“I notice everything that’s important to you,” he said quietly. “What do you think I’ve been doing these past months while biding my time?”
She shifted her gaze and their eyes locked. The room faded away under the familiar sting of electricity, but then the waitress dropped off their oysters and drinks, breaking the moment. Kane reached for one, expertly squeezing half a lemon and a dash of sauce like she preferred, then offered the oyster. She paused before taking it, and he watched her bubblegum lips part and suck the tender flesh into her mouth. She chewed, eyes half closed, as if enjoying the sharp tastes on her tongue. Kane savored every flicker of expression with greed. Sierra taking her pleasures in any aspect was an incredible treat.
He hardened immediately. Kane’s vision blurred with the crack of desire exploding through his body. The woman had some witch-like power over his dick, even though they’d only spent one night together years ago. He’d tried to tell himself if they ever met again, it could never be the same intensity.
Now, they’d both proved the lie.
When she’d swallowed and opened her eyes, he reached for his own oyster. She snapped back to her sassy self. “How’d you know about my date tonight?” she asked suspiciously. “Did you plan this whole setup?”
He took his time answering. “Nope. Call it Fate. I stopped for a drink after work. Didn’t take long to assess the situation and formulate a rescue plan.”
“And if I looked like I was having a great time?”
He grinned. “I would’ve interrupted sooner.”
Temper steamed from her pores. “This thing between us has to stop. I already told you it’s best we move in separate directions.”
“Funny, I think the opposite. Here, eat this one.”
God, she was sexy when she was mad, but he figured she was still hungry enough to snatch the oyster from his fingers. Kane decided to change the subject to keep her at the table. Being alone with her was rare. He wanted to do everything to extend his time.
“I’ve been thinking about the engagement party and have a few suggestions,” he said.
Her brow arched. She patted the napkin to her lips. “Oh, really? I’d love to hear them.”
He swirled his glass. “I created a spreadsheet with all the places that have private rooms and would be a good fit for the theme.”
“You came up with a theme?”
He gave a half shrug. “Not exactly. I just figured casual elegance would fit Aspen and Brick. They don’t like formal, but we want good food, good staff, and good décor. I’ll email you the list and we can each call half to speed up the process. The alternate idea is to rent tents and create a beach engagement party but we’d be more dependent on weather.”
Satisfaction unfurled at her look of surprise. “Wait—you did all of this alone?”
Kane shrugged. “Sure—it didn’t take long. I also created a vendor list but I’m sure you know more people and may have already decided who you want to work with. I did think something with sea turtles would be nice for a favor—maybe handmade soaps in that shape? Oh, and I’d say a DJ is key and they’d prefer it over a band. Maybe Taylor Swift can be a theme song for them to walk into? That could be fun.”
Her reaction was worth all of those sweat-worthy hours figuring this shit out. Once he began climbing down the portal of engagement parties, Kane admitted it wasn’t so bad. Just like putting together a deal. Get your stats and numbers, find who you want to work with, create the scene needed to close, follow through. Who knew event planning could be satisfying?
“I don’t believe it,” she muttered. “Why are you doing this?”
He opened his mouth to answer.
“Don’t lie.”
He shut it. Considered. Damned if he was going to lie to this woman ever. “Two reasons. I like the idea of us working on something together for people we both love. Second, I wanted to impress you and show you another side of me.”
She gave a long sigh. “Crap, that was a good answer. Even though I don’t like it.”
“Have another oyster.”
She glared but ate the third one while he tried not to grin. “I’ll look at your spreadsheet but I don’t pride myself on working well with others. This is my sister—the most important person in my life. If you’re going to try to mansplain crap or push your agenda, I’ll push back. And I don’t care if I sound bitchy, it’s just the way it is.”
Delight lit him up. “I like the way you are. I really want an opportunity to help. For Brick. Okay?”
Her tongue slicked over her lower lip. Kane almost bent over as if sucker punched. He’d give up anything to taste her one more time.
“Fine.”
“Thank you, Sierra.” Her name danced on his tongue. He noticed she stiffened slightly, as if trying to fight her reaction. “Maybe we should meet tomorrow after you’ve gone over the spreadsheet?”
