Page 17

“If your hair is done properly and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything.”

– Iris Apfel

Sierra was in shock to find Kane Masterson in her store.

It was the one place he’d never tried to invade. Months of silence and pretense had thrown a wall between them, and as if he recognized Flirt was as personal as her home, he hadn’t overstepped boundaries.

But with one bold move, he claimed not only her space, but her.

His mouth took hers in a firm, possessive kiss that gave no doubt they were involved. Caught off guard, Sierra was about to push him away, but the moment those warm, talented lips met hers, she was a goner.

She kissed him back, and when he pulled away, those green eyes were dancing with satisfaction. And something else. Something that stopped her from lashing out at the chauvinistic male move. Something that lit up her insides and made her giddy.

“Thought it was time I visited your sanctum,”

he said in that sexy, rumbly voice.

“How’s your day going?”

She couldn’t help shaking her head.

“Well, after that performance, it’s going to get a lot busier. We have an audience.”

Kane didn’t seem to notice the greedy stares and delighted smiles from every woman in the shop. Numerous gazes sharpened, and low murmurs drifted in the air. He grinned and whispered in her ear.

“Should we give them another round?”

“No. Pru and Brooklyn will already torture me enough. Plus, Montgomery still doesn’t like you.”

“I’m working on Mo. I thought it was time we make it official.”

Her brow lifted.

“Are you always this pushy?”

His face fell.

“Yes. When I want this badly, I’ll do anything to get it.”

“I’m not an IT.”

Damned, if he didn’t reach out and gently cup her cheek, staring at her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

“Exactly. You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted like this. The stakes are even higher.”

Her cheeks flushed. More tittering. They were really putting on a show. As the owner, she should put a stop this whole spectacle.

So, why was it impossible to move from his orbit?

Sierra stared at his perfect masculinity. He exuded an innate confidence and sensuality that hummed and followed him everywhere, kind of like Pigpen and the cloud of dust. Full lips hugged by scruff. Emerald eyes with gold framing his pupils gave his gaze an extra kick to her heart. Thick russet hair tamed back from his face. He must’ve come from a meeting because his navy-blue suit was impeccable, emphasizing his lean muscled length and broad shoulders. Even worse?

He smelled so good—that intoxicating mix of clove and spice that made her woozy. Kane Masterson was literally a weapon to all females and she was not immune.

Sierra cleared her throat.

“Well, this was a fun interruption. I have to get to work.”

“I want to take you on a date. Will you go to dinner with me this Friday night?”

She hesitated. Not because she didn’t want to.

Because she did. She wanted to claim this man for hers in front of everyone, and that need was dangerous. Sierra wasn’t a possessive person, but the idea of telling the world he was taken gave her a sharp stab of sheer satisfaction. He waited for her answer, and she knew he was forcing her to stop denying him, in front of everyone, in the store she’d built and named after him.

“Yes!”

Pru shouted, breaking the crackling silence.

“Yes, she will go out with you!”

Brooklyn screamed from the counter.

“Hell, yes! Her answer is yes!”

And then the rest of the store began adding their own approvals, until there was a crescendo like a wave rushing through the space. A young voice shouted.

“If she doesn’t I will, Kane!”

His lips quirked.

“We have fans. Can’t disappoint them.”

Happiness unfurled within and Sierra didn’t want to fight it any longer. Didn’t want to fight him and these feelings she had that had never settled.

“Yes, I’ll go out to dinner with you.”

A loud whoop echoed from the crowd. She laughed and Kane gave a high five to the crowd. When was the last time she experienced actual giddiness?

He dropped another quick kiss to her lips, winked, and turned on his heel.

“Thanks, everyone. I gotta go make some dinner plans.”

As applause erupted, Sierra realized this was going to be one long-ass afternoon while she explained herself.

Kane stared at the screen. Dread slithered through him as he read the details surrounding the property he needed to close.

At first, he thought it was a mistake. He assumed he’d gotten the wrong address and it was all a big joke.

Instead, Kane learned the joke was on him.

Because the property Stealth wanted belonged to Flirt.

It took him a while to process the nightmare he’d just scored a starring role in. Flirt was on the lot that the current landlord could no longer afford. Digging deep, Kane discovered it had been hidden for a while, and now neared bankruptcy. Of course, if Stealth stepped in now, this idiot in charge—Benny—would grasp the opportunity and sell. This would keep other hungry vultures from swooping in and competing when it finally went into foreclosure.

