Page 16

Kane walked into the meeting prepared with a hot list of properties ready to be flipped.

It had been a challenge. This wasn’t a big city where deals lurked around every busy corner. No, with the beach as the main draw, prime real estate was gathered close to the water or in the heart of shopping towns lining Main Street. Sometimes, it was a game to dig deep enough to find the real owners to buy from. He’d seen a ton of shade in NYC but hadn’t really found too many red flags in OBX.

Kane was focused on moving fast and keeping things clean. His past experiences had pushed him into grayer areas to walk the legal lines, and though he did it for the goal, the twist in his gut confirmed he wanted a clean slate. Looking back with a safe amount of distance, he clearly saw how greed played into too many deals. Hell, his mentor had been his greatest teacher. Each lesson was primed to show Kane the end justified the means, and if you weren’t first, you were last. Last meant ruin. Last equaled failure. He’d learned to dull his emotions and sharpen his instincts for winning.

Until he landed in jail. Lost everything. And finally realized the truth about the fake world he’d once believed in.

But this time was different. Kane learned he couldn’t trust anyone but himself, and doing this deal with Stealth was his way to get back in the game. This time, on his terms.

He studied the two men at the conference table with an expert ease. One was in power, and the other was here to make Kane feel more valued. Todd Fletcher—CEO of Stealth—was well-known in the South and was slowly making a name for his company as a major player. He dressed in designer lapels but his conservative black suit wasn’t custom tailored, and fit him poorly. The shoes were a knock-off of a famous Italian designer, and he smiled a bit too broadly at Kane, making him seem nervous. He peered from behind thick-framed glasses that gave off a cover model vibe rather than power.

The guy to his right, Jack, knew his place. The simple white shirt and red tie were classic. His features held no strong emotion, and his brown eyes stared back with a simple clarity that told Kane he probably knew more about the nuts and bolts of Stealth than Todd. Kane had been trained early on to court the approval of the quietest guy in the room, not the loudest.

Jack would be in Todd’s ear and Kane needed to make a quick, solid impression.

“I was happy you could meet with us,”

Todd said.

“We’re looking to grow our team and your past experiences in New York are impressive. Unless you intend to return home?”

Kane smiled, easing back into his chair. He shot his cuffs, and his last good set of links caught the light. Once, he’d had a drool-worthy collection but it had all been left behind.

“New York served its purpose, and I was honored to get my experience with Global. But it was time for a change. A close friend of mine lives in Corolla, and after a much-needed vacation, I decided to make the move permanent.”

Todd boomed out a laugh.

“Nice to know we can still run with the big dogs. We’re looking forward to seeing what you came up with. I’m sure it was a challenge not knowing the area.”

“I thrive on challenge. And you were smart enough to hire me for my outside opinion. A fresh perspective is needed with these beach towns, especially when rents are increasing and available property is shrinking.”

Kane felt Jack’s gaze on him, but the man remained silent, absorbing the conversation. “Exactly,”

Todd said, jabbing his index finger in the air.

“Jack and I need someone fresh to round out the team—one with less connections to the community. There can be a certain sense of…upheaval we hope to avoid with a new face.”

A strange unease settled over him as he felt the energy shift. Was this a test? Sometimes, companies threw out bait projects to see how things were handled before giving out the real prize. Not that he was worried. He’d been playing these games for years, and he never minded sharpening his claws.

“Understood. I think you’ll appreciate these properties to house an exclusive resort.”

Kane spent the next hour sifting through his top choices, going into a detailed prospectus for each. He leaned into his innate confidence and used his past experience to show he’d handle whatever came at him.

They pulled his proposals apart with hard questions Kane appreciated. And when all was said, he waited with patience until they spoke first.

Jack and Todd shared a knowing glance. Slowly, Jack nodded.

A pleased smile curved Todd’s lip.

“Kane, thanks for the presentation. You hit all the marks we were hoping, and we’d love to hire you for this deal.”

