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Kane Masterson pulled into the parking lot of Ziggy’s Tours and cut the engine.

“That concludes our tour for the day, folks. I hope you enjoyed it.”

As he personally escorted them from the Jeep, flashing his customer grin, he noticed the three girls in the back row were nudging each other and giggling. They were obviously students on vacay and had him in their sights for a fun fling. His usual tour dialogue had received suggestive statements and jokes containing the words wild, riding, and stud.

Though they’d be a fun distraction to party with, no way was he getting involved with anyone below drinking age.

The leader, a leggy redhead with a cute sprinkling of freckles, grabbed his hand in an intimate shake.

“I can’t thank you enough, Kane. You’re a wonderful tour guide.”

“Thanks, Marcee. It was truly a pleasure.”

He noticed she held a twenty and hoped he’d still get it after the rejection he’d need to bestow.

A flirty smile curved her lips.

“We’d love to hear more. Want to join us for a drink later?”

He schooled his face in disappointment.

“Normally, I’d jump at the chance, but my sister’s in town with my niece. I’m on babysitting duty all week.”

The girls shared a look. Marcee’s smile turned into a small pout.

“Oh. Bummer. Well, we’ll be around tonight and tomorrow if you get any time off. Here’s my number.”

She pressed the bill into his hand with a slip of paper. He pocketed both smoothly.

“Sounds good, ladies. Fingers crossed!”

“Definitely!”

They disappeared, shooting lingering looks over their shoulders while he waved.

He unloaded the Jeep and walked into Ziggy’s Tours where Brick waited behind the counter.

Smirking.

“Did you use the niece thing again or are you meeting them for drinks?”

Kane shot his friend a suffering look.

“Niece. They’re practically jailbait.”

Brick laughed.

“You’re really raking in the dough for me, man. Who would’ve thought that pretty face could be such a gold mine?”

“Fuck you.”

His friend laughed harder, but Kane really didn’t care. He’d accepted his good looks as a gift years ago, and didn’t take himself too seriously. Though it wasn’t fair, society still rewarded such things by bestowing more opportunities, and Kane grabbed every single one. Sometimes, it had been the only factor allowing him to survive.

“Want to join me and Aspen for dinner tonight?”

Brick asked.

He lifted a brow.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll steal her from you with my apparent pretty face and charm?”

“Nah, she said you’re ugly.”

Now, it was Kane’s turn to laugh.

“You wish.”

Brick’s face turned serious.

“No, for real. Join us. I really appreciate you stepping in and helping me get this business profitable again. In a matter of a few weeks, you carved out a place here. Helping Marco and Judy. Hell, I even heard Mr. Pitts took a liking to you, and he hates everyone.”

Mr. Pitts was an elderly man who lived next door to Brick. He terrorized children, animals, and his surrounding neighbors. Whenever people spotted him, they took care to duck or hide to avoid the man’s sour face and blistering tongue. Somehow, Kane didn’t take offense. Mr. Pitts was lonely and obviously miserable. At least he never tried to hide behind a fake veneer. Kane respected the truthful way he was awful to all equally.

“I think liking is too strong of a word. I took his garbage out since it was raining last week. He bitched me out for taking away his choice.”

“Yeah, but he left it out there. When I tried, he dragged those cans right back to prove his point.”

“What can I say? People like me more than you.”

Brick grinned.

“But not Aspen.”

Kane grinned back.

“You got it bad, huh? Listen, I appreciate the offer but I actually have a date tonight. An overnight one, so I won’t be coming back to your place.”

Brick’s eyes lit up.

Yeah, he’d done the right thing by lying.

Aspen didn’t like to sleep over at Brick’s place when Kane was there, so it was best for him to make an excuse and give them the space.

It was time Kane figured out a new plan.

When his life in New York blew up and he was released from jail, he’d found himself with nothing but a suitcase of clothes and some credit cards that wouldn’t last long.

All of those years in the property development industry, working his ass off night and day, only rewarded him with betrayal and the threat of a fraud conviction.

An image of his old mentor, John, flashed in his mind, and he fought back the bitterness.

How many times had he been taught his trust always led to pain? Between his asshole father and the boss who’d ruined him, Kane learned quickly not to depend on anyone but himself.