The move was cold-blooded but Kane had done it before. A bargain deal could be made if they closed in quickly, and got Benny to believe they were a savior. Which was Kane’s job.

But this was bigger than grabbing up a property to increase lease prices for the tenants. Stealth intended to bulldoze the entire site and create their resort. Another thing Benny didn’t see—the land behind it was the real profit. He was sitting on a real estate gold mine and no one had figured it out.

Yet.

Kane’s mind raced. This was bigger than being outpriced out of her rent. This was a complete demolishment to cater to the unending tourists and their lust for bigger, better experiences.

And he was the one who had to lead the charge.

Kane popped up from his chair and began to pace. His gut twisted as he tried desperately to figure out his next step.

What were the literal odds on this shitshow? This one deal was the gateway to his old life. He’d have a job, money, and be able to rebuild his reputation. There were a million properties out there but no—he was specifically guided to target Sierra’s store, the one she’d built from her own sweat and tears. Flirt, the store she’d named in memory of him. Flirt, her pride and joy and the only thing she loved.

The universe had a hard-on for him.

He was used to doing difficult deals. He’d become cold to owners’ pleas; owners with big dreams and no funds to buy out the big, bad corporations gobbling up all the mom-and-pop stores.

But this was different than anything else he’d faced.

He’d be deliberately hurting the one woman he wanted. The one woman he believed was his soulmate. The one woman he had to convince he was worthy of.

He was so fucked.

You could walk away…

The voice rose inside him and offered up a solution. Kane knew there was always a choice.

Find a solution.

The same mantra rose up and repeated in his head. There must be a way to figure this out. Because there was no way Sierra could forgive him if he did this. He’d be the enemy. But if he didn’t, he could kiss this job and his future career goodbye. Stealth wasn’t stupid. They probably knew about his jail time, but were using his experience to their benefit. If he walked and refused, Duncan would fire him, and Stealth could get mean and choose to dredge up his murky past.

Start at the beginning.

Dragging in a breath, he went back to his laptop. He needed a meeting ASAP with Benny to gather more information. He’d also do another analysis of the first three properties to see if he could persuade Stealth in that direction. Maybe if he got the deal of a lifetime, they’d be willing to let Sierra’s property go.

In the meantime, he wouldn’t say anything to Sierra. They were finally moving in the right direction and had a date. For now, Kane would keep the two worlds separate and find a way out.

He had no other choice.

Sierra glanced around the crowded restaurant and sighed.

“We couldn’t have started out with a quiet place two towns over?”

she asked.

He flashed that trademark, lopsided smile that made her tummy flip. The crooked tooth was key to keeping him from looking too perfect. It was like having a mole on a supermodel’s face. It should’ve balanced out the unfairness, but instead made them even more gorgeous.

“Ashamed to be seen with me?”

he asked, voice teasing.

Sierra rolled her eyes.

“Hardly. But it seems we’ll be eating in a fishbowl.”

The restaurant held some tourists, but there was also a ton of people she easily recognized—from staff to the crowds lounging at the bar. They murmured together and glanced over with a mix of curiosity and delight. There was nothing everyone loved more than an exciting new hookup.

“Good. Maybe your friends will stop trying to match you with blind dates.”

“I never tagged you the possessive type,”

she said, quickly perusing the menu.

He waited until she lifted her gaze to meet his.

“I never cared this much before.”

His stark words made her still. Things were changing between them fast. It was as if Kane decided not only to pursue her, but also smash down barriers.

Sierra had expected some initial games. Some attack and retreat, with flirting and a bit of foreplay. She hadn’t counted on being thrown right into the deep end, where Kane seemed unafraid to say how he felt. As if the time apart had spurred the need to move quickly rather than slow down.

Her head spun but she tried to be open to this new chapter. She’d tried to forget him. Tried to ignore him. Tried to pretend their one night was a fantasy that couldn’t become real.

She’d failed in every category, and Kane wasn’t allowing her the safety of retreat. It was time she gave this a fair chance, even though she was scared of getting hurt.

Sierra decided to be just as honest.

“I’m trying not to freak out.”

Delight flickered across his face.

“Who’s afraid of little ol’ me?”

She sighed and gave her response.

“I should be. Thought Brick was the Taylor Swift fan.”

“He is. Always blasting that song in the car when I ride with him. Got in my head.”

