Sarcasm dripped from her voice. “What, oh, wise one?”
“What’s really holding you back?”
But Sierra wasn’t ready to face her sister’s question. Or answer it. Instead, she shoved another cookie in her mouth to stop any words from leaking out. Aspen watched with those wise owl eyes she’d seemed to have inherited after she went through her own journey with Brick. Great. Now, Sierra would always be fighting to prove she still knew more as the oldest. “I don’t want to talk about it,” she mumbled in between chews. “It’s not love, and you’re trying to drag me into one of your books. I refuse to become a character to make you more money.”
Aspen grinned. “Okay, I’ll let you off the hook for now. But this is a lot to process. I don’t have to keep this a secret, right? I’m assuming I can tell Brick?”
“Kane’s telling him tonight.”
“Good. Are you both going to begin dating? Or at least pretending not to hate each other any longer?”
Sierra blew out a breath. “I guess? He wants to date and move forward to see what happens. If we do, I need you to back me up when the gossip hits town. It’ll be a lot for me to handle.”
“Got it. I’m pretty much an expert at being the center of gossip around here after dating Brick. As for the jail thing, it’s a pretty simple solution. Ask him the hard questions. Be open. Don’t bullshit yourself anymore because you’re scared.”
Sierra rolled her eyes. “Stop trying to be the wise mentor in this scene, okay? I just want my sister.”
“Fine.”
“Aspen?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you forgive me for not telling you?” Sierra meant it to come out jokingly, but it didn’t. It was as if telling the truth opened up another piece inside of her that needed space and breath. Like it was the next step on a journey of risk. Because once Aspen knew anything, it became real.
Aspen seemed to ponder the question for so long, sweat began to prickle her skin. “I think I need some time to sit with it. I’m really hurt. You broke our trust.”
The gasp escaped her mouth the same moment Aspen burst into hysterical giggles.
“I’m fucking with you! Of course, I forgive you. You’re allowed to screw up, too, you know.”
“You suck!”
Aspen got up and gave her a hug. Sierra leaned into the comforting warmth, breathing in the vanilla citrus fragrance of her shampoo, the strength in her arms wrapped tight, the feeling of being with the one person who knew all of you and loved you completely. She blinked back the sting of tears.
When they pulled away, Aspen grabbed her wine and settled back in. “Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Tell me everything. A blow-by-blow account of your sexual escapade that night, you big slut.”
Sierra bit her lip. Repoured her wine. And leaned forward. “Fine. He did this thing where—”
Kane sat on the couch and faced Brick. Dug was snuggled in his lap, snoring loudly, drool pooling on his nice pants. He thought about moving him but the rat monster creature seemed too deeply happy, so Kane left him alone.
“So, I gotta tell you something.”
“Yeah? What’s up?” Brick had one eye on the baseball game. They’d shared a pizza, had a beer, and spent the last hour bullshitting. Even though he considered Brick not only his best friend but family, it was uncomfortable sharing secrets. He’d grown up used to not confiding in anyone, with business and his personal life, so opening up was difficult. He hadn’t even told Brick the real story about Derek being in rehab. But he had to start somewhere, and he might as well start tonight.
“I slept with Sierra.”
Brick’s head shot around. Shock crossed his face but he held his tongue. Seemed to think about it. “No shit? When?”
Kane dragged in a breath. “Four years ago. We met at a bar in New York. She was visiting Aspen. We never exchanged names and she disappeared in the morning. I didn’t see her again until we met here, and you introduced us.”
He waited. He knew it took Brick some time to process. “Wait—you knew each other but pretended to be strangers for this long? Why the hell did you do that?”
“She panicked and wanted to keep it a secret. I let her. But now things have changed.”
Brick scratched his head. “How?”
Kane dove in. “I have feelings for Sierra. Have since that first night, but she ran and there was no chance. Now, I want us to date and see if we can have a relationship.”
