Page 10

“Keep your head, heels and standards high.”

– Lola Stark

Sierra walked into the Grill Room restaurant and spotted Aspen and Brick already seated outside. The deck was crammed with diners but their table was tucked toward the edge, offering a bit of privacy. It was a beautiful day with scattered sun and mild temps.

She kissed them both, slid into her seat, and tucked the wrapped package to the side.

“What is that?”

Aspen asked suspiciously.

“You better not have bought us a gift already. You’ll be broke by the time we reach the wedding.”

Sierra laughed.

“It’s just something small. I wanted to mark the occasion. I’m so excited to talk about wedding plans! Am I still the only one who knows?”

Aspen eyed the gift with a bit of greed before refocusing.

“Yep. We’re going to allow the news to get out organically now that it’s not a secret.”

Brick’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

“We’re taking bets who will spread the word the fastest.”

Sierra rubbed her hands together.

“How fun! Hmm, I’d bet on Mrs. Rossi—she’s pretty well connected and nosy.”

“Oh, good pick,”

Aspen said.

“I’m going with Marco.”

Sierra stared.

“Marco doesn’t gossip. He sells t-shirts and smokes weed with his friends all day.”

Aspen and Brick shared a look.

“He’s much more than that, trust me. Once he gets a hold of information, he’s faster than social media around here,”

Aspen said.

“That’s so interesting,”

Sierra murmured. Marco owned a souvenir shop next to Ziggy’s Tours, so he’d gotten really close to Aspen and Brick. Guess she hadn’t spent enough time trying to peel off those surfer dude layers. She was ashamed of herself for judging.

“What about you, Brick?”

“I’m going with a dark horse. Someone who’s so good at what he does, no one realizes they’re being conned to spread the gossip.”

“Who?”

she asked curiously.

“Me.”

Sierra jumped at the male voice behind her. The wicked word was whispered playfully, but shot all sorts of heat in her body. Stunned at his appearance, she watched as Kane dropped into the last empty chair and regarded her with a lazy, sweeping gaze.

“What are you doing here?”

she shot out.

“I was invited, of course. To celebrate and talk about the upcoming nuptials.”

Kane grinned.

“Are you disappointed to see me?”

His mocking words made her cheeks burn, especially with the pointed stare Aspen was giving her. Sierra sat upright, forcing an easy smile.

“No! Sorry, I thought it was just us. It’s nice to see you again.”

That lower lip quirked in amusement. She knew she sounded stilted and cold, which only made Aspen and Brick more curious. Dammit, why did he have to be Brick’s best friend? His appearance had been a shock to her system, but now that he’d decided to stay? It was like he was slowly infiltrating every thread of her life, leaving no safe places. She felt like his prey, and he was toying with his food before gobbling her up whole.

Maybe she should’ve been a writer. Her thoughts were always so dramatic when it came to Kane Masterson.

Brick broke the humming tension.

“Kane is like my brother, and the only family left.”

His words held no self-pity. She watched her sister slide her hand into his for support.

“We thought it would be fun to all celebrate together.”

“So fun,”

Sierra said too loudly.

“How about cocktails?”

Thank God, the server appeared and saved her ass.

“I heard someone say cocktails,”

she joked, her high ponytail swinging.

“What is everyone drinking tonight?”

“Extra-dirty martini, Tito’s vodka, straight up, chilled, extra olives, preferably blue cheese stuffed,”

Sierra said. She ignored Aspen’s eye-rolling at her specific order. Her sister ordered a Chardonnay.

“Great. And you…Sir?”

The mid-twenty-year-old paused and seemed to get lost in Kane’s eyes. Holding back an annoyed groan, Sierra watched as the waitress’s brain cells melted under so much gorgeousness. It was the same thing no matter where they went out—from bartenders, waitresses, to nice, little old ladies. It was worse when Kane and Brick were together. The two of them were a powerhouse of male sexual energy that scorched every woman in its path.

And…there she went again with her embellished analogies.

Kane smiled. The girl sighed. Clad in a light-gray suit, he’d hooked the jacket over the seat and rolled up his cuffs. His hair was neatly tamed back from his forehead. He blinked in the sun, dazzling with his green-eyed gaze and spicy scent and drool-worthy body.

It was ridiculous.

The memory of him rose up and taunted. Naked, pressed against her, that same gaze blurred with hunger as he surged inside and swallowed her screams with his mouth.

Sierra shifted in her seat as the ache settled between her thighs.

“I’ll have what she’s having,”

he said, tilting his head toward her.

“Wonderful choice,”

the server gushed, unable to stop staring at him.

“I love martinis, too.”

