Page 12

“To wear dreams on one’s feet is to begin to give a reality to one’s dreams.”

– Roger Vivier

“I call the Bad Ass Bitches Club to order.”

Sierra picked from the cheese and cracker board while she took in the other women gathered at the carved table designed to resemble a corkscrew. The wine bar welcomed them every Thursday night, providing a private room so they could hold their weekly meeting. This past year, they’d all come a long way.

It had originally been a support group to get over Brick, who had no idea women were sharing heartbreak stories and making him out to be a player. Sierra and Aspen had put a quick stop to that ridiculousness, and once the members realized it had just been an excuse to get together, they changed the name to the Bad Ass Bitches Club.

Now, Sierra was a proud member, and they’d welcomed more women into the circle. Riley was the leader. Her bright red hair, smattering of freckles, and killer style allowed her to control the group with ease. Once she’d stopped blaming Brick for everything wrong, she’d actually become a strong advocate for everyone, encouraging sharing and honesty. The topics were wide, but most revolved around everyone’s current love life.

Or lack of one.

Sierra sipped her Prosecco and listened to Lacey talk excitedly about her new boyfriend. She was a local waitress with gorgeous curves, white-blonde hair, and a sweet smile. She’d experienced some terrible past relationships.

“He asked me straight out last weekend if I was dating anyone else, and when I said no, he asked if we could be exclusive.”

The roar of approval around the table made Sierra smile.

“I know! There’s no games. And he pays for shit. He’s a real grown-up, but I’ve been getting in my head and wondering if he’s secretly plotting to break my heart for fun. Isn’t that screwed up?”

Her pert nose wrinkled.

“I can’t recognize the good ones anymore. But I’m tired of playing games and I just want to be real.”

Riley snapped out a response.

“Our brains are assholes and try to use past experiences to keep us from getting hurt. But if we recognize it, we can watch our thoughts and move past it.”

The comment struck home. Sierra tucked it aside to examine later. Since Kane had stirred up old emotion, she’d been questioning the way she’d set up her life.

Aspen rose up in her chair with excitement.

“Yes—I heard Jamie Kern Lima speak and remind us we are all worthy of love and kindness but we need to own our value. We are worthy!”

Maleficent, a new member to the group, tilted her head. Dressed in black leather shorts, open-toed boots, and a t-shirt that said Love Hurts, she was the most badass in the group. Her burgundy braids and elaborate tats boasted confidence, but Sierra had found her heart was tender and hidden behind a wall of rock. Once Brick’s rival, she owned a tour company that used to compete with Ziggy’s Tours. Now, she’d become a good friend of Aspen and Sierra.

“No shit? You think it’s that easy?”

“Not easy, but with practice, we get better,”

Riley said.

Bethany nibbled at her nails; pale skin still seemingly untouched by the sun even living in the beach town for a while.

“How’d you learn all this new stuff, Riley?”

Riley sighed.

“I’m having some issues with Ian,”

she admitted.

“So, instead of leaning back into my usual ways, where I completely sabotage the relationship, I decided to do a deep dive on fixing some of my crap.”

Sierra looked at the hopeful faces around the table. It was nice to know they all struggled with different things. Too many times, female communities tore each other apart to make them feel better about themselves, but here it was different. What had begun as an excuse to gossip and hurt transformed into true support.

Sierra loved it.

They took turns trying to offer advice and encouragement as they went around. The whole time, Sierra longed to come clean to Aspen and her friends about Kane. Just word vomit the entire thing and be done with it. But after that explosive confrontation a few nights ago?

She battled even more confusion.

He actually wanted to pursue a relationship. The sheer panic his declaration caused had bumped up a few of her own insecurities she didn’t like to face. And one of them became crystal clear.

She bitched about not being able to find a man that fit. A man who’d take away the edge of loneliness. A man to share her wins and her losses.

But the real truth?

She’d become used to being on her own. Any type of attachment gave her a sinking pit in her stomach. God, who couldn’t even commit to a cat? Lately, Aspen had been nudging Sierra to get out of her safe circle. And though she had her business and friends, she recognized those type of relationships were easier. Less risk of being disappointed. Or even worse?