They were interrupted when Katie, a Bad Ass Bitch club member, stopped by their table to take their order.

“Oh, my God—you guys look so cute together!”

she gushed, grinning widely.

“I cannot believe you kept this a secret. Sierra didn’t even hint at this during any of our meetings but how can I blame you? Everyone’s always talking about how hot Kane is and how they want to bang him. I would’ve felt awkward, too!”

Kane laughed.

“I’m flattered anyone in your group would deem me worthy.”

Sierra snorted but Katie gave a dreamy sigh.

“You have no idea. Sierra, you’re so lucky. I heard you asked her out officially in Flirt, which was adorbs.”

She lowered her voice.

“Just watch out for Maddie. She’s feeling a bit rejected since you always chat her up when you get your coffee, so she thought you were interested. The news crushed her a bit.”

Kane frowned with concern.

“I’m sorry she feels like that. I like to talk to her because she makes me comfortable, like a good friend. Can you explain that if you see her?”

Katie lit up.

“I definitely will. You’re such a sweetie.”

She patted him on the shoulder.

“What can I get you to eat?”

They both ordered crab cakes, mashed potatoes, and green beans along with a bottle of Cabernet. He shot her an amused look.

“I didn’t know you talked about me.”

She refused to inflate his ego anymore.

“I don’t. Some of the others do.”

“Why do I doubt you’d admit it?”

he asked. Katie dropped off the wine, and he took over, pouring the ruby colored liquid into two wineglasses.

“Did you tell anyone else we met years ago?”

“No! Just Aspen. No one else needs to know.”

He lifted his glass.

“A toast. To our official first date.”

They clinked glasses. He locked eyes with her as she took a sip.

“Were you born with the magical fairy dust to charm women?”

she asked curiously.

“Or was it something you learned?”

Shadows gathered in his eyes. She was immediately sorry she asked the teasing question. Kane seemed to pick his words with care.

“It was only my father and half-brother so I think I was always grateful to be in a woman’s orbit. I sought out their presence.”

Sierra craved to ask a dozen more questions, but didn’t want to push. Her voice gentled.

“That makes sense. I’m guessing you’re not close to your dad?”

“No.”

A shutter slammed down.

“He wasn’t a good man.”

Her heart ached. So much emotion simmered behind the short answer.

“And your brother?”

The light came back on in his eyes.

“We were very close. Kind of us against the world, but some demons got him. He’s an alcoholic like my father.”

Her hand slid automatically across the table to entwine her fingers with his.

“I’m sorry, Kane. That must’ve been hard on you both. Is he okay?”

“Yes. He got out of rehab, found a job he likes, and is making a new life for himself.”

“Good.”

He tightened his grip, brushing his thumb across her palm. Shivers raced down her spine. He continued.

“I’m not used to talking about myself or my past. The first night we spent together? I felt as if I was already connected to you—like you saw a part of me I’d always hidden. I want more of that. As much as I want to strip you naked, dip my fingers inside, and watch you come all over my fingers, I also want us to be vulnerable to one another. Is that possible?”

Sierra blinked. God, had he just given her a visual that lit her insides on fire? Her nipples tingled. She fought to focus on the latter part of his question.

“Umm, I think?”

His lower lip quirked.

“You’d like that, huh?”

Kane leaned in. His gaze hot.

“I promise to do that and more when you’re ready. Just say the word.”

“Bathroom. Now.”

His jaw tightened, and a flare of shock lit his green eyes. Sierra couldn’t help the quick splutter of humor that escaped, making him shake his head in frustration.

“Are you trying to kill me?”

he complained, taking a long sip of wine.

“I won’t be able to get out of this chair for a while.”

Sierra laughed.

“I’m sorry—it popped out before I could stop myself. You were due for a little payback.”

He gave a slow, smug smile.

“That’s okay, sweetheart. I have my own ways of payback.”

Thank God, Katie came over and dropped their plates on the table, saving her from answering.

They ate and conversation flowed easily. They finalized details for the engagement party which was coming up quickly. Sierra had to admit having Kane as her partner wasn’t what she’d thought. It had actually been fun to share ideas and she enjoyed his enthusiasm. The more he seeped into the day-to-day details of her life, the more she realized how much she liked it. And even with the gossip buzzing around them, Sierra was able to relax over the meal and enjoy his company.

“I’m meeting with a fabulous designer in Charleston next week,”

she said, blotting her mouth with a napkin.