The memory was still a raw ache he doubted would ever heal.

With his brother, Derek, in rehab, and no other family, Kane found himself seeking out his best friend as a last resort.

He’d headed to OBX and hoped Brick would take in his sorry ass.

And his friend had.

No questions asked.

It was supposed to be a quick stop to get his shit together, but as time slowly passed, Kane realized the beach town was a place he could make a new start.

For years, his world had been controlled with the pursuit of more.

More money; more power; more opportunities.

It was a gnawing hunger he never seemed to satisfy, but when it was all ripped away, he realized maybe Corolla was the perfect town to re-create himself.

The people here seemed different.

Instead of with suspicion and distance, he found most welcomed him with enthusiasm and openness.

He liked knowing his neighbors and greeting the same people at the coffee shop and bars.

Brick had introduced him to his friends, offered a guest room as long as he needed, and hired him on the spot to be a tour guide.

Kane was surprised how much he’d taken to the job switch.

Learning the history and facts about the wild horses was satisfying.

Much different from hard sales, manipulative moves, and high-value, cutthroat contracts.

Teaching others about the land and animals that lived here gave him some peace, and he’d taken to driving out there sometimes to think about his next step and watch them race across the sand.

Brick interrupted his thoughts.

“Listen, can you be careful about who you date, please? I told you—this town is different than New York. One night means something. You don’t want these women to be discussing you at the support group.”

Kane waved a hand in the air.

“Not worried. You and Aspen have a great time. I’ll see you in the morning.”

He walked out and wondered where he’d crash tonight.

Probably a hotel room outside of Corolla so no one spotted him.

Soon he’d be able to get his own rental place, but he’d need a steady job to pay the bills.

There were some possibilities he’d look into. Kane doubted he could find a high-powered property development firm out here, but it was time to start looking.

Thoughts of everything he’d left behind competed with the pull of a bright, clean future where no one knew.

Once again, he’d fought his way out of ugliness, but he was able to cherish the two most important things he’d managed to protect.

His freedom.

And his brother.

Kane focused on the other emotion flickering inside him, refusing to be dimmed.

Hope.

Sierra looked longingly at the television and wondered if she could cancel.

The week had slowly turned awful, and she craved pj’s, a glass of wine, and the new erotic thriller on Netflix.

Instead, she’d promised Aspen they’d all go out so she could finally meet the mysterious Kane.

Normally, her sister would understand she was tired, but lately, Aspen was all giddy over Brick and wouldn’t stop bugging her to resume dating.

No. Thanks.

The knock on the door made her grumble as she went and opened it.

“Why are you not ready?”

Inez asked, dark eyes squinted in suspicion.

“Don’t even think you’re ghosting tonight.”

She gave her friend a long-suffering groan.

As usual, Inez looked gorgeous in her skinny jeans and black crop top.

The outfit was simple but emphasized her curvy butt and flat abs.

Her braids fell down to her waist in a fall of sexiness that made every man she passed take a second look.

Her nose piercing flashed as she shook her head and marched in.

Inez was a numbers genius and ran her own finance firm, though most couldn’t match her tats and rebel style with the staid, boring reputation of math.

Sierra had fallen for her immediately, loving her unapologetic ways and strong personality. Once Brooklyn joined in, their trio was a perfectly balanced circle of trust and fun.

“I had a hell of a day. Pru’s on vacay and the store was mobbed. I have a buyer’s trip this week and need to research. And my new shoes needed breaking in so my feet hurt.”

Inez gave a snort and threw her purse down on the table.

“Don’t care. It’s Friday night and you’re not staying home alone again. Aspen will kick your ass if you don’t show.”

With a snap of her fingers, she headed toward the bedroom.

“Your house is amazing but it’s becoming a prison, girlfriend.”

Sierra trudged after her friend, looking around.

She may have bought the house with her ex, but she’d turned it into her true home.

Each detail was carefully chosen to work with the décor of an elegant beach retreat.

Home was her haven and the place she felt most comfortable, other than Flirt.

Shades of cream, butter, and bright white created a neutral background to emphasize the pops of color splashed in accents and thoughtful details amidst the rooms.

Sierra kept her beach theme threaded through with aquamarine seashell pillows, sea glass portraits of seagulls, and gorgeous handmade vases holding colorful wildflowers.