Being hurt.

She’d worked so hard these past years to get into a good place inside and out. There had been so much loss in her life, why bother looking for more when she was relatively happy?

But now Kane threatened her peace. He was a droolworthy, sex-on-a-stick temptation stalking out from the shadows of her past, ready to chase her back into his bed.

Goose bumps broke out at the erotic image.

Dammit, she was doing it again. Picturing herself in one of Aspen’s novels. She had to stop.

“Sierra?”

She blinked, refocusing. Everyone was staring at her, awaiting a response.

“Oh, sorry. Was thinking about some stuff.”

“Great, it’s your turn to share,”

Riley urged.

Sierra shifted in her seat, pinning on a bright smile.

“I’m going on a date this weekend,”

she forced herself to say. The women applauded but she raised her hand.

“I’m not excited about it. Another hookup from Brooklyn.”

The room quieted. Lacey winced.

“She doesn’t have a great track record.”

“But all you need is one success,”

Aspen reminded her.

“Kiss a hundred frogs and statistically proven, you’ll find the prince.”

Sierra rolled her eyes.

“I’m not even sure I’m looking for one anymore.”

Aspen sighed.

“But you deserve a guy who will see all the wonderful things we do. You just need to step out of your comfort zone and give it a try.”

Sierra looked into her sister’s pleading eyes and tried to squash the flicker of guilt. She was going to tell her about Kane. Soon. Lying to Aspen was the worst feeling in the world and once her conscience was clear, she wouldn’t have to pretend.

“I’ll give this date a solid try,”

she promised.

“But I’ve decided to do something even bigger.”

Sierra dragged in a breath.

“I’m going to get a cat.”

She expected the same hearty applause but everyone just stared at her.

At least, Aspen clapped with enthusiasm.

“Finally! Bringing an animal into your house will be so good for you. It’s a perfect time to open your life to someone.”

Lacey snorted.

“I’d rather have a naked male animal in my bed, but what the hell. Cats are cool.”

“Are you going to the rescue shelter?”

Maleficent asked.

“My friend works there—I’ll tell her you’re coming.”

“Yes, that will be great. I know exactly what I want. A sweet, smaller sized rescue with a chill personality. Maybe a kitten so we can immediately imprint on one another? I’d love to bring her into the shop so she could become Flirt’s mascot.”

The group warmed up to that idea, offering help and saying how great it would be for marketing.

“Maybe you can even put the cat on your graphics,”

Aspen suggested.

“Marco has seen some great growth for his store. Bet he’ll have some ideas or help out.”

Sierra lifted a brow.

“He’s doing marketing now? Marco’s come a long way, huh?”

Aspen grinned.

“From the pot-smoking, carefree, hippie type to a real business person? Yep. It’s amazing, right, Maleficent?”

Sierra watched Mal freeze up, staring back at them with a touch of defensiveness.

“Why are you asking me? I don’t know Marco that well.”

Aspen hadn’t seemed to catch on to Maleficent’s unease. A laugh escaped her sister’s lips.

“Marco thinks you’re the smartest businesswoman and is always talking about you. Poor Brick is a bit jealous, I think. He likes being a mentor to Marco.”

Maleficent picked up her bold Cabernet and sipped. She took her time with her answer.

“Marco’s a nice kid but I keep telling him he’s better off learning from Brick. Or Sierra—you both own a shop. Maybe you can reach out and give him a few tips. I’m really too busy to play mentor.”

“Sure. I can reach out.”

Something felt off about her friend, but Aspen interrupted.

“Marco’s harmless. I just think he’s got a crush. Who can blame him? You’re a smoke show,”

Aspen said.

Maleficent’s cheeks flushed. Fascinating. Sierra had never seen the woman crack under any type of compliment, bawdy suggestion, or challenge. Was there something else going on Sierra didn’t know about?

She would have liked to dig deeper but Bethanny’s comment made her fingers clench around her wine glass.

“Anyone know who’s dating Kane?”

Lacey’s head whipped around.

