Page 23

“The average woman falls in love seven times a year. Only six are with shoes.”

– Kenneth Cole

Sierra rang the bell and waited.

The shock on Kane’s face confirmed he hadn’t expected her to seek him out. She was the one always running. From him. From herself. From the past. From risk and messy emotions and uncertainty.

But it was time she faced her demons head-on and stopped being so damn afraid.

“Sierra.”

Her name fell from his lips like a song, a prayer, and a plea all at once. A shudder coursed through her. “Come in.”

She stepped past him into the living room. God, he was beautiful. Russet hair mussed. Emerald green eyes filled with fierce hope as he stared back at her. Worn jeans hitched low on his hips. A simple cotton t-shirt molding his chest. Feet bare.

He was obviously a mess and she loved him like this. Vulnerable. Open. He was a man unafraid of his emotions yet he hid behind other walls. It was time they were real with each other.

“Thanks. I’ve been thinking a lot. And I’m ready to talk.”

“I’m glad. I missed you.”

He stepped forward, then stopped. Cursed.

“I just want to touch you. I’m sick about this whole thing and how we ended our conversation.”

“Me, too.”

After time with her sister, Sierra was finally able to pull back and glimpse the whole picture.

“I saw Benny.”

His body stiffened.

“How did it go?”

She gave a half shrug and moved further into the room.

“Not well. He tried to duck out on me. I pushed for answers. He finally told me the deal was confirmed and it wasn’t his fault.”

Her lips curled without humor.

“The legal notices will go out soon. He said he’d write me a referral as a landlord when I found a new place.”

Kane nodded.

“Sounds about right. I’m sure after Benny sells, he’ll be out of here. Said he had a brother in Colorado and he’s tired of the beach.”

“Won’t be a loss.”

“Nope.”

“I got a lawyer.”

Sympathy shone in his green eyes.

“It won’t help,”

he said softly.

“Stealth has deep pockets and there’s nothing to challenge about the deal.”

Sierra shrugged.

“I know. I needed to do it for me.”

A proud smile curved his lips.

“Good for you.”

“Is that something you’d also handle?”

He rubbed his chin, unease flickering over his face.

“A prospective lawsuit? No, that’ll go to their lawyers. Once we sign the contracts, I’ll be the lead on the project until everyone’s assigned their role and things run smoothly.”

“What did Stealth offer?”

His voice was flat.

“Everything. A full-time job with all the perks. Managing a small team where I get to do my own deals. Opportunities for growth and global development. A shitload of money and benefits.”

A ghost of a smile touched her lips. Was it wrong that she could be proud of him at the same time she resented his choice? He was a brilliant man, who loved so hard. Sierra wanted his success, but not at this cost. Not at the expense of Flirt.

“I guess that’d be really hard to pass up. You’re very good at your job.”

“I am. It’s one of the only things in my life I always held confidence in,”

he said, sounding thoughtful.

“After the Global debacle, I knew it’d be difficult to find another opportunity like this.”

“You don’t like working for Duncan?”

Kane cocked his head.

“Actually, I do. Not at first. Too much of a slow lane than what I was used to. But now? I respect the hell out of him and what he built. He wanted nothing to do with Stealth but figured I did.”

“Too bad medical office buildings weren’t as exciting as pricey hotels.”

The joke fell flat. They stared at one another in silence.

“It’s just business, right?”

she said softly.

Kane closed the distance and cupped her cheeks, pressing his forehead to hers.

“No. Just business doesn’t break your heart like this. Or make you question someone you love. I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it.”

Sierra ached to beg him to step away from the deal. To fight. To tell Stealth to fuck off and that Flirt was more important than their stupid luxury resort. But of course, she knew she was reacting with her heart—not her head. If she ordered Kane to do her bidding, she’d always wonder if there’d be regrets.

She’d always wonder if she’d been second choice.

“I can’t. I think you need to do what you feel, Kane. If you say no, you’re closing yourself off from bigger opportunities. You may not get another chance like this.”

Her chest tightened but she pushed on.

“This is important to you. You’ve built your entire life around being successful in this field. It’s how you define yourself.”

“Like Flirt is to you.”

She hesitated, then tried to explain.

“No. Flirt is what I built when I figured out who I really was. Separate from my marriage, or family, or what I believed I could be good at. And though I intend to fight, if I lose the store, I’ll still know who I am.”

Kane let out a long breath. His hands stroked back her hair with such gentleness, she ached to give in. Tell him she didn’t care—as long as she had him.

“Are you saying I don’t know who I am?”

“No. I’m simply asking you to make your own decision.”

“If I’m going to lose you, I’ll walk away from the deal.”

Those damn tears threatened again. She wrapped her fingers around his wrists and gripped him hard. Met his gaze head-on.

“No, Kane. Because if you do, it’s the same thing as you taking Flirt away. I’ll be destroying a career you love. Which means we both need to make our own choices to move forward.”

The words came from gritted teeth.