The throw rugs were aquamarine.

Wicker baskets and driftwood décor added to the chic vibe, but the furniture was oversized and comfy.

The kitchen with its massive island, multiple granite countertops, and generous padded barstools was a chef’s dream.

As they reached her bedroom, Inez yanked open the closet and studied the options.

Her king-size bed was set on a massive platform with a silver velvet headboard.

Shades of lavender and light gray created a soft, feminine retreat.

A shimmery crystal chandelier sparkled in the light.

A generous cosmetic center with a padded stool and beveled mirror sat in the corner.

The chaos of dozens of brushes and bottles were carefully organized in various containers.

Frilly lace curtains covered the windows. Each detail had been lovingly crafted to make her feel indulged.

“Here.

You should look slutty tonight.”

Sierra caught the silky red number and shook her head.

“Hell, no. I want comfy. It’s only Sunfish!”

“You’re such a pain in the ass. Fine. We’ll go big on the bottom and slutty on top. Try this.”

The faded flare jeans gave her plenty of room to move, accentuating the white halter top that tied around her neck and plunged in a deep V. Sierra sighed.

“You’re such a bully. Isn’t that too skimpy?”

“No, you have fab breasts and more men need to see them.”

Sierra smothered a laugh and gave up the fight. Inez always won anyway. “Fine.”

“Now the shoes.”

The second closet opened and Inez gave a shudder of pleasure.

“I swear, every time I look at this, I have an orgasm. You have the best shoes in the world, girl.”

Sierra had to agree.

The walk-in closet had been converted to showcase shoes.

From Louboutin to Prada, Gucci to Dior, every style and mood was accounted for and lovingly worn to evoke a feeling.

Open shelves and compartments were color coded with a dazzling variety of colors, from sandals and flats, to boots and loafers.

Fuck-me, sky-high heels happily sat beside platform pumps and every heel height in between.

When Sierra gazed at her closet, her insides stilled, and she was dragged into the moment and that one important choice of the day.

Over the years, Sierra found herself drawn to shoes.

Every woman had a thing, whether it was handbags, makeup, or the new hottest trends.

For her, a day spent with the right shoes could be the difference between a good and bad day; of success or failure; of happiness or feeling lost.

Her ex-husband mocked and made fun of her obsession.

He used to grab the credit card bill and scold her like a toddler when she spent too much on a pair.

Afterward, she leaned in hard to a hobby that made her feel powerful and in charge, saving money by expert shopping with re-sale sites, flea markets, and even garage sales.

Most women didn’t realize the treasures they had with a pair of designer shoes.

She sold a few pairs at Flirt, cultivated for the impulse beachwear accessory.

They never stayed long on the shelves.

She had a talent for knowing what women craved in their footwear.

Aspen had a bigger size foot and had been horrifically jealous of her when they were younger.

Now, she admitted Sierra could have been the next big shoe designer of the century.

But she liked wearing them, not creating them. It was a pleasure she now refused to apologize for.

Inez took a few moments in worshipful silence, then plucked a pair of platform white sandals with embroidered daisies on the wide crossover strap.

Betsey Johnson knew how to create a whimsical, yet sexy shoe that was legendary.

“Good choice?”

Sierra smiled with pleasure.

“Perfect. Give me fifteen.”

She was efficient with her make-up, and Inez helped curl her hair so it fell soft and loose around her shoulders. Grabbing a small denim bag from Ed Hardy, and spritzing some Dior perfume, she faced Inez.

“Ready.”

“You look hot, bitch.”

Sierra laughed.

“So do you.”

They headed to Sunfish but as they were getting out Inez got a text.

“Oops, Brooklyn needs a ride. Grab us a table and I’ll be right back.”

Sierra grinned.

“Means she’s drinking tonight.”

“The kids must be on their worst behavior today.”

Inez took off. Sierra spotted Aspen, who’d managed to snag a large table. She squished in and gave her sister a hug.

“Long time, no see. Inez is bringing Brooklyn. Where’s Brick?”

“Should be here soon. You look amazing. I cannot wait for you to meet Kane!”

Sierra sighed.

“Babe, I don’t want you to get disappointed if we’re not interested in each other, okay? Every woman I know in town is panting after him. I’m not really into competing.”