“No! My friend saw him at Sunfish alone and tried to hook up but he said he was busy. Bought her drink, though. Think he’s with someone but trying to keep it a secret?”

Sierra’s gut clenched. She hated sitting quietly while her friends all discussed Kane on a revolving weekly basis. She didn’t blame them for being obsessed. He was the hottest man in Corolla and charmed everyone he met.

“Who would keep him a secret?”

Bethanny scoffed.

“I can’t figure out why he’s not dating anyone.”

Riley cut in.

“Is there someone back in New York no one knows about?”

Aspen sighed.

“No, I can confirm he’s fully single. Brick said he suddenly pulled back and said he only wants to focus on work. But it’s weird to me, too. It’s been months and he hasn’t dated anyone.”

Sierra refused to allow herself to blush while her mind scrambled to make sense of her sister’s statement. Was it possible Kane had been holding back because of her? It was a damn long time for a man to remain celibate when they’d barely saw each other, let alone promised anything. But the idea gave her a rush of satisfaction that made her almost as tipsy as one lousy glass of wine.

Aspen shook her head.

“He’s like the male Sierra. Too bad you both never clicked. Maybe you would’ve balanced each other out,”

she joked.

Oh, God.

Sierra felt the culmination of female stares.

“Yeah, I think Sierra is the only one who doesn’t go on and on about Kane,”

Lacey said.

“Well, I’d be whatever that man wants,”

Bethanny said with a laugh.

“I bet one night with him would be enough to live on for a lifetime.”

Sierra choked on her wine, which thankfully broke up the conversation. The topic turned to the best lip stain for kissing without smearing and before long, it was time to go.

Aspen walked out beside her and linked arms.

“Hey, you know I don’t mean to give you a hard time about dating, right?”

she asked, a slight frown creasing her brow.

“Yep.”

Aspen shot her an exasperated look.

“I’m serious. I don’t want to be one of those awful sisters who’s pushing love and joy on you just because I’m getting married. That’s horrible.”

“You were always horrible. I’m used to it.”

She laughed as Aspen bumped against her.

“I like the cat idea.”

“Me, too. Childless cat ladies are popular, at least.”

“Stop.”

A laugh bubbled from her.

“How’s the engagement planning going with Kane?”

Sierra tried not to react.

“Good. We’re, umm, working on it. There really is no reason for him to be involved. I’m happy to do it myself.”

Aspen tapped her lip as she seemed to ponder.

“I know he’s a peacock, but he was really there for Brick. He stepped in to help with Ziggy’s Tours, and he’s tried hard to become a part of the community.”

A tiny frown creased her brow.

“Can you give him a chance? Let him be a part of the planning? He doesn’t have any family and sometimes I—”

Sierra stopped at her car. Heart beating furiously, she looked at her sister. “What?”

“I feel bad for him. I think he’s lonely.”

The words tore through her and caused more damage than she admitted. She took the opportunity to dig.

“Yeah, but is it because he did something terrible in New York and now has to pay the price?”

she asked.

“He was in jail, Aspen. That’s a big deal. Do you know anything about what happened?”

Aspen sighed.

“Not really. He hasn’t even told Brick all the details. We just know he was arrested, but then they dropped the charges, and he was out of a job. He seems to want to rebuild his life. We’ve spent a lot of time together and I trust him.”

Dread pooled in her stomach. She didn’t want to think of Kane being a victim. Her sister hadn’t met the man he was years ago. He admitted ruthlessness in getting what he wanted and the way he looked at money as his only goal. Sierra knew he had demons—but didn’t everyone have some crap from the past they needed to transform?

Kane admitted he hurt people. She wasn’t okay with letting someone like that in her life. Someone who would only choose himself when the stakes were high.

Someone who found it easy to leave.

The thought confirmed her decision to not get involved.

“Just be careful. You were always easier to trust than me,”

Sierra said.

“Will you try, though? To be nice to him and let him do some stuff?”

Ah, crap. Normally, it would be a loud no, but Aspen looked so eager, she decided to give in.

“I’ll try.”

“Good enough.”

They hugged.