“The IPA on draft,”

Brick said.

Now it was Aspen’s turn to shake her head. The server smiled with pure giddiness as she basked in the glow of male perfection.

“Another great choice. I love IPAs.”

Sierra couldn’t help feeling sorry for the girl. She was outmatched with the two of them and doing her best. When she finally disappeared, Aspen snorted.

“Going anywhere with you peacocks is painful. Can’t you paint some warts on your face or something?”

Brick looked uncomfortable but Kane laughed, easily owning it.

“Stop discriminating against us. We’re so much more than our looks.”

“Not arguing against that. Makes you even more deadly,”

Aspen said.

“Inspiring lust is different from love,”

Brick said.

“You’ve been collecting hearts since you got here, baby.”

Aspen’s face went soft and glowy. Watching her sister stare at the man she loved made Sierra’s stomach squirm with something akin to longing. Yes, once she dreamed of kids and a man to share it with. But somehow, along the way, she’d lost hope of really finding that type of connection. It was easier to focus on what she did have and love about her life. Now, her sister was a reminder that there was hope.

Sierra turned and clashed with Kane’s stare. A shiver bumped down her spine. His face reflected a set intensity that warned he was almost out of patience. The memory of his warning rang in her ears and stirred up a hornet’s nest of emotion.

“You can keep running for now. Until I decide to catch you.”

Thankfully, their drinks came and they toasted to the engagement. The icy liquid slid down her throat with the perfect bite, exactly as she liked it. Fortified, Sierra grasped control of the conversation.

“Okay, tell us what you’re thinking for the wedding? Next summer? A beach wedding? We can start with a loose date, and I’m happy to help research reception places or do whatever else you need.”

Kane sipped his drink.

“I’ll jump in when needed. I’m in charge of the tuxes, as previously discussed. And the bachelor party.”

“Those are so overrated,”

Sierra said.

“A silly excuse to do what you could any weekend. Hang with friends and party.”

Kane shrugged.

“Not if we go to Vegas or Rio.”

She groaned.

“That’s so…cliché.”

“Not really. I’m sure you ladies will plan an epic celebration. Why are men the ones always getting in trouble?”

“Because you get sloppy. It’s a cliché for a reason,” she said.

“I doubt Brick would even glance at another woman. It’s simply a way for men to bond and celebrate before making a forever commitment.”

She snorted.

“Bonding in a place known for bad decisions isn’t the best idea. I’ve seen The Hangover. All three of them.”

“I’ve seen Bridesmaids and Girls Trip. You’re just as wild.”

She glared. He smiled back.

Aspen cleared her throat.

“Well, that was fascinating but we have news. There will be no need for a bachelor or bachelorette party so you can stop fighting. Which was…a little weird? Not gonna lie.”

Sierra waved her hand in the air.

“Sorry, it’s been a weird week. I’ll behave.”

“Please, don’t,”

Kane murmured.

“It’s nice to see you less in control.”

Brick lifted his brow.

“You two have to play nice. Because we’re moving up the wedding.”

Sierra blinked.

“Faster than next summer?”

Aspen gave a squeal.

“Yes. It’s going to be this summer! We don’t want to wait. It’s ridiculous to plan for a year when we want things simple and fun.”

“That’s awesome,”

Kane said.

“Why wait when you know?”

“Exactly,”

Brick said with satisfaction.

“We want the ceremony on the beach where the sea turtles hatched. Then we’re throwing a party at the Sunfish Bar and Grill for anyone who wants to come.”

“Anyone?”

Sierra squeaked.

“You won’t be able to keep track of the food or liquor needed. There won’t be enough seating. Dresses can take months to order, Aspen. There are a million details that we need time to plan!”

“Not much to plan if they already have the date and place,”

Kane said, obviously trying to back their decision.

She was trying not to freak out but the time pressure was too much. Sierra imagined a leisurely year of bonding with her sister, poring over choices and details, and creating the perfect wedding. Once, Aspen had walked down the aisle and found her fiancé had run off with another woman, leaving her stranded and alone. Sierra figured this was the perfect way to wipe out the memory. Create the perfect wedding with the right person. Rushing things could be sloppy and Sierra wanted so much for her sister.

Aspen’s voice was both forceful and soft. “Sierra?”

“Yeah?”

“This is what I want.”

Her eyes filled with emotion and she reached across the table to snag her hand.

“I had the big, planned event before, and I hated every moment. It wasn’t my dream. It was his. But this time? I want it as joyous and free as I feel when I’m with Brick. I don’t want to wait or follow the rules. Does that make sense?”

