Page 9 of The Reluctant Flirt (Outer Banks #2)

“Shoes are the quickest way for women to achieve instant metamorphosis.”

– Manolo Blahnik

“Brick and I are getting married.”

Sierra stared at her sister for one frozen moment.

Then she lost her shit.

“Oh, my God! I’m so happy for you!”

she shrieked, allowing herself to express every single joyous, weepy, sappy emotion the announcement gave her. They yelled and jumped up and down together like they were teenagers. Sierra hugged her hard, tears blurring her eyes at the familiar comfort in her sister’s arms.

Aspen laughed and swiped at her own eyes.

“He surprised me at the place on the beach where the sea turtles hatched. Look!”

She stuck out her hand to show off the gorgeous princess cut diamond that shimmered under the light.

“It’s perfect,”

Sierra said, turning her hand back and forth to examine all the angles.

“It’s made for you.”

“I know! Tell the truth—did you help him set this whole thing up? It was almost too idyllic. Everything a romance writer would want in a proposal. He even timed the sunset!”

Sierra wrinkled her nose.

“I wish I could take credit but this was all Brick. He asked if I wanted to be involved but I said no. I thought it would be better if it was planned with his vision.”

Aspen’s eyes danced.

“Because you know you’re a bossy control-freak and you’d take over?”

“No! I was being respectful.”

She gave a little huff.

“The sunset was my idea, okay? But he didn’t warn me when it would happen.”

Her sister cocked her head.

“And the ring?”

Sierra paused.

“I just told him what cut was your favorite and that you liked things…big.”

Aspen burst out laughing.

“I knew it. I’m glad you were involved. And get ready—because you have a lot of work ahead being my maid of honor. You know I suck at organizing things and I need you.”

Her insides turned to mush. She stared at her sister, face glowing with joy, and swore everything that they’d been through was worth it to get to this moment.

“I’ll be here one hundred percent. I’m so proud of you. Mom and Dad would be, too.”

Aspen bit her lip and nodded.

“We’ve come a long way, huh?”

“Us? Let’s see, you got left at the altar and my husband cheated on me with a man. I’d say we completed more miles than Forrest Gump.”

Her sister punched her shoulder.

“Stop! I meant finding our way even with our mistakes. It wasn’t as if we had anyone to turn to for advice.”

Her face clouded briefly.

“It was bad for a while. I’m not sure I could have gotten through it without you, Sierra. Have I ever told you that?”

She swallowed back a lump in her throat.

“Yes. But I still blame myself for not trying to stop your wedding. I should’ve fought harder. I wondered if Mom would have known what to do or say.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered. I had to follow it through so I can get to the good parts.”

Sierra laughed. After the heartbreak, Aspen had written a bestselling book that changed her life. And now she was happily engaged to a man who was her soulmate.

“Maybe you’re right.”

“I am.”

They smiled at each other.

“We have to celebrate,”

Sierra said.

Aspen’s brown eyes lit up.

“Yes, I want to do dinner Friday night. Just immediate family for now. Can you keep the news quiet for a little bit? We’re not ready to shout it to the world yet. It feels like this big yummy secret we want to enjoy.”

“That’s so damn romantic. Absolutely, I will keep my mouth shut, and we’ll have a simple celebration Friday night with Brick.”

“Thanks, Sierra.”

“Want me to bring you a new dress from the store? I got a shipment from that designer you adore.”

Her sister bit her lip.

“Oh, that’s tempting. No—let’s save it for another occasion. I want to kick back and do casual for Friday.”

“Done.”

“Awesome. I have to get some writing done. I’m behind. See you later.”

Sierra pulled her in for one more hug.

“Love you.”

“I know.”

She cracked up at the Hans Solo/Princess Leia impression and watched Aspen float out the door, wild dark curls bouncing, and drive away.

Emotions struck in wild waves. She stood still for a while and allowed herself to feel them all. Her sister was finally going to marry the right man, and damned if she wouldn’t help with every detail so her wedding was perfect.

God, she wished her parents were here. It had taken years to get used to their absence, but somehow, she missed them even more during the good times. She’d just need to make sure Aspen was surrounded by so much love that her sister wouldn’t feel the bite of grief.