“She makes these hand-beaded bags with a special insert for your phone and wallet. The patterns are gorgeous—they’re really unique.”

“I’m surprised she’s not selling them at the shops in Charleston? That’s a tourist city.”

“She is, but she’s looking to expand, and I think Flirt would be perfect. I’d do a custom window display. I can picture the sun sparkling on those beads and catching attention.”

Sierra tapped her finger against her lip.

“But she’s looking for a high cut. Not sure it would be profitable enough, so I’m heading out for a face-to-face meeting. I think she’s been burnt before. I need to show I’m all in.”

“You’ve really built your dream business,”

he said slowly.

“The night we spent together? You never mentioned that was one of your goals.”

“I didn’t know it was,”

she admitted.

“I only knew I had to find my own voice and identity. It was as if I was always stepping into a role I wasn’t prepared for. A guardian to my sister. A wife to my husband. A community member and friend in a new town I desperately wanted to fit into. Once I began paying attention, I followed the bread crumbs and took a chance.”

He scratched his head. Seemed to consider his next words.

“Would you ever think of…expanding? Opening up a newer store in a more dynamic location?”

She laughed.

“No. I like where Flirt is, and I don’t need a second store. I’m happy where I am.”

“Right. Makes sense.”

A frown creased his brow.

“You mentioned the lease. Have you heard back on a renewal?”

“Not yet. But my landlord is a bit flaky. I’m sure there will be an increase, which I can handle. I’m going to track Benny down next week.”

Kane stiffened. His gaze narrowed with intensity.

“And if he refuses to renew the lease for some—strange reason?”

“I can’t imagine. It just won’t happen. There’s no reason to think anything has changed.”

He nodded but there was something in his face that concerned her. Like he was worried.

“Kane, what is it? Anything going on I should worry about?”

He relaxed and smiled.

“No. Sorry, I got distracted. Want dessert?”

“No, thanks.”

“Then let’s get to the second half of our date.”

Sierra raised a brow.

“It’s a two-parter, huh?”

“Yep. The public is over. Now it’s time for the private.”

He paid the bill and escorted her to the car. As they walked out, the stares lasered into her back, but at this point, Sierra was amused by all the attention. She’d never done anything to rivet the town’s interest before. Her divorce earned her some gossip, but nothing like dating Kane Masterson, the hottest bachelor in town.

She finally knew how Aspen felt.

Sierra relaxed as he drove, navigating the crowded streets of downtown, and heading out to the beach. The hazy colors of sunset streaked the sky. He parked and turned.

“Will you watch the sunset with me, Sierra?”

Pleasure shimmered. It was one of the things she adored; watching the sun sink while she gazed out from her front porch, sitting in her rocking chair, drinking sweet tea. His question was both considerate and romantic, as he stretched his hand out with invitation.

“I’d love to.”

They grabbed a blanket from the trunk, kicked off their shoes, and made their way down the curvy path to the boardwalk stairs. A few people lingered on blankets scattered on the sand but there was plenty of empty space. The white powder crunched under her feet and the hot wind tossed her hair. The ocean roared before them, stretched out in a vast expanse that caused both wonder and humbleness. Puffy white clouds floated in a pale-blue sky, slowly morphing and darkening into the familiar colors of fire.

They sat together on the blanket and watched in companionable silence. Kane took her hand, playing with her fingers, chin tilted up as he gazed at the sky. She studied his profile. The ache in her chest grew; the familiar hunger growing more with each day. Not just for his body, but for more of the man he hid from the rest of the world. She was greedy to be the woman he shared his soul with.

“I never appreciated a sunset until I came here,”

he said.

“The buildings block most of the view in the city, and I was too busy to stop and look. When Brick first showed me what I was missing, I couldn’t believe it happened every night and I’d never thought to watch.”

She nodded.

“Things are slower here. There are more reminders of how days pass, which I love.”

A dreamy smile curved her lips as the blazing ball of orange began slowly sinking.

“There’s something about the end of a day that inspires me. Sunrise never motivated me the way it does so many others. Too many unknowns ahead out of my control. But this? I can look back on the hours I spent and take account. I can learn to accept what the day brought. It’s completely satisfying.”

Kane glanced over. His gaze drilled into hers, diving deep with curiosity and fascination.

“I never knew that,”

he murmured. Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips into her palm.

“Yet, it makes total sense to me.”

