She blinked. “Huh?”
“What flavor?”
His question came out as a demand, as did most things uttered from those lips. “Chocolate Coconut Dream.”
“That’s my favorite, too.”
Her body softened from his low murmur. Her female parts buzzed with recognition and throbbed in awareness. She wished she could wipe out the memory of that mouth over hers, the way he demanded and controlled and gave so much pleasure. She’d shattered like glass, feeling alive for the first time.
Sierra cleared her throat and prayed her voice worked. “Goody for us. Before I dole out friendship bracelets, you’d better hurry. There’s only one left.”
He grinned slowly, and shivers raced down her spine. “Still mouthy, I see.”
She couldn’t do this. She’d combust and embarrass herself, and Kane was already the hottest bachelor the town was fighting over. She refused to go there. “Well, see you around.”
“It’s nice to see Brick so happy. I’m glad they got back together.”
She wanted to ignore him but his tone held genuine pleasure. His support of Brick showed he’d been a decent friend. “Me, too. I was worried they wouldn’t work it out.”
Kane nodded. “Same. They were meant to be together. It must be nice to have your sister here permanently.”
“It is.” When Aspen decided to leave New York and move to OBX, Sierra felt as if a space inside her had been filled. Her sister was the only family she had. Having her close by was a game changer.
Kane continued in a thoughtful tone. “I think Brick was just scared shitless to try again.”
A humorless laugh escaped. “Yeah, I get it.”
“Do you?” His husky voice invited confidence—the same she’d given him that night. “I guess we both do.”
She fought his spell. Arched a brow. “Doubt it. Bed hopping is fun, but there’s little risk. Just the way you like it.”
His lower lip quirked. “Jealous?”
She practically sputtered. “Of course not! I made myself crystal clear—I think it’s best we keep our distance and avoid each other. Bed the whole town if you prefer. Just leave me alone.”
Instead of jabbing back, he studied her in thoughtful silence. She glared, refusing to squirm. “You’re wrong, Sierra. My entire life has been about risk. When you have millions of dollars on the line and one wrong word can destroy it all, you lean in hard. You play with no fear. You go all in. Because halfway ensures failure.”
She stood, transfixed, trying to break the spell. “You’re talking about work again.”
“Yes. Work.” He paused. “And now it’s time to make a bigger move. One I’ve been planning for a while, waiting for the right time.”
A shiver raced down her spine. Damned if it didn’t sound like a threat instead of some type of rambling thought.
It was time to get out of here.
“Thanks for sharing.” Sierra squared her shoulders and pushed past him. Her arm brushed his, and his fingers suddenly shot out and grasped her wrist, stilling her. The familiar scents of clove and whiskey rose to her nostrils, an aroma that twisted into her memory.
“You can keep running for now.” His thumb pressed into her throbbing pulse at the base of her wrist. “Until I’m ready to catch you.”
She made sure not to show fear. Cranking her head around, she met his gaze head-on and slowly tugged her wrist away. “I’m not yours to catch,” she said calmly. “Goodbye.”
Sierra walked away with slow, careful strides. She wouldn’t run.
But she felt his stare burning her alive with each step.
Kane watched her retreat. A flicker of admiration cut through him. The woman he’d fallen hard for all those years ago didn’t seem to exist in this polished, distant version. It was the only reason he’d allowed her to hide. He’d needed the time to figure out what the hell had happened and how he wanted to handle things.
Now he knew.