Her anxiety drained away. She looked at her beloved sister and managed a nod. This wasn’t about her. It was about Aspen, and damned if she’d take hostage an event that came from the heart and wasn’t hers to choose.

“Yeah. It does.”

No more words were needed. Sierra cleared her throat and regrouped. The server came back to take their orders, and she settled back in with a new focus.

“Okay, the Sunfish it is. Are you doing August or September?”

“Definitely early September so the tourists are gone,”

Aspen said.

Brick grinned.

“Funny how you used to be a tourist and now you’re thinking like a local.”

“My city sister has gone Southern,”

Sierra said, joining in on the teasing.

“Maybe you can finally learn how to make sweet tea?”

Aspen wrinkled her nose.

“I tried. It bombed.”

“She tried it out on me,”

Kane said.

“Wanted to make sure it was drinkable before serving to Brick.”

“I thought it was good!”

Aspen burst out.

Kane shook his head gravely.

“It was a crime. Rotted my teeth away.”

Sierra giggled at her sister’s outraged expression.

“She thinks the more sugar the sweeter the tea will be. For a writer, she’s extremely literal in the kitchen.”

“Did she tell you on one of our dates she pretended to cook for me but ordered all the food from North Banks?”

Aspen threw her hands up.

“I didn’t get the cooking gene, okay? There can only be one great chef in the family, anyway.”

“You like to cook?”

Kane asked, swiveling his gaze toward hers.

She tried to be casual, but every time the man focused on her she was thrown off.

“Yeah. I find it relaxing.”

“Interesting,”

he murmured.

“You don’t cook?”

“No. I rely on the kindness of others.”

A snort escaped.

“Bet you have plenty of women lined up to cook for you.”

His gaze dove deep.

“Cooking a meal is intimate. I’ve never met someone I trusted on that level.”

Her fingers clenched around the fork. She tried to keep her voice casual.

“Maybe it’s because you never wanted that type of relationship in the first place.”

“You’re right.”

He dropped his voice.

“Maybe I’m ready now.”

Heat washed through her. Aspen was still playfully arguing with Brick so it was like they were having this conversation in private. She told herself to remain silent and let the moment pass, but found the words popping out of her mouth.

“I cooked for someone once on a daily basis. Trust me, it can turn into a mindless chore that’s unappreciated, and amplify the void. Not every meal is a bridge to intimacy.”

Her cheeks flushed. Why did she end up uttering her innermost thoughts to this man? Why did even casual topics of conversation turn into something so much more?

His finger tapped against the table.

“With your ex-husband?”

Sierra stiffened. She expected to feel defensive but it was simply a fact. “Yes.”

“I’m sorry, Sierra. I don’t think eating a meal you cooked for me, with my pleasure in mind, could ever turn routine.”

A shudder wracked her body and tingles rushed down her spine. Damn him for doing this to her. Damn him for making her…want.

Thankfully, Aspen interrupted the crackling tension between them.

“How’s the store doing? Is the new line of jewelry selling well?”

For the last year, Sierra had begun working with local female designers to bring products into the store and give back to the community. She loved the satisfaction of working with other entrepreneurs and found she had a knack for sensing what would sell well. She smiled and settled into her happy place. Business.

“Yes, the Jasmine jewelry line ended up being so popular, I put in multiple orders. I think customers appreciated a percentage being donated back to the women’s shelters.”

“How do you decide what to sell?”

Kane asked curiously.

Sierra drained her martini and glanced over.

“Hard data like cost versus profit margins. What’s sold in the past and what hasn’t. Keeping an eye on trends.”

“What else?”

Sierra shifted in her chair.

“I research new local designers to see when we can collaborate. The networking grows both of our businesses and keeps customers from getting bored. Tourists may be new, but I also cater to the locals.”

She began to turn back to her plate, ready to finish their dialogue, but the word shot from his lips in a husky demand. “And?”

Her breath stalled. Chemistry bubbled under the surface with every word they exchanged. God, it was so much easier to avoid him. Being this close was torture. She sensed Aspen and Brick’s interested stares and tried to keep her tone jokey.

“I think that was enough to dazzle you with my business skills.”

His smile was pleasant on the surface, but Sierra caught the sharklike flash of white teeth.

“Yes, all those traits are needed to be successful. But I found there’s something else that’s even more important. Beyond the stats and goodwill. And I bet that’s the real key of why Flirt has flourished.”

Hearing the name of her store on his lips made her tremble. Sierra knew exactly what he wanted her to say. What he was practically daring her to utter out loud. The word that would drag them both back to the past; to the dark; to what they shared.

She pressed her lips together, refusing.

“Sierra?”