“This is a lose-lose situation. Is that what you’re telling me?”

“No. I simply can’t tell you what will happen this time. Will I forgive you? Will I understand? Can we move forward in time, accepting both of our decisions the way we need in a relationship? It’s a test—but it’s for both of us. Can you see that now?”

The realization seemed to hit him like a sucker punch. His arms dropped to his sides as he stared at her; confusion and pain and want morphing together at the same time.

“I love you, Sierra. This isn’t a game to me. You’re everything.”

Her heart broke. And she knew if it was the truth, his decision would have been simple. This man owned demons that had made him who he was. He may not be ready to make such a sacrifice.

Could they survive together if he couldn’t? Did she love him enough to accept his limits and live with doubt? Wondering if there would always be another goal around the corner more important?

Sierra didn’t have the answers yet.

“When will this all be official?”

Frustration simmered from his aura.

“We sign the final contracts Friday.”

“Then I need to start making preparations. Tell Brooklyn and Prim. Contact my suppliers. I owe them the truth.”

“Let me help you, Sierra.”

His plea was heartfelt.

“I can help relocate Flirt and do anything you need. I can make this so much easier by using my resources for a smooth transition.”

“Do you really think that will make it all better?”

His jaw tightened.

“Of course not. But you don’t have to handle this all by yourself.”

“I have no issues handling the business side of things. That’s not the type of need I have, Kane. I never did.”

She turned away.

“Let’s take some time and focus on our priorities. We can touch base later.”

“Why do you sound like you’re scheduling me into your calendar?”

Her voice turned cold.

“Because I am. I can’t have you sleeping in my bed and be on opposite sides when I wake up. My brain will explode. Kudos to you for being an expert at this stuff.”

His rigidity broke and once again, Kane reached for her.

“I’m sorry. I don’t think I’ve ever been this scared. Not in jail. Not when I had to protect Derek from my father. Not even when I showed up at Brick’s with nothing. Because if I lose you, I lose my very soul.”

She wanted to step away but her body automatically softened, welcoming his hands on her. Sierra half closed her eyes, allowing herself a few precious moments to forget. His warmth and strength seeped into her skin. She buried her face in his neck, savoring his spicy scent, wishing things were different.

“Sierra?”

“Yeah?”

“Did you ever see that movie You’ve Got Mail?”

Confused, she tilted her chin up and gave him a questioning look.

“With Meg Ryan? Yeah. Why?”

His gaze dove deep, searching.

“What did you think of the ending?”

She blinked. Studied his face to figure out why the dialogue turned so strange.

“Umm, it was a regular romcom. Happy ever after. Wasn’t that deep.”

“Did you agree with what Tom Hanks did to her?”

Sierra frowned.

“Not really. But he had no choice, I guess.”

He didn’t answer. Seemed to pick through her statement as if looking for clues.

“You were satisfied with their happily ever after ending?”

She stepped out of his embrace and stared at him. The mystery of the question suddenly became crystal clear.

“It was exactly what the audience expected Hollywood to deliver. But honestly? No. Tom Hanks took her mother’s store away, and he didn’t even look gutted. He was too focused on his win.”

She turned on her heel and headed to the door.

“Tom Hanks sucks.”

Sierra left without another word and wondered what their own ending would be.

It was almost over.

Kane finished packing up his laptop and the papers he’d need for the meeting. Sierra had kept her distance, focused on gathering her resources to block the sale. His pain mixed with the soaring pride he felt for not only her business savvy but also her fuck-you attitude. If there’d been any way to sabotage the deal, Kane would’ve grabbed the opportunity. But between Benny’s willingness and Stealth’s wealth and power, this was going to go down quickly and relatively painlessly.

The board was already poised to agree to Stealth’s plans for the resort. Contacts had been well-oiled and greased. Kane had done his job well, staying within legal lines, and Jack was pleased.

There was nothing left to do but deliver everyone to the boardroom and make things official.

Kane left his office. On the way down the hall, he noticed his boss at his desk, the door open.

“Kane? Come on in.”

He peeked his head in.

“Duncan. I’m on my way to Stealth.”

“Closing the deal, huh?”

“Yeah.”

He shifted his weight. Worry steeped his shoulders, but Kane forced a smile.

“We’re ready to finalize.”

“Congratulations. Sit down for a minute. If I know you, you’ll be there an hour early anyway.”

He laughed, obeying the request. His leg jiggled up and down with tension.

“How are things going? Did you finish up the Jefferson contract?”

“We did, thanks to you. You’ve got a gift, but I’m sure you know it. Are you looking forward to working at Stealth?”

“Sure.”

One white brow shot up.

“Figured your dream job would evoke a more passionate response.”

“Sorry. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”

“Like being forced to close Flirt?”

He jerked back, speechless. Duncan’s face was calm, those blue eyes staring back with a clear focus.

“Wh-what did you say?”

“I heard that it’s Sunrise you’re closing on today. That’s where Sierra’s store is, correct?”