His blood sung with adrenaline. He’d figured they’d play harder and let him sweat so they’d have better negotiation power. But this looked like a straight win.

“I appreciate your confidence,”

he said with a tip of his chin.

“Which property do you want me to move on?”

“None of them,”

Jack said.

He cocked his head, a question in his gaze.

Todd cleared his throat.

“We had a property that came up for our consideration but it’s a bit delicate. It houses some local businesses which can become a bit of a challenge, so we wanted to see how you’d handle this type of deal. And you impressed us, Kane. You’re the one we want.”

“But not for these properties I worked on? You need me to close on something else?”

Jack slid over a stack of folders.

“Correct. I’ll send you all the stats, but that’s some old paperwork you may find useful. The new landlord has gotten himself into some trouble, and we can buy out the lease, then flip the building. He just needs some convincing. The specs and price are better than the others.”

Kane nodded, still finding it strange they didn’t just be straight with him. But who cared if he got the job? He was a master at negotiation and maneuvering and would get it done.

“Then I’ll handle it.”

Satisfaction carved out Todd’s face. Jack kept his expression neutral, but his gaze probed as if checking to see if Kane was the real thing or a bullshit artist.

“Reach out with any questions. We’re counting on you.”

Kane grinned.

“I won’t let you down. But I haven’t seen your offer yet. I’ve been happy where I am.”

Todd practically rubbed his hands together in glee, giving too much away.

“Not getting bored over there closing medical office deals? You could do that in your sleep.”

“I came to OBX so I’d have more time in my schedule. I don’t want to give it up for nothing.”

Jack remained mute, but Todd laughed.

“Of course. I think you’ll be very happy with our generous offer.”

He outlined the terms of the contract, plus bonuses for each step in the deal. He didn’t even have to wait until closing to get a nice chunk of money.

All he had to do was close this one deal, and he’d be set.

“HR will send everything for you to look at. In the meantime, go over the Sunrise property and let us know ASAP. We need to move quickly.”

They shook hands, did the goodbye bullshit, and Kane left.

Holy shit. He’d gotten it.

Satisfaction coursed through him, along with the familiar thrill.

He was back.

Kane wanted to dive in and get started, but he had something more important to do.

He drove to Flirt and parked in the lot.

Sierra’s car was there.

Admiring the bold, yet inviting window displays, he almost laughed when he realized he was more excited to see her than go back to the office and work.

No woman had ever been able to compete with the lure of a new deal.

Until now.

Kane got out and entered.

The bell tinkled in welcome.

Some delicious scent warmed the air, making him immediately relax.

He stood in the entrance and scanned the space, taking in the store she’d named from his memory and that he’d never visited before.

God, it was like the essence of the woman permeated every inch of Flirt, and he wanted to sink himself into the experience.

Loose groups of females roamed around, chattering and laughing as they fingered beautiful fabrics he immediately wanted to touch.

Displays of jewelry scattered throughout with signs of local female designers proudly displayed.

Miniature crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and the palette reminded him of her home, creams and butter and bright whites blending with sea-blue, yellows, and lavender.

A line for the fitting rooms snaked toward the back, smartly edged with impulse buys like scarves, trinkets, and candles.

A young girl with a nose piercing appeared with a dazzling smile.

“Welcome to Flirt! I’m Prim, let me know if I can help you in any way!”

“Thanks. Can you let me know what that scent is?”

Her face lit up.

“Oh, that’s our best-selling candle, Beach Love. Let me show it to you.”

She led him to a beautiful table of various candles and picked up one in beveled glass with jeweled tone shells embedded in the top.

“Not only will the scent relax you, but it’s a piece of art for your room. Tangerine, black pepper, and oakwood give it that scent. Only $19.99 but if you buy two, you get one free.”

Prim handed him the candle and eased away.

“I’ll let you browse but I’m here for anything you need.”

Kane gave her credit for a great sales pitch.

People hated sales teams to hover or spy, but they were also pissed off if no one was around to help.

Prim immediately began hanging clothes, but he sensed she’d be available the moment he sought out her gaze.