Her name cut through the air and bathed her ears in a velvet bath of sound. She wouldn’t say it. She absolutely refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much this exchange affected her.

Aspen cut in, having no idea of the undercurrents between them.

“Risk. She has the balls to take risks. I think that’s what he means, right?”

Kane didn’t answer. His gaze probed, pierced, shredded. The silence stretched as Aspen’s question hung between them, unanswered.

For the second time tonight, the word shot out of her, refusing to be caged any longer.

“Instinct.”

The same word she’d uttered when he asked her why she stayed. The same word she’d uttered right before he kissed her and claimed her every way a woman craved to be claimed.

Was that a flash of raw satisfaction or a trick of the light? The awful, throbbing tension broke apart like the rain cooling after the heat of a lightning bolt.

“Yes. Instinct.”

Her admission allowed escape. With a slight dip of his chin, he released her from his gaze and went back to eating.

Aspen shrugged.

“Risk is still important, too.”

“Absolutely,”

Brick said.

“Have you thought of expanding, Sierra?”

She forked up a piece of ahi tuna and shook her head.

“Unfortunately, the real estate around here is painful. Rents have tripled since everything is getting snatched up, redone, and sold for a huge profit. I’m lucky to have the last reasonable rent in town, let alone try for more space. But my landlord has been avoiding me about re-signing my lease. It’s getting me nervous.”

Brick squinted into the dying rays of the sun angling through.

“Yeah, I heard Dora Young got phased out of her ice cream shop. Rent went up, and she found selling sweet stuff wasn’t paying like it used to.”

Worry pricked but she tried to push it aside. She figured the rent would increase, but her profits were steady enough to warrant a reasonable hike. Since the location wasn’t full mainstream, she hoped it wouldn’t be bad. She was going to push for a five-year term this round.

“Flirt is a mainstay, and I’m sure it will be fine,”

Aspen said firmly.

“Kane, what do you think? Any news from the development side?”

Brick asked.

She felt Kane’s steady stare on her profile.

“My company’s been focused on expanding medical facilities. More money and profit in the office buildings or larger lots. I’m sure there will be an increase with the competition but no reason to worry about your lot. Can’t see a reason they’d want to sell or convert if the tenants are dependable.”

Her shoulders relaxed at his answer. Maybe she was worried for nothing. He was right—there’d be no reason to try and outprice her store when she was a solid tenant. She’d always been curious about his career and exactly what happened in New York.

His shady past made her suspicious. Had he done something criminal in the quest for more money? Greed was a hard sin to avoid. Didn’t most big-time execs turn dirty eventually? It was another reason she defended her actions of keeping her distance. She wanted nothing to do with a man who didn’t care about anything but himself.

“There you go,”

Aspen said. She leaned back in the chair with a groan.

“That was so good.”

Her stomach felt overfull and a tad nauseous. Probably a combo from the stress of sitting next to Kane and one extra strong martini. She could never hold her liquor.

“Is there anything we can do now that we’ve finalized the wedding is September and we have a place?”

Aspen ticked off her fingers.

“My dress, your dress, flowers, e-invites—”

She tried not to wince.

“No paper?”

Aspen stared.

“Sorry, evites are very cool.”

“Aren’t they? Just need a local photographer and decide on a place for the honeymoon. Done.”

Her face must’ve given away her disappointment because Brick laughed.

“Sorry, Sierra, we don’t mean to ruin the planning fun.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m so happy for you and at least there won’t be any stress,”

she offered.

“I guess I’m too excited and wanted to plan a big event. You know how I love that.”

Aspen grinned.

“And you know how much I hate it.”

“What if Sierra and I threw you an engagement party?”

Kane asked.

She froze. The words got stuck in her throat. No way was she partnering with her one-night stand to plan an event. That was a no go.

Aspen cocked her head.

“An engagement party? Honestly, we figured the wedding is so close what would be the point?”

“It’d be our gift to you and a way to celebrate. Look, once the news is out, everyone’s going to be desperate for details and asking a million questions. You’ll probably be invited to dozens of dinners to celebrate. If we had a party, you get it done in one shot. Plus, Sierra will be able to create the event on her terms. I’d help, of course. It would be a lot of fun.”

Her jaw almost unhinged. Finally, her voice emerged, about to shut down his overly kind and manipulative offer.

“Kane, I think that’s—”

“I love that idea!”

Aspen burst out. Her brown eyes sparkled.

“But are you sure two parties so close together isn’t overkill?”

“Who doesn’t love parties?”

Kane responded. Satisfaction carved out his features.

“Don’t you think it’ll be a blast, Sierra?”

She was going to kill him.