A sigh escaped as she dropped in the rocking chair. The spark of new beginnings lit the air. A longing for something she couldn’t name stirred within her. She craved to do something wild and different. Take a chance on a new endeavor. Leap into the unknown and open herself to risk.

The answer struck home.

It was finally time.

She’d put off the big decision after a brief panic, afraid she wasn’t ready to commit to such a relationship. Sierra loved her life, but there was one thing still missing. The type of love she dreamed of to ease the occasional sting of loneliness.

She was definitely getting a cat.

“I’m getting married.”

Kane stood outside Ziggy’s Tours with Brick. The moment he got the call from his close friend that he had big news, Kane headed right over.

A huge grin curved his lips and he stepped in to give Brick a hug.

“Congrats, man. Damn, you finally got smart and put a ring on it. Good thing, ’cause I was ready to make my move.”

Brick laughed, thumping him on the shoulder.

“Good thing, because I would’ve had to beat the crap out of you.”

“You wish. I was in jail. Learned a few moves.”

Brick shook his head, still cracking up.

“Only you could call yourself a criminal and every woman thinks it’s mysterious and cool.”

“Not every woman. Dixie gives me the evil eye every time I go to the bank. Maybe she’s

afraid I’m planning to rob them.”

“Dixie’s mad because you didn’t continue dating her daughter, Callie. Not because of criminal rumors that no one in town even knows about.”

Kane scratched his head.

“Oh. Good to know. Well, since you’re retiring your bachelor status, I’m glad I can step in and take your place.”

“And I’m glad you can now be the subject of the support group in town.”

Brick’s eyes danced with glee.

“Your reputation has overtaken mine.”

Kane got a kick out of how things were so different from New York City. There, ghosting was an everyday practice, and you rarely met the same woman again. Here? All of your exes were hanging at the same bar, unless you strictly dated tourists.

At first, Kane had been charmed by the locals, and gone on a few dates, ignoring Brick’s warning to be careful. He’d figured out quickly, though, that a promise to call again was taken like a blood oath. Kane had begun to back off, making sure he didn’t get involved with anyone he didn’t see a future with.

Of course, this was all before he realized Sierra lived here. Afterward, everything changed.

Kane didn’t want any other woman but her.

For a moment, the urge to spill the truth to his friend was overwhelming, but he fought it back. No reason to ruin the engagement announcement with his past troubles. He’d held back on pushing Sierra, though Kane made sure he popped up regularly in her presence. The flare of irritation always mingled with a wariness that told him how much he affected her. Watching the woman he craved try desperately to avoid him was an ego buster, but with spring on the horizon, along with a fresh spark of possibility, he was finally ready.

And as much as he wanted to confide in Brick, it wasn’t fair to expose their past without Sierra’s permission. Best to focus on Brick’s obvious happiness, which was way overdue.

His joking air disappeared.

“You deserve this,”

he said quietly.

“Aspen is perfect for you.”

Brick’s face softened.

“Yeah, she is. Thanks. You’re gonna be my best man, right?”

“Hell, yes! Can I help with the tuxes though? You never did have a sense of style.”

Brick grunted.

“Fine, but nothing too damn fancy.”

“Suspenders are back in and all the rage.”

“Fuck no.”

They laughed together.

“We want to have a simple dinner Friday night to celebrate.”

“Figured the whole crowd would want to come. Everyone’s been rooting for you two from the beginning.”

“I know. We’ll blast the news soon, but Aspen wanted to have a quiet dinner. Talk about the wedding and be together before things get crazy.”

Kane hesitated.

“Who’s going?”

“Just me, Aspen, Sierra and you.”

“Sierra?”

Kane tried not to let any emotion show on his face as his friend studied him with suspicion.

“Yeah. She’s her sister.”

“Of course! Sounds great—count me in. Want me to make reservations somewhere?”

“Already done. Why do you and Sierra never talk? Is there something going on I don’t know about?”

His throat closed up but Kane was an expert in pushing through stressful situations. He forced a half laugh.

“No. And that’s ridiculous, we talk.”

Brick narrowed his gaze.

“Not really. Whenever we’re in a group setting you both avoid each other. Oh, you’re polite, but you never have one-on-one conversations. I can’t remember a woman you’ve never been able to charm, yet she’s obviously not a fan.”

Sweat pricked his brow. He wasn’t ready for the interrogation yet. Not until he made his move. Right now, he needed to buy himself time.

