Was that a flash of raw satisfaction or a trick of the light? The awful, throbbing tension broke apart like the rain cooling after the heat of a lightning bolt. “Yes. Instinct.”
Her admission allowed escape. With a slight dip of his chin, he released her from his gaze and went back to eating.
Aspen shrugged. “Risk is still important, too.”
“Absolutely,” Brick said. “Have you thought of expanding, Sierra?”
She forked up a piece of ahi tuna and shook her head. “Unfortunately, the real estate around here is painful. Rents have tripled since everything is getting snatched up, redone, and sold for a huge profit. I’m lucky to have the last reasonable rent in town, let alone try for more space. But my landlord has been avoiding me about re-signing my lease. It’s getting me nervous.”
Brick squinted into the dying rays of the sun angling through. “Yeah, I heard Dora Young got phased out of her ice cream shop. Rent went up, and she found selling sweet stuff wasn’t paying like it used to.”
Worry pricked but she tried to push it aside. She figured the rent would increase, but her profits were steady enough to warrant a reasonable hike. Since the location wasn’t full mainstream, she hoped it wouldn’t be bad. She was going to push for a five-year term this round.
“Flirt is a mainstay, and I’m sure it will be fine,” Aspen said firmly.
“Kane, what do you think? Any news from the development side?” Brick asked.
She felt Kane’s steady stare on her profile. “My company’s been focused on expanding medical facilities. More money and profit in the office buildings or larger lots. I’m sure there will be an increase with the competition but no reason to worry about your lot. Can’t see a reason they’d want to sell or convert if the tenants are dependable.”
Her shoulders relaxed at his answer. Maybe she was worried for nothing. He was right—there’d be no reason to try and outprice her store when she was a solid tenant. She’d always been curious about his career and exactly what happened in New York.
His shady past made her suspicious. Had he done something criminal in the quest for more money? Greed was a hard sin to avoid. Didn’t most big-time execs turn dirty eventually? It was another reason she defended her actions of keeping her distance. She wanted nothing to do with a man who didn’t care about anything but himself.
“There you go,” Aspen said. She leaned back in the chair with a groan. “That was so good.”
Her stomach felt overfull and a tad nauseous. Probably a combo from the stress of sitting next to Kane and one extra strong martini. She could never hold her liquor. “Is there anything we can do now that we’ve finalized the wedding is September and we have a place?”
Aspen ticked off her fingers. “My dress, your dress, flowers, e-invites—”
She tried not to wince. “No paper?”
Aspen stared.
“Sorry, evites are very cool.”
“Aren’t they? Just need a local photographer and decide on a place for the honeymoon. Done.”
Her face must’ve given away her disappointment because Brick laughed. “Sorry, Sierra, we don’t mean to ruin the planning fun.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m so happy for you and at least there won’t be any stress,” she offered. “I guess I’m too excited and wanted to plan a big event. You know how I love that.”
Aspen grinned. “And you know how much I hate it.”
“What if Sierra and I threw you an engagement party?” Kane asked.
She froze. The words got stuck in her throat. No way was she partnering with her one-night stand to plan an event. That was a no go.
Aspen cocked her head. “An engagement party? Honestly, we figured the wedding is so close what would be the point?”
“It’d be our gift to you and a way to celebrate. Look, once the news is out, everyone’s going to be desperate for details and asking a million questions. You’ll probably be invited to dozens of dinners to celebrate. If we had a party, you get it done in one shot. Plus, Sierra will be able to create the event on her terms. I’d help, of course. It would be a lot of fun.”
Her jaw almost unhinged. Finally, her voice emerged, about to shut down his overly kind and manipulative offer. “Kane, I think that’s—”
“I love that idea!” Aspen burst out. Her brown eyes sparkled. “But are you sure two parties so close together isn’t overkill?”
“Who doesn’t love parties?” Kane responded. Satisfaction carved out his features. “Don’t you think it’ll be a blast, Sierra?”
She was going to kill him.