“He’s not like that.”

Her brown eyes held a plea.

“I just want you to find a guy who’s worthy. You have so much to give, and I’m afraid you’re beginning to close off and no one will see what I do. That you’re so special, Sierra.”

Her heart softened to mush.

“That’s really sweet. But right now, I’m doing okay. Let’s talk about Brick instead and how happy he makes you.”

“Did I hear my name?”

Brick kissed Aspen and slid in next to her.

Sierra watched her sister melt and make googly eyes at him.

Oh yeah, they both had it bad.

She wondered briefly what it would feel like to experience such highs again—that giddy roll of lust and possibility when you looked at a man.

The comfort of touch and the safety of snuggling next to someone at night.

The beautiful routines she sometimes missed and craved.

Sierra blinked hard, shoving those disturbing thoughts aside.

She meant what she said to Aspen. She was doing okay. She was happy.

It was enough.

They chatted.

Inez and Brooklyn came in, and soon, a crowd of friends clustered around the table.

Sierra stood up to stretch and make her way around the bar.

One drink turned to two as she relaxed. It was good she’d come out. Another reminder she enjoyed her life.

After a quick stop to the restroom, Aspen intercepted.

“Kane’s here.”

Sierra chuckled.

“If I finally meet him, will you promise to stop talking about how great he is? You’re being a meddling matchmaker.”

Aspen threw up her hands.

“Just looking out for you, sis. Inez may fight you for him, though.”

“Hos over bros, babe.”

Aspen cracked up. Hurrying over to Brick, she pulled at his arm and whispered something. Amused at the drama, Sierra waited patiently while Aspen pushed her forward.

“Kane, this is Sierra. Sierra, this is Brick’s friend, Kane. He’s visiting from New York and helps Brick out with some of the tours.”

Her gaze lifted and collided with familiar emerald green eyes.

Everything stilled. Her entire body froze in shock, trying to keep up with her spinning mind that kept repeating the same word over and over and over.

No, no, no, no…

Her hand jerked and the glass she was holding dropped, shattering on the floor.

Still, she couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, as her sister’s voice repeated her name, and applause broke out in approval of breaking something in a bar.

It was him.

The man who’d haunted her dreams for the past four years. The man who’d stolen a piece of her heart and soul that one perfect rainy night. The man without a name.

That man was Kane Masterson.

Dear God, he was just as sexy and devastating as she remembered.

Thick auburn hair that fell in a wave over his forehead.

A lush mouth and chiseled jaw that was a work of art.

His lean muscled body was clad in pressed khakis, a starched white shirt, and beautiful leather shoes.

Broad shoulders and powerful thighs forced the fabric to yield and surrender, just like she’d done under his talented hands and fingers.

His scent of spice and clove drifted to her nostrils and sparked erotic memories that she wasn’t ready to confront.

But God, his eyes.

She was already drowning in the green-gold depths, framed by thick lashes.

That gaze drilled deep and pinned her in place while she swayed on her feet, helpless underneath the intense male stare, as shocked as hers.

“Sierra?”

She shuddered. The low, gravelly voice raked across her ears. He’d never spoken her name. The raw intimacy of hearing it for the first time from his lips shot her into a total panic.

She wasn’t ready to confront her past in the middle of a crowded bar. Sierra jumped, realizing Aspen and Brick were both staring at her with concern.

“Umm, hi. Nice to meet you, Kane.”

The words flew from her mouth automatically. Something flashed in those beautiful eyes. Pain? Regret? Anger? She had no time to process. The voice inside screamed for her to flee.

Sierra forced her gaze away, turning toward her sister. She pressed a fisted hand to her trembling mouth.

“Aspen, so sorry, I gotta go. I’ve got an…awful headache. Tell the girls I’ll see them later this week.”

“Wait, I’ll go home with you.”

“No!”

She blinked, forcing a smile.

“No, stay. I want you to stay. I just really need some sleep and alone time. Bye, Brick. Talk to you guys later.”

She shot out of the bar like Satan was trying to snatch her soul. Her drive was a blur, as the past and present crashed into each other and left a broken trail of memories behind.

By the time she arrived home, there was no more fight left.

Sierra pressed her back against the door. Slid down to the floor. Closed her eyes.

And remembered.