“I think you’re jumping to conclusions. I have nothing against Sierra or vice versa.”

He remained calm as Brick studied him. Then, his friend broke into a big ass grin.

“Holy crap, you asked her out and she said no!”

Kane blinked. “What?”

Brick let out a howl of laughter.

“Hell, I should’ve known. No wonder Aspen’s matchmaking skills failed. Sierra was never interested and was trying to spare your feelings.”

He wanted to growl in frustration but figured he’d play the game. At least, until he told Brick the truth.

“It was not a big deal.”

Brick thumped his shoulder.

“Sure. Don’t let it worry you. Sierra is a tough one. I’ve never really been able to figure out what her type is, but trust me. You are not it.”

Fuck, this was getting worse. Curiosity won over logic. “Why not?”

“Her asshole husband cheated on her. I think it made her suspicious. She dates now and then, but seems to find something wrong with all of the guys. Aspen said she’s looking for Mr. Perfect, who doesn’t exist.”

He pondered Brick’s words.

“What’s her idea of perfect?”

Brick shrugged.

“No idea. Anyway, don’t take it personally. You have enough women to handle without Aspen’s sister messing up our dynamics. Probably better you didn’t get involved with her. Would’ve been a mess when you broke up since now we’re all family.”

His stomach twisted as he nodded and pretended to agree. He hated lying to his friend, but Kane took this as a sign. It was time to confront Sierra and fix the mess they’d created.

Brick was in such a good mood, he allowed Kane to change the subject without giving him crap.

“How’s business? Need any help?”

“Business is finally booming,”

Brick said with satisfaction.

“I just hired another tour guide so I’ll get some time off. What about you? How’s the new job?”

Kane shook his head.

“Different. Let’s just say I’m not used to the slow pace.”

Brick grinned.

“You’re a native New Yorker. Gonna take you some time to slow the pace when you’re used to building an empire in a week.”

“I’d need at least a month.”

“Always were an underachiever.”

Kane snorted.

He figured it would take some time to get back into the world he knew and had once ruled.

His job at a small family run firm was a good start.

He just needed to be patient.

After all, being quietly fired from the biggest firm in New York City wasn’t the best thing to put on a résumé.

The company hadn’t dug deep before hiring him.

That suited Kane perfectly.

His plan was simple: prove his worth and work his way back up the ladder.

He wanted big deals and opportunities. But each time he gave the firm his research on a new possibility, Kane was shot down.

They simply weren’t interested in expansion or aggressive deals.

Kane tried to convince them to use his experience and get into the higher stake games, but so far, Duncan wasn’t budging.

He was older, settled in, and liked to focus on easy deals.

Kane wasn’t sure how long he could play small.

He needed to rebuild his portfolio and bank account.

But if he pushed with the bigger firms, it may be too soon.

Because they would dig and find he’d been investigated for fraud.

It wouldn’t matter if he was innocent—the stench was enough to keep him out of the hiring pool.

But he refused to give up or allow frustration to muddle his vision.

He’d risen from the ashes before and he’d do it again.

Kane would keep researching opportunities and, eventually, he’d find the right deal to put him back on the map.

Brick must’ve sensed his frustration because he spoke without waiting for an answer.

“I know you don’t talk about what happened, and I don’t want to pry. But I think there’s a place for you here, Kane, even if it’s not where you started.”

His friend shook his head.

“I thought inheriting Ziggy’s Tours was the worst thing to happen, but now it turned out to be the best. You deserve happiness, too.”

Damned if he wasn’t feeling all mushy after Brick’s words. This must be what family felt like—secure you’d be accepted no matter what happened. The hunger for more was no stranger to Kane. He’d just channeled it into his career. Nothing in his personal life had ever given him the same rush or drive that fulfilled him.

The image of Sierra flashed before him. Once, he’d let his walls down, believing there could be more. He intended to give them both another chance.

Kane cleared his throat.

“I appreciate it, man. For now, I’m gonna dig in and that means I gotta get back to work. Text me the info for dinner.”

“You got it.”

“Brick?”

“Yeah?”

He smiled at his friend.

“I’m so damn happy for you.”

Kane didn’t wait for a response. He turned and headed to his car. Anticipation buzzed through him like a hit of caffeine.

He couldn’t wait till Friday night.