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“Don’t get so testy, darlin’,” I battled back. “I just like to sing some songs every now and then. No big deal. I didn’t even know you were showing up.”

“I didn’t either. Emily suggested it.”

I nodded at her friend.

“Maybe I should head on back,” Emily piped in. “You can take care of this one?” She pointed to Sierra.

“Of course. I’ll take care of her.”

Emily stopped to hug Sierra before she left. I heard them exchange something about trying to keep in touch. I drank my beer and ordered Sierra a drink.

I placed the glass of wine in front of her.

“So are we ok, Blake?” She looked at me.

“Why wouldn’t we be?”

She took a sip. “Because of this morning.” She stared at me.

“Let’s have our drinks. Listen to some music.” I brushed the hair off her shoulder. “And then I’m going to take you home.”

“So we can finish having this talk?”

I laughed. “No, so I can fuck you properly. Now drink up.” I tapped at her wine glass. I was ready to get the hell out of here.

“Well, look at you.” I spun on my barstool and came eye to eye with my cousin Alex.

“Hey, man. How’s it going?” I slapped him on the back. “Ready for tomorrow?” I asked.

“Wait, is this Sierra Emory?” His eyes landed on her.

She blushed. “Hi, Alex. I haven’t seen you in a while. I think you were in middle school last time.”

“Yeah, and tomorrow I’m getting married.”

“Married?”

“That’s right. My little cousin is tying the knot.” I hadn’t thought much about the wedding. I had the invitation plastered to the fridge with a magnet so I wouldn’t forget it.

“Oh, wow. Congratulations. Who is the lucky girl?” Sierra asked.

“You wouldn’t know her. She’s not from the island. But she’s a sweetheart.”

“That’s good to know. I hope it’s a beautiful wedding.”

Alex grinned widely. “You’re taking her aren’t you, Blake?”

I balked in my seat. What the hell? “I didn’t think it was a date kind of thing.” Nothing on the island was fancy. Clam bakes at Shirley’s were as sophisticated as it got around here.

“Oh, no. That’s ok. Thanks, Alex. I’m sure your fiancé wouldn’t want to add a last minute guest like that,” Sierra hurriedly assured.

And with that subtle hint, I felt Sierra slipping back into her shell. Slipping back into that place that made her feel like she didn’t belonged here. That somehow she didn’t deserve this place and the people who lived here.

“Of course I’m taking her,” I spoke up. I grabbed her hand against her knee and grinned. “Sexiest date on the island belongs to me.” I winked.

Alex laughed. “Then I’ll see you there.”

Sierra twisted her full lips together. I could tell I had taken her off guard.