“Want me to go with you to the shelter?”

“Nah, I’d like to do this on my own. It’s a big decision, and I want to be guided to the right cat naturally.”

“Okay. Call me after your date to give me the deets!”

Aspen called, walking away.

“Will do!”

Sierra drove home and tried not to think about the kiss with Kane. His departure reeked with a warning he’d only gotten started in his pursuit, and now with Aspen’s plea to involve him, Sierra was completely mixed up.

Best to take one step at a time. Brooklyn had been pushing hard to set her up with this guy, and after the confrontation with Kane, she’d decided it was a good time to declare boundaries. It would firmly show she wanted to move on in a new direction. She’d get a cat and open her home up to a new family member. And she’d invite Kane to a few vendor appointments, then call it a day.

She could handle it.

No problem.

Kane walked into his office and sat at his desk. Once, his view had been the skyscrapers of a powerful New York City skyline. He’d sat in a designer leather chair, stared at walls covered in expensive art, and had a private wet bar for cocktails.

Now? His chair hurt his back; the space was cramped and held a bunch of file cabinets, a battered desk, and a lone dorm refrigerator. The plaster walls had dings and dents and was painted a sad Eeyore gray. His view was a parking lot.

His lips twisted in a rueful half-smile. It was another reminder not to count on anything for too long. Not money, security, or power.

The thought was depressing so he pushed it out of his mind and focused on what he could control. His comeback. The big return to the property world in the Outer Banks. There were endless opportunities to make a splash. He’d been scouring the landscape and trying to put something big together to make an impression on his boss. It only took one deal to change everything. He knew, because he’d done it before.

And he was going to do it again.

On cue, Duncan strolled in. He was an older man with neatly combed back white hair and blue eyes that were too kind for this type of business. Silver glasses perched on his broad nose. His suit was gray like the walls and off-the-rack, the hem of his pants dragging a bit on the floor for his average height. Kane tried not to judge. He had a thing with designer clothes and the way they made him feel. Funny, he understood Sierra’s passion for fashion. It was amazing how the right outfit could center someone and give them power. It was just another bond they shared.

“Morning, Kane. I’ve got something for you.”

His boss took a seat in the cheap fold-out across from him. He was a good guy but lacked vision. Then again, he didn’t seem to have the hunger to make his own business bigger and better.

“Stealth Property contacted me, asking to scope out a space to build one of their resorts. They have certain specs I sent over. I thought you’d be interested.”

“Yeah?”

His brow climbed. This is the stuff he did in his sleep at his old job and gave him the biggest buzz. Grabbing a deal and flipping real estate for profit was a gift. Somehow, his brain clicked in all the right ways to get what his clients wanted. Stealth was well-known in the industry and a power player.

“I’m surprised they came to us.”

His boss grinned.

“Yeah, me too. We’re small potatoes but seems someone found out you were working here and thought you could get the job done. There’s a hefty bonus in there, too.”

“You didn’t want this one?”

he asked carefully. Usually, the owner claimed all rights to these types of opportunities.

“No, I have enough crap to deal with. Plus, the last time I tried something like this, I ended up being the villain in town. No one likes to hear their mom-and-pop shops are going to be bulldozed. You have less connections.”

Kane laughed.

“I’m the bad guy, huh?”

His boss laughed.

“Take it, leave it, doesn’t matter. I’m happy with what we’ve built here, but I sense you’re not. Stealth wants a conference call this week.”

He paused, his gaze shrewd.

“If you succeed, Stealth may want to hire you.”

Kane cocked his head with amusement.

“Why do I get the feeling you won’t be fighting to keep me?”

His boss stood from the chair.

“’Cause I won’t.”

His gaze held a hint of sympathy that startled him.

“I recognized your talent immediately, and I’m grateful to have you. But being in business for so many years allows you to see the bigger picture.”

Duncan hesitated. Kane waited, curious.

“I have nothing left to prove. But I think you still do. Let me know if you have questions. Good luck.”

Kane was firing up his computer before his boss hit the door. The old zap of adrenalin hit full-force, and soon, he was lost in the new proposal of possibilities. He put together a networking plan and fell down the rabbit hole of research until he surfaced late that day.

