Read Tap (Lovibond #1) for Free Online Page A

“Let’s see what kind of food Google can find for me.”
    Not a long list but I see a definite contender. “You, Cafe 205, are within walking distance. I choose you.” I could definitely use a little exercise after my long drive yesterday.
    A serving of pumpkin steel-cut oats with two herbal teas and I’m festival ready. I can’t wait to see Ollie’s reaction when he sees me.
    Lovibond’s booth. Front and center. Fitting since they are putting on this event.Their tables and displays are decked out in awesomeness. Their hipster graphics are killer. Everything about their branding pulls in a beer drinker. I can’t help but admire the proof of my brother’s success.
    From a chemical engineer to beer brewer.
    I was so angry with him for pursuing this. I thought it was nonsense. The biggest mistake of his life. I was wrong. He’d followed his heart. His dreams. Shouldn’t we all be so lucky?
    I search the faces behind Lovibond’s table. I don’t see Ollie anywhere. Odd. You’d think they’d want the head honchos visible, especially on day one.
    Porter is engaged in deep conversation. Perfect. I don’t want him to see me and let the cat out of the bag.
    I approach one of the women behind the table. “How may I help you?”
    “I’m looking for Oliver Thorn.”
    “I’m sorry. I don’t know who he is.”
    She doesn’t know her employer?
    Weird.
    “He’s one of the Lovibond owners.”
    “Sorry. I’m just a temp hired to help serve beer at the festival.”
    She turns and points at Porter. “You’ll probably want to talk to that guy in the red T-shirt.” Her hand moves to gesture in the opposite direction. “Or the one in the black with his back to us. One of them should be able to help you find the other owner.”
    “Thanks.”
    Black T-shirt guy is surrounded by a crowd of people. That has to be Lucas Broussard.
    Tall. Broad shouldered. Exceptional ass. The view from this spot ain’t bad.
    I rotate around my brother’s business partner so he can see my interest in speaking with him. I’m careful to position myself so my back is turned to Porter. If he sees me, my surprise is blown.
    Lucas Broussard is wearing sunglasses. I can’t clearly see his eyes but I catch him looking in my direction as he talks with the men circling him. I have his attention.
    He shakes hands with each man. “Lovibond looks forward to moving into your microbreweries.” Shit. I’m interrupting business talk.
    “Hello.” He’s quick to turn his attention to me once the men are gone. His head tilts to the side when he speaks. I may not be able to see his eyes but I don’t mistake the wrinkle on his forehead and between his brows.
    I grasp the stone of the pendent around my neck and stroke it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your meeting.”
    “It’s no problem, ma’am.” Oh my God. I love his accent. What is that? Cajun?
    “Well, that’s good to hear.” Ollie wouldn’t be happy if I screwed up something with a client.
    “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” He offers his hand. “Lucas Broussard.”
    I take it in mine. “Lawrence Thorn.”
    His eyes widen and his brows lift, causing several lines to form on his forehead. “Stout’s sister?”
    “Yeah. I decided to pop in to surprise him.”
    “Well . . . Stout,” Lucas begins but stops.
    Well, Stout what? “Is something wrong?”
    “I’m sure he’d be very surprised if he were here.”
    What? “He’s not at the festival?”
    “Oliver’s not in town.”
    He’s gone? That doesn’t make sense. “But he’s been preparing for the festival all week. He partly owns this business.” Why would he miss the event after all the work he’s done to prepare for it?
    “Do you have time to sit with me a minute so we can talk?” I don’t know what this means but my gut is screaming I’m not going to like it.
    “Sure.” Seems I have all the time in the world if my brother isn’t here.
    “Grab a table over there and I’ll get us a