way.
He thinks I’m some little girl who couldn’t possibly have ambition that’s bigger than even his.
He’s offering me my dream on a silver platter. Three months ago, I'd have considered it. But now? With a baby in my belly and Kasen James somehow becoming essential to my existence? The thought of giving all of this up, of figuring out how to start overor, worse, being under Miller’s thumb, makes me want to take a nap.
Throw up,thentake a nap.
Something's off about this whole thing, too. It’s too easy and too much money for a first offer.
"You know, it’s funny how you're suddenly interested in my business, like you haven’t been sniffing around Portland breweries for months." I watch his face carefully. "Including Timber, from what I hear."
And I think I spot the first crack in his mask. His eyes narrow just a fraction. "I see news travels fast."
"Portland may be a big city, but this is a small community." I set down my mug. "Are you making Timber an offer, too?"
"I’m exploring all opportunities." In other words, absolutely yes. "Timber has a unique approach to the market that I can appreciate."
My stomach does this weird flip thinking about Kasen across from this vulture, considering selling the brewery he built from scratch after his mom died. Which is fucked up because I shouldn’t care what happens to his business.
Shouldn’t.
But I do.
"Here's what I don't understand," I say, leaning forward. "Why now? Cascade’s been operating for years and you’ve never once shown any interest in us. What's changed?"
Miller studies me, then shrugs. "Market conditions. The craft bubble is starting to contract. It's better to consolidate now, while valuations are still high."
He's lying. Or at least not telling the whole truth. Before I can call him on it, the room starts spinning. I white knuckle the edge of the table so I don’t fall out of my chair.
This is why I should’ve had Kieran sit in on this meeting, but I couldn’t let Nolan Miller think I needed a big, strong man to protect me or handle him.
"Are you alright?" Miller asks, concern creasing his brow.
"Peachy." I force a smile. "Where were we?"
"I was about to give you this." He slides a folder across the table. "It’s my formal offer, along with projections for the first three years under Pacific Northwest. Take your time reviewing it. I don't expect an answer today."
I open the folder, skimming the first page. The numbers are even crazier on paper, with performance bonuses and stock options that could push the total well beyond twenty million.
"This is generous," I admit, closing the folder. "But Cascade isn't just a business to me. It's my whole life."
"I understand." Miller nods. "Which is why you'd maintain operational control. Think of it as gaining a partner, not losing your company."
Right. A partnership where he owns my ass and can destroy everything I've built.
Another wave of dizziness hits me, stronger this time. Black spots pop at the edges of my vision, and I realize I'm going to pass out if I don't get some air. Or food. Or lay down. Or all of the above.
Is this normal or should I be worried about the baby? Or maybe it’s a good old-fashioned panic attack?
"Mr. Miller," I say, standing from my chair, trying not to freak out about how off I feel. "I need to step out for a minute. Kieran will show you some of our distribution data while I'm gone."