Sierra did well with her training.

Kane spent some time as a shopper and threw himself into the experience of Flirt.

He picked up items, ran his hands over fabrics, and eavesdropped on conversations that held the joy and mystery of females bonding over shopping.

Brooklyn was manning the counter and then the familiar husky tone of Sierra’s voice cut through the air.

He turned his head and once again, experienced the jolt of recognition he’d had that very first night they met.

She wore a playful, white eyelet dress with a bouncy hem that showed off her gorgeous bare legs.

Hair tied up in a fashionable ponytail, her multiple silver link chains roped around her neck and ankles gave off a fun vibe, and showed off her perfect cleavage.

His gaze dropped and a smile automatically curved his lips.

White flats covered in elaborate lace with a rounded toe.

Simple and flirty.

She was feeling good today after telling her sister the truth.

Every part of him clenched with the need to touch her.

He wanted to be the one allowed to cross the store and take her into his arms.

He wanted to claim her with his mouth and hands so the world knew she belonged to him.

It was a primal instinct that made him clench his fingers and not move until he was under control.

It had been two days since he’d seen her last.

They’d spoken after their dual conversations with Aspen and Brick but he’d given her some space to settle.

The engagement party was officially booked and sending out invitations was the next step.

Sierra had all the addresses and said she could just print out labels, so Kane had been officially dismissed.

Good thing he had a few last-minute proposals to offer.

It was time to take the next step together.

But first, he wanted to make himself comfortable in her second home. So, he roamed incognito waiting until Sierra recognized him.

Unfortunately, Mo came to him first.

Kane reached out to examine a tapestry bag in an interesting patchwork design when a blur of fur jumped out.

A blistered curse escaped as he staggered back, heart beating from the scare.

In seconds, the cat managed to squeeze himself in between the bags and take center stage, unfurling his massive length to full capacity.

Golden eyes squinted with menace. His fur prickled.

Damned if Kane didn’t feel a tiny bit intimidated.

“Umm, hi, Mo. Remember me? I brought the great treats.”

His whiskers twitched and that grumpy mouth parted to show teeth.

“Montgomery!”

Pru came to his rescue, stepping in between them with concern.

“What are you doing? We need to be nice to the customers.”

Immediately, the cat softened, ignoring Kane and sitting down like a perfect, docile cat.

“That’s a good boy. I’m sorry, Montgomery is new to Flirt but he’s extremely friendly. Aren’t you, sweetheart?”

Damned if that menace didn’t let out a purr and look completely harmless.

Pru smiled.

“There we go. I’m sure you made a move that took him by surprise.”

Kane shook his head.

Sure.

Guess it was his fault he was about to be eaten by Cujo Cat.

Then he noticed Mo was now sporting a fancy collar with the store’s logo hanging from a chain. This cat moved fast. If Kane didn’t gain favor, he’d be out on the street instead of in bed with Sierra.

“I must’ve,”

Kane said smoothly.

“He looks like an amazing cat.”

“Pru, is Montgomery causing a prob—”

Sierra trailed off as she spotted him. A myriad of emotions flickered across her face but Kane lasered in on the most important.

Pleasure. There had definitely been a glint of it in her expressive hazel eyes, and that mattered more than the others. Or the current frown tugging at her brow as she glanced back and forth between him and Mo.

“Kane, what are you doing here?”

“Buying candles,”

Pru cut in with a big grin.

“It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve been wanting to introduce myself for a long time.”

He cocked his head.

“Nice to meet you, Pru. I’m surprised you’ve even heard my name. Unless Sierra has been talking about me?”

Sierra crossed her arms in front of her chest and shook her head.

“No. It’s because you belong on the cover of Southern Hotness magazine. You’re hard to miss around here.”

He laughed long and loud, drawing a curious crowd who were currently staring.

Kane decided it was the perfect time to make his stand.

“Thanks, sweetheart. I always appreciate a compliment coming from you.”

And then he leaned over and kissed her.

Take that, Mo.