Pure hot anger rushed through him.

“Did you set this up, Duncan? How did you know I was seeing Sierra or that was her store?”

His boss didn’t seem intimidated. Kane was thrown off by the obvious kindness in the man’s response.

“Kane, this is a small town. My wife heard something from Deanna, who runs the café, and as a regular of Flirt, she also heard you’re dating her. I was asked if I knew anything, and told her no. This is all confidential. But I was concerned about the choice you’re being forced to make.”

Kane groaned and shook his head.

“I keep forgetting I’m not in the city anymore.”

“I can’t imagine how difficult this was for you and I didn’t want to interfere. But I also wanted you to know I’m here if you needed anything. To talk. Advice. Support. I pride myself on running my firm with care, and forcing you to take this on was never my intention.”

Relief loosened his muscles. There seemed to be no manipulation or hidden purpose with Duncan. Kane had been studying him and his employees for a while, and all actions kept confirming he was different from John. Honest. Direct. Fair.

With values other than making money.

“Let’s just say I had no idea this deal with Stealth would turn out this way,”

Kane finally said, picking his way through his thoughts.

“And yes, I’ve been looking for another option for Flirt, but there’s not much out there that will work.”

“The beach towns are difficult to find affordable rent. Deals like this make it harder.”

“Is that why you didn’t want to take it on?”

Duncan gave him a shrewd look.

“Exactly. Once, I was in your position. I ended up closing down a good friend’s restaurant. Things got messy.”

“Were you both able to work it out?”

“No.”

The answer was simple in its brutality.

“She never forgave me.”

“Even though it would’ve happened anyway?”

“Yes, it didn’t matter to her. Would I have made a different choice?”

Duncan cocked his head, considering.

“Probably not. I was young and hungry to grow the company. It was only later on I began losing my taste for doing whatever was needed. I downsized and stepped back from some of the bigger sharks, like Stealth. But they respect me and try to throw other business my way. It’s another reason they have their eye on you.”

“Because you hired me and they trust you.”

Duncan’s nod gave him a whole new perspective. All this time, Kane figured his reputation had stirred their interest but it was really Duncan. His respect for the man bumped up several notches.

Duncan was telling him something no one had ever offered before.

He had a choice.

Oh, sure, Kane knew he always had a choice to walk away, but his entire life had been about closing deals and moving forward. The faster the better, because it meant more money and less time to fail. It was also another reason his brother fell apart. Emotion needed to be tucked away. Derek had always been soft-hearted but Kane had been able to do all the hard things to keep them both afloat.

Except…

The thought trickled through his brain like slow-moving sludge. Except, what if there was no more reason to race to the top?

What if he was happy without Stealth and a shiny new job that may take him from the life he was carving out here?

What if he could just say…no?

“It’s too late,”

Kane muttered, more to himself than his boss.

“The deal’s done. I can’t stop it.”

“No, you can’t. But if you decide to walk away, I’ll back you up.”

Shock barreled through him.

“What? You’d have to fire me. Stealth would need a sacrifice or they’d stop playing nice with you.”

Duncan shrugged one tweed covered shoulder.

“Who cares? I don’t need their support. I’ve made plenty of money, my company is secure, and I never take orders from others. Not anymore. That’s exactly why I built this place.”

“You’d let me stay?”

His boss laughed.

“Kane, are you kidding? You can stay here as long as you want. You’re one of the best employees I have. You closed more medical offices these past six months than I have in two years. I know we’re pretty boring here, so I figured it was only a matter of time before you needed more. But if you honestly don’t want to go with Stealth and walk away from this deal, nothing will happen to you.”

Kane realized he didn’t even have to make the hard choice.

Yeah, he’d walk away from the shiny trappings of a big-time deal. But he’d never have to see the betrayal on Sierra’s face when he inked the final contract. He could stay working for Duncan, or find something else that interested him.

Had he ever even tried to envision new possibilities?

Kane thought of John and his betrayal. He thought of the years building armor to keep pushing for more, hungry for opportunity and safety. He thought of Brick telling him about happiness on the other side of this career they’d once both believed in. He thought of how he’d changed since coming to the Outer Banks, and how he liked the man he was finally becoming.

And knew right then he was going to walk away from all of it.

Duncan grinned.

“I can tell you made your decision.”

His throat tightened.

“Thank you, Duncan. I told myself I had no choice but it was a lie. It was simply easier to do the same crap I always did without question.”

“Want me to make a phone call for you?”

Kane shook his head.

“No, this is on me and I’ll handle it face-to-face. And then I’ll need to figure out a way to get Sierra to forgive me.”

Duncan winced.

“Yeah, women are harder than any business deal. In my experience, the best thing to do is tell her the truth. Then beg.”

“Good plan.”

He rose from the chair and shook his boss’s hand.

“It’s an honor to work for you.”

Kane walked out of the office with a new purpose.

He was about to blow it all up, and he’d never been so damn happy.