Before he got home, Kane decided to stop in for a beer at Sunfish. He texted Brick to see if he could join, but he was busy with Aspen and asked for a raincheck. Kane found an empty stool, ordered a whiskey, and enjoyed people watching. The place was kicking with tourists, bringing a revelry and chaos that amused him. It was as if everyone used their weeks off to cram as much fun into the hours as possible, and Sunfish was always a popular spot.

He chatted with a few drinking neighbors, waved to others he knew, and settled in.

Until he saw Sierra.

His body tightened with immediate awareness as his gaze locked in. She sat at one of the tables, her caramel hair shiny and curling down her back. A bright red sundress splashed with white flowers showed off her tanned shoulders and hugged her generous breasts. His gaze automatically swept down to check the shoes.

Yeah. She’d come out to play. The sexy red sandals held a sassy bow in the front with an open back. Kitten heels about an inch. She was afraid to look too tall so the whole thing screamed blind date. She leaned across the table, obviously trying to hear her companion over the noise, then offered a smile.

Jealousy ripped through him. He fought the urge to get up, cross the room, and haul the guy she smiled at off his feet and out the door. The primitive roar inside him ached to rip free and bellow the truth she refused to accept.

Sierra belonged to him.

The scene around him faded away as he studied the guy she sat with. Average looking, with a too-short haircut and roving gaze. His hand covered his phone like a cherished girlfriend’s hand. Even worse? He was wearing flip flops. Kane was embarrassed for him, but relief also hit full force.

She’d never be into a guy who didn’t even try.

His chest loosened and he was able to watch their interaction with calm. Oh, she was trying, he’d give her that, but the guy seemed more interested in the cut of her dress and his next text.

She’d barely get to dessert if she wasn’t rescued.

With a grin, Kane gripped his beer, got off the stool, and decided to save her again.

Just like he had four years ago.

The flare of awareness in her pretty hazel eyes struck him full-force, before a wall shot up to hide her emotion. But it was too late. He’d caught her interest and it was enough to jump into his role with delight.

“Sierra! It’s wonderful to see you,”

he said, interrupting their obviously flat dialogue. He bent over and kissed her cheek, watching them redden. Kane knew it was temper, but at the moment, he didn’t care. Any type of response from her was a win.

“I’ve been waiting for you to come over and see Pedro. He misses you.”

Her companion cleared his throat. Sierra glared, her teeth gnashing together.

“Umm, Kane? What are you doing here?”

“Well, you mentioned you may be coming here tonight and we’ve been so busy, I hoped to catch you. Oops, sorry, don’t mean to interrupt.”

He stuck out his hand to Mr. Flip Flops.

“I’m Kane.”

The guy nodded and tentatively shook. Kane deducted more points for a limp shake that held no power. Sierra would eat this guy for breakfast.

“Hi. I’m Gary.”

“Gary and I are on a date right now,”

Sierra said, her mouth twisted in a painful smile.

“We can talk another time.”

“Oh, I’m sure Gary doesn’t mind. You believe in co-parenting, right?”

Gary jerked. His brown eyes widened.

“You’re a parent?” he asked.

“No! Don’t listen to—”

“Sierra is the best mom. I know we just broke up, but Pedro hasn’t been sleeping well. I think we should take him to the park tomorrow together, don’t you?”

“No! There is no—”

“How old is Pedro?”

Gary asked, obviously concerned about being thrown into a sticky ex situation.

Kane gave a smile.

“Just turned one year old. Right, honey?”

“What are you doing?”

she hissed.

Kane held up his hands.

“Do what? It’s not Pedro’s fault we settled most of our arguments in the bedroom. Neither of us were ready for such intensity, but Pedro deserves our full support.”

Gary began to cough.

“I-I didn’t know about this situation.”

“Of course not, it’s relatively new,”

Kane said cheerfully.

“You mind if I pull up a chair real quick? What are you drinking, Gary? I’ll buy the next round.”

Sierra opened her mouth to take control but it was too late.