She ached to move closer and let him hold her. Lay her head on his chest while he stroked her hair. She missed the simple comfort of companionship with someone you loved; the sensation of being completely full because all the empty spaces were shared. Emotion struck her hard, so she broke her stare and focused on the dying sun.

“What about you? Sunrise or sunset?”

she finally asked.

The light faded and shadows danced across the beach. Only a shimmer of fire glowed in the distance, inches away from oblivion for another day.

“Always sunset.”

“Why?”

Sierra waited, gripping his hand, as the sun finally disappeared.

“Because it means I survived another day.”

His face tightened with memory.

“It was a big fuck-you to my father and anyone else who doubted I’d make it.”

Chills gripped her body. She reached over, touching his rough cheek, and he jumped slightly before pressing her hand against his.

“It was very bad?”

she whispered. He nodded.

“Then I’m grateful you not only survived but thrived. And you’re here with me right now.”

Startled by her words, he muttered her name, then pressed his forehead to hers. They sat there in the new darkness, sharing the vulnerable moment as the waves crashed in the background. They didn’t move for a very long time. When he finally got to his feet, he took her hand and they walked back to the car.

He drove her home. The car pulsed with awareness and what they both wanted. Sierra didn’t know if she was ready. Once Kane was invited into her bed, there would be no more barriers between them. And she was only beginning to build trust, to know the man he’d become in these past four years.

Still, she didn’t stop him from escorting her to the porch. The light flickered and the bugs flew around as he faced her.

“Thank you for coming out with me tonight.”

It should’ve sounded awkward, but instead she was charmed by his politeness.

“I had a great time. Thank you for dinner.”

She paused, a bit jittery, and he gave her a smile.

“I’m not coming in, Sierra. I want to. Badly. But you’re not ready yet.”

For just a second, she wanted to rebel and reach for him, forcing him to bend to her rules, not his. Instead, she nodded.

“Probably a good idea.”

“Good night.”

He leaned down to brush his lips across her cheek.

At the same time, she moved, so his mouth slid over hers, the contact electrifying.

Sierra gasped. Stared into glittering emerald eyes. Every inch of her body poised for flight or fight, waiting.

At once, like that first night, their mouths crashed together in a wild primal need for more. She stepped into his embrace and his arms wrapped tight around her, a low moan exploding as his teeth nipped, gaining entrance, then plunged his tongue deep.

His taste and scent swamped her senses, and she gripped at his shoulders, meeting each thrust with her own demands. Her hips arched, and her body wept for more, the ache so deep inside she’d go mad to slake it.

Fisting his hand in her hair, he held her still as he ravaged her mouth, bending her back so she was helpless under the sensual assault. Sierra hooked her leg around him, opening her thighs with invitation for more. Nails biting into hard muscles, she savored every stroke of his tongue and the slight pain in her scalp as her blood heated and the last of her rational thoughts slid away.

“More,”

she demanded, sinking her nails into the cotton of his shirt.

“Don’t leave me like this.”

“Fuck, sweetheart, you feel so good. I’m going to give you what you need so bad,”

he said in between long, drugging kisses.

Thank God, she hadn’t locked the door. With a quick turn of the knob, they stumbled in a tangle of limbs into the house, kicking it closed behind. She tore at the buttons of his shirt while he backed her up toward the couch, fingers frantic to find naked skin, mouths clinging to one another. His chest finally bared, Sierra ran her hands over his rippling muscles, down his abs, cupping his erection through his pants, tracing the hard ridged lines of his cock.

Kane pressed his mouth to the curve of her neck, biting down as she broke into shivers, wet between her thighs.

“Perfect. God, you’re burning up for me.”

He pushed her skirt up as his mouth found one breast. He teased her nipple through the lace of her bra, scraping his teeth over the sensitive nub, playing the edge of light and dark, of pain and pleasure, in all the ways she’d fantasized.

He gripped the edge of her white lace panties and pulled them down, leaving her throbbing and needy. Twisting up, she grabbed at his hair in greedy demand. “Please.”

“Are you wet for me?”

he growled, sucking hard on her nipple.

“Yes. I need—”

she broke off, almost sobbing. Her body was aching and on fire for a release she wanted more than she’d ever wanted anything. His wicked chuckle told her he loved every moment.

“Let’s see if you’re ready for me, beautiful.”

