“So fun,” Sierra said too loudly. “How about cocktails?”
Thank God, the server appeared and saved her ass. “I heard someone say cocktails,” she joked, her high ponytail swinging. “What is everyone drinking tonight?”
“Extra-dirty martini, Tito’s vodka, straight up, chilled, extra olives, preferably blue cheese stuffed,” Sierra said. She ignored Aspen’s eye-rolling at her specific order. Her sister ordered a Chardonnay.
“Great. And you…Sir?”
The mid-twenty-year-old paused and seemed to get lost in Kane’s eyes. Holding back an annoyed groan, Sierra watched as the waitress’s brain cells melted under so much gorgeousness. It was the same thing no matter where they went out—from bartenders, waitresses, to nice, little old ladies. It was worse when Kane and Brick were together. The two of them were a powerhouse of male sexual energy that scorched every woman in its path.
And…there she went again with her embellished analogies.
Kane smiled. The girl sighed. Clad in a light-gray suit, he’d hooked the jacket over the seat and rolled up his cuffs. His hair was neatly tamed back from his forehead. He blinked in the sun, dazzling with his green-eyed gaze and spicy scent and drool-worthy body.
It was ridiculous.
The memory of him rose up and taunted. Naked, pressed against her, that same gaze blurred with hunger as he surged inside and swallowed her screams with his mouth.
Sierra shifted in her seat as the ache settled between her thighs.
“I’ll have what she’s having,” he said, tilting his head toward her.
“Wonderful choice,” the server gushed, unable to stop staring at him. “I love martinis, too.”
“The IPA on draft,” Brick said.
Now it was Aspen’s turn to shake her head. The server smiled with pure giddiness as she basked in the glow of male perfection. “Another great choice. I love IPAs.”
Sierra couldn’t help feeling sorry for the girl. She was outmatched with the two of them and doing her best. When she finally disappeared, Aspen snorted. “Going anywhere with you peacocks is painful. Can’t you paint some warts on your face or something?”
Brick looked uncomfortable but Kane laughed, easily owning it. “Stop discriminating against us. We’re so much more than our looks.”
“Not arguing against that. Makes you even more deadly,” Aspen said.
“Inspiring lust is different from love,” Brick said. “You’ve been collecting hearts since you got here, baby.”
Aspen’s face went soft and glowy. Watching her sister stare at the man she loved made Sierra’s stomach squirm with something akin to longing. Yes, once she dreamed of kids and a man to share it with. But somehow, along the way, she’d lost hope of really finding that type of connection. It was easier to focus on what she did have and love about her life. Now, her sister was a reminder that there was hope.
Sierra turned and clashed with Kane’s stare. A shiver bumped down her spine. His face reflected a set intensity that warned he was almost out of patience. The memory of his warning rang in her ears and stirred up a hornet’s nest of emotion.
“You can keep running for now. Until I decide to catch you.”
Thankfully, their drinks came and they toasted to the engagement. The icy liquid slid down her throat with the perfect bite, exactly as she liked it. Fortified, Sierra grasped control of the conversation. “Okay, tell us what you’re thinking for the wedding? Next summer? A beach wedding? We can start with a loose date, and I’m happy to help research reception places or do whatever else you need.”
Kane sipped his drink. “I’ll jump in when needed. I’m in charge of the tuxes, as previously discussed. And the bachelor party.”
“Those are so overrated,” Sierra said. “A silly excuse to do what you could any weekend. Hang with friends and party.”
Kane shrugged. “Not if we go to Vegas or Rio.”
She groaned. “That’s so…cliché.”
“Not really. I’m sure you ladies will plan an epic celebration. Why are men the ones always getting in trouble?”
“Because you get sloppy. It’s a cliché for a reason,” she said.
“I doubt Brick would even glance at another woman. It’s simply a way for men to bond and celebrate before making a forever commitment.”
She snorted. “Bonding in a place known for bad decisions isn’t the best idea. I’ve seen The Hangover. All three of them.”