Gary jumped up from the table with his beloved phone. A sick smile curved his weak mouth.

“Uh, sorry, but I’m not ready for this yet. And I, uh, forgot that I need to get home to let the—uh, my dog out. Take my seat, Kane. It was nice to meet you, Sierra.”

Sierra blinked. “But—”

Gary took off.

Kane dropped in the seat across from her, wrinkling his nose at Gary’s choice of cocktail.

“An apple martini? Really? How did you manage to stay beyond the intros?”

“I am going to kill you.”

He sipped his whiskey, put his elbows on the table, and grinned.

“Trust me, I’ll be better company than Mr. Flip Flops.”

“What are you even saying? Have you gone insane? Barging over here and ruining my date? You have absolutely no right!”

“Maybe not, but I saved you from a worthless evening. Don’t even try to lie and tell me you found anything in that guy valuable enough to stay past appetizers.”

She pressed her lips together, obviously pissed, but there was another spark in her eyes that kept him in his seat. Interest. When was the last time this vibrant woman had a man who’d not only meet on her level, but challenge her.

“My opinion has nothing to do with it,”

she said primly. She could’ve left, but instead she reached for her wine glass.

“Stay out of my personal life, Masterson. This is your last warning.”

“Duly noted.”

He tipped a finger and the waitress ran over.

“Can we get a bucket of oysters, an IPA, and a”—he glanced at her glass—“Prosecco?”

“Of course. Be right back.”

Sierra gave a snort at her rushed retreat.

“You’re so damn bossy. The only reason I’m staying is I didn’t finish eating and you might as well pay. But if you ever pull a stunt like that again, I’ll out you in public.”

“Flip Flops didn’t stick around to hear Pedro was our dog.”

He regarded her across the table with a glittering gaze.

“Any man who runs that fast isn’t worthy of you, Sierra.”

She shifted in her seat but refused to give him an inch.

“Neither are you.”

His lip quirked.

“You’re right. But I’ll get there.”

He heard the slight intake of her breath. She fiddled with her napkin.

“Why do you keep calling him flip flops? Is this shoe discrimination?”

“Definitely. You had a flicker of hope tonight, which pisses me off. He didn’t even try.”

“Are you basing this all on shoes?”

Kane ignored her surprised tone and pushed.

“Shoes are important. They show your mood or mental state. Kitten heels and bows are about flirt and hope. I hate that you wasted any effort on him.”

Shock crossed her face before she managed to gain back control.

“I didn’t realize you noticed my shoe fetish.”

“I notice everything that’s important to you,”

he said quietly.

“What do you think I’ve been doing these past months while biding my time?”

She shifted her gaze and their eyes locked. The room faded away under the familiar sting of electricity, but then the waitress dropped off their oysters and drinks, breaking the moment. Kane reached for one, expertly squeezing half a lemon and a dash of sauce like she preferred, then offered the oyster. She paused before taking it, and he watched her bubblegum lips part and suck the tender flesh into her mouth. She chewed, eyes half closed, as if enjoying the sharp tastes on her tongue. Kane savored every flicker of expression with greed. Sierra taking her pleasures in any aspect was an incredible treat.

He hardened immediately. Kane’s vision blurred with the crack of desire exploding through his body. The woman had some witch-like power over his dick, even though they’d only spent one night together years ago. He’d tried to tell himself if they ever met again, it could never be the same intensity.

Now, they’d both proved the lie.

When she’d swallowed and opened her eyes, he reached for his own oyster. She snapped back to her sassy self.

“How’d you know about my date tonight?”

she asked suspiciously.

“Did you plan this whole setup?”

He took his time answering.

“Nope. Call it Fate. I stopped for a drink after work. Didn’t take long to assess the situation and formulate a rescue plan.”

“And if I looked like I was having a great time?”

He grinned.

“I would’ve interrupted sooner.”

Temper steamed from her pores.

“This thing between us has to stop. I already told you it’s best we move in separate directions.”

“Funny, I think the opposite. Here, eat this one.”