Only she was able to see the glint of amusement in those emerald eyes. She better wrest control or this was going to be a disaster.

“Absolutely. Aspen, I’d love to plan a party for you and Brick. But I can do it on my own. No need for Kane to be tortured with party planning when I’ve got it under control.”

“Nope, I’m all in.”

His teeth flashed in a grin.

“I’m looking forward to every step. We do this together—a best man and maid of honor gift.”

“That’s really nice, guys,”

Brick said.

Aspen gave her a grateful look.

“I’m overwhelmed—thank you so much. Just give us the date so we can clear it.”

“No problem. With time being so short, Sierra and I will get right to the planning.”

Kane turned to her.

“Just let me know when we can schedule an evening together and I’ll be there.”

Sierra dug her fingernails into her palms to keep from hitting him. She forced a sickly-sweet smile while her eyes shot murder.

“Sure. Can’t wait.”

“Speaking of gifts, I’ve been dying to open the one you bought,”

Aspen said.

“Oh, of course.”

She took the wrapped box and handed it over.

“But you can open it up at home. It’s getting late and I better get going.”

She hadn’t even finished her sentence before Aspen was ripping into it like a toddler on Christmas. Damn, she’d forgotten her sister was like a present junkie and could never wait. Unease shot through her. She’d hoped it’d be opened in private. Having Kane here to be a witness threw her off.

Aspen sucked in her breath as she drew the necklace out with trembling hands. The white gold flashed in the light, illuminating the gorgeous glimmer of rubies spelling out the word LOVE in elegant script.

“It’s Mom’s necklace.”

A rush of memories overtook her. Standing in the chapel, before her wedding, and deliberately removing one of her mother’s most cherished items. Maybe she’d sensed all along her sister was the one destined to wear it. When Sierra decided to marry Patrick, she’d also shut down a part of her heart to protect herself.

Aspen had always loved more like Mom. With a reckless abandon and faith in the end result. Like her stories.

Sierra focused on the present and nodded.

“I’ve been keeping it for you. Mom always believed in a great love, so I’ve been waiting for the right time for you to have it.”

They shared a glance, and she knew Aspen understood why it was never gifted when she was engaged to Ryan. Even then, Sierra had known he wasn’t meant for her. Tears clogged her throat but she continued.

“You found your great love, Aspen. And now the necklace is yours.”

Aspen began to cry. Brick hugged her close, then clasped the necklace around her neck.

“It’s so beautiful. Thank you, Sierra.”

She smiled. “Welcome.”

Sierra hadn’t planned to look over at Kane; she had no intention of sharing such an emotional moment with him. But it was as if her gaze was drawn, and when their eyes locked, she stilled.

Raw emotion shot out at her; a mix of pain and longing and so much hunger it was as if her heart broke open to allow room for him to enter. She fought the urge to reach out to him; lay her hand on his rough cheek and soothe the beast that seemed ready to burst out. She wanted him to share his secrets. She knew there were many untold from their one night, and from his obvious reaction to her gift.

But she said nothing. When she managed to tear herself away and refocus, it was as if the moment was just a dream or a distant memory. His voice was calm and controlled, depicting none of the turmoil she’d glimpsed.

“What a thoughtful gift.”

He paused.

“You two are lucky to have one another.”

A current of beeps broke the spell. Aspen scooped up her phone with a frown, then began laughing.

“And it’s official. I won the bet.”

Brick shook his head as he did the same and studied his screen.

“The news broke. I’ve got a ton of messages coming in. But how do you know its Marco?”

Aspen shot him a triumphant look.

“Because Maleficent told me she found out from Marco, and he’s spent the last hour spreading the news. Told ya.”

“He should run for mayor,”

Kane muttered.

Everyone laughed.

The server appeared asking about dessert. They all declined, and Brick paid the bill.

In the parking lot, Sierra hugged Brick and her sister, nodding at Kane, while she lied and promised to contact him about the engagement party. No need to blast out her intention to do it all herself or give suspicion that she wanted nothing to do with him. His gaze was like a physical hold, trying to clutch tight, but she jumped in her car and peeled away before anyone could stop her.

When she got home, she locked the doors and hid in her safe retreat.

She kicked off her strappy platform white sandals with funky chain straps—an oldie but goodie from years ago—and headed to the bedroom. Sliding her shoes carefully into their spot was a satisfying balm to her soul. She took a few moments to gaze at her collection and allowed a few moments of peace to steal over her.

Lovingly, she closed the closet doors and turned to grab her pj’s.

The doorbell rang.

Sierra closed her eyes, dreading the confrontation. Because she knew one thing she could no longer escape.

Kane Masterson had finally come to get her.