His fingers traced the flesh of her inner thighs, then moved up in one swift motion, parting her lips and sinking in deep. He sucked in a breath as she gripped him tight, pleasure rippling through her limbs as he stroked.

“Oh, fuck, you’re dripping for me. Do you know how long I dreamed of having you like this? This sweet pussy on fire for what I can give you?”

The dirty words were making her crazy and desperate.

“Damn you, Kane, stop teasing!”

Another low laugh. His thumb rotated over her clit, each teasing brush wringing out another shudder. So. Close. Just. Right. There.

He backed off, fingers deftly playing her like his own private instrument. He watched her face with a mad intensity that got her hotter—jaw clenched, green eyes blazing, every feature concentrated on memorizing her reaction with each slow slide of his fingers.

Finally, ready to explode in frustration, his thumb hesitated over her clit, fingers still inside of her weeping channel. “Sierra.”

She blinked, in a daze, staring back at him.

“Say my name. Tell me who’s going to make you come. Tell me who makes you feel like this.”

She caught something in the demand of his words, dragging her back to that night when she’d insisted on keeping her name a secret. Kane wasn’t allowing her to hide any longer, and his voice throbbed with a need that met hers.

The answer spilled from her lips in a heartfelt plea.

“You, Kane. Only you. Always you—please make me come.”

He took her mouth in a savage kiss as his fingers plunged deep. His thumb pressed, rubbed hard, over and over, and then she was falling apart, piece by piece, caught in one of the most intense orgasms.

Her body shook and he pushed her to ride out every second, extending her pleasure.

“So beautiful,”

he crooned, studying her face.

“I can watch you do that all day and never get tired.”

Trembling, she lifted her arms, offering herself up.

“I’d happily let you.”

He laughed, nuzzling her neck, moving lower.

“And now I want to—fuck!”

With a ferocious roar, he fell off her in a tangle of limbs, twisting around with eyes wide in pain. Sierra shot up and took in the scene before her.

Montgomery had jumped on his back and sunk his claws in. Kane managed to shake him off, and the cat jumped lightly to his feet, hissing in warning as he stared back in shock.

“Holy crap—he clawed me! Ah, that hurt!”

“Montgomery!”

she yelled, flying up from the couch to go over.

“Are you okay, baby? Did you get scared Kane was hurting me? Mommy’s fine, it’s all okay,”

she soothed, motioning the cat over. He took up the invite and walked into her arms, allowing her to cuddle him.

Kane’s jaw dropped.

“What about me? That psycho could’ve caused permanent damage!”

“I’m sorry, he didn’t mean it, Kane. He was scared and tried to protect me. Are you okay?”

He shook his head, obviously still in shock from the attack.

“I’m not sure. I may need a minute to transition from making you come to getting my back slashed by crazy Mo.”

“Montgomery,”

she corrected. Guilt reared up. Pressing a kiss to the cat’s head, she patted him gently and eased to her feet.

“Let me look. Your shirt probably protected you.”

He blew out an annoyed breath.

“Lucky me.”

She pressed her lips together and pulled off his shirt, examining his skin.

“You have some scratches but they’re not deep. Let me disinfect them.”

He grunted but allowed her to go into the bathroom and emerge with supplies. She smoothed antibiotic gel over the cuts and carefully bandaged them.

“Good as new.”

He turned and gave Montgomery the stink eye.

“He did it on purpose.”

“That’s ridiculous. You’re mad because he took you by surprise.”

“I’m mad because I could be buried deep inside of you right now.”

Heat flushed her cheeks.

“Maybe it was a sign. We got carried away.”

Kane tipped her chin up and studied her face. Then gave a regretful sigh.

“Yep, the mood is officially ruined. You’re back in your head.”

“Kane—”

“It’s okay. I understand.”

He brushed a kiss across her lips but it was casual and an obvious goodbye.

“I’ll call later.”

She nodded. He got dressed and headed to the door.

“We’re not done, Mo. Not by a longshot.”

The cat tilted his head as if considering the words. Then he spun around, twitched his tail in dismissal, and stalked away.

Sierra tamped down on her laugh until Kane was safely gone.

Maybe her cat was smarter than she was. She had a feeling she’d wake up in the morning with a sated body and a regretful mind. Neither of them deserved any regrets when they finally spent the night together.

But Sierra knew it was coming soon. Because she didn’t know how long she could fight these feelings for Kane Masterson. They were too intense and growing rapidly every day.

Soon, her time would be up.