God, she was sexy when she was mad, but he figured she was still hungry enough to snatch the oyster from his fingers. Kane decided to change the subject to keep her at the table. Being alone with her was rare. He wanted to do everything to extend his time.

“I’ve been thinking about the engagement party and have a few suggestions,” he said.

Her brow arched. She patted the napkin to her lips.

“Oh, really? I’d love to hear them.”

He swirled his glass.

“I created a spreadsheet with all the places that have private rooms and would be a good fit for the theme.”

“You came up with a theme?”

He gave a half shrug.

“Not exactly. I just figured casual elegance would fit Aspen and Brick. They don’t like formal, but we want good food, good staff, and good décor. I’ll email you the list and we can each call half to speed up the process. The alternate idea is to rent tents and create a beach engagement party but we’d be more dependent on weather.”

Satisfaction unfurled at her look of surprise.

“Wait—you did all of this alone?”

Kane shrugged.

“Sure—it didn’t take long. I also created a vendor list but I’m sure you know more people and may have already decided who you want to work with. I did think something with sea turtles would be nice for a favor—maybe handmade soaps in that shape? Oh, and I’d say a DJ is key and they’d prefer it over a band. Maybe Taylor Swift can be a theme song for them to walk into? That could be fun.”

Her reaction was worth all of those sweat-worthy hours figuring this shit out. Once he began climbing down the portal of engagement parties, Kane admitted it wasn’t so bad. Just like putting together a deal. Get your stats and numbers, find who you want to work with, create the scene needed to close, follow through. Who knew event planning could be satisfying?

“I don’t believe it,”

she muttered.

“Why are you doing this?”

He opened his mouth to answer.

“Don’t lie.”

He shut it. Considered. Damned if he was going to lie to this woman ever.

“Two reasons. I like the idea of us working on something together for people we both love. Second, I wanted to impress you and show you another side of me.”

She gave a long sigh.

“Crap, that was a good answer. Even though I don’t like it.”

“Have another oyster.”

She glared but ate the third one while he tried not to grin.

“I’ll look at your spreadsheet but I don’t pride myself on working well with others. This is my sister—the most important person in my life. If you’re going to try to mansplain crap or push your agenda, I’ll push back. And I don’t care if I sound bitchy, it’s just the way it is.”

Delight lit him up.

“I like the way you are. I really want an opportunity to help. For Brick. Okay?”

Her tongue slicked over her lower lip. Kane almost bent over as if sucker punched. He’d give up anything to taste her one more time.

“Fine.”

“Thank you, Sierra.”

Her name danced on his tongue. He noticed she stiffened slightly, as if trying to fight her reaction.

“Maybe we should meet tomorrow after you’ve gone over the spreadsheet?”

She snorted.

“Nice try but we can text. Besides, I’m going to the animal shelter.”

“A cat, right?”

She stared back at him.

Kane smiled gently.

“Brick said you were considering it a while ago, but never pulled the trigger. I’m glad you decided to adopt. You deserve to have a companion who loves you unconditionally. You’ll be a great mom.”

She blinked rapidly, as if he’d surprised her with his words and she didn’t know how to process. Too bad. She deserved to have consistent compliments and appreciation from a man she invited into her life.

But it must’ve been too much. His question made her slam down a wall between them.

Damn. One of his faults was going too hard, too fast.

She looked down at her lap, as if gathering her thoughts. When she lifted her chin, the mask was back in place.

“I have to go.”

He nodded. Kane realized she needed space from him to process.

“I got the bill. Drive safe, Sierra.”

Gratitude shone in her hazel eyes from the easy escape.

“Thanks. You, too.”

She walked out of the restaurant, her heels tapping across the floor. But the encounter only proved things between them had only just begun.

Kane smiled as he settled up and headed home. Sierra wasn’t interested in dating anyone else. He just needed to be patient and wait out her stubbornness. There was no real reason they couldn’t be together now. Yes, he needed to gain her trust, but with Brick and Aspen’s wedding, they’d be forced to spend more time together.

He was in a damn good mood. Finally, he was rebuilding his career, and Sierra was back in his life. Things were finally on the upswing.

At this point, what could go wrong?