“I came to OBX so I’d have more time in my schedule. I don’t want to give it up for nothing.”
Jack remained mute, but Todd laughed. “Of course. I think you’ll be very happy with our generous offer.” He outlined the terms of the contract, plus bonuses for each step in the deal. He didn’t even have to wait until closing to get a nice chunk of money.
All he had to do was close this one deal, and he’d be set.
“HR will send everything for you to look at. In the meantime, go over the Sunrise property and let us know ASAP. We need to move quickly.”
They shook hands, did the goodbye bullshit, and Kane left.
Holy shit. He’d gotten it.
Satisfaction coursed through him, along with the familiar thrill.
He was back.
Kane wanted to dive in and get started, but he had something more important to do.
He drove to Flirt and parked in the lot. Sierra’s car was there. Admiring the bold, yet inviting window displays, he almost laughed when he realized he was more excited to see her than go back to the office and work. No woman had ever been able to compete with the lure of a new deal.
Until now.
Kane got out and entered. The bell tinkled in welcome. Some delicious scent warmed the air, making him immediately relax. He stood in the entrance and scanned the space, taking in the store she’d named from his memory and that he’d never visited before.
God, it was like the essence of the woman permeated every inch of Flirt, and he wanted to sink himself into the experience. Loose groups of females roamed around, chattering and laughing as they fingered beautiful fabrics he immediately wanted to touch. Displays of jewelry scattered throughout with signs of local female designers proudly displayed. Miniature crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and the palette reminded him of her home, creams and butter and bright whites blending with sea-blue, yellows, and lavender. A line for the fitting rooms snaked toward the back, smartly edged with impulse buys like scarves, trinkets, and candles.
A young girl with a nose piercing appeared with a dazzling smile. “Welcome to Flirt! I’m Prim, let me know if I can help you in any way!”
“Thanks. Can you let me know what that scent is?”
Her face lit up. “Oh, that’s our best-selling candle, Beach Love. Let me show it to you.” She led him to a beautiful table of various candles and picked up one in beveled glass with jeweled tone shells embedded in the top. “Not only will the scent relax you, but it’s a piece of art for your room. Tangerine, black pepper, and oakwood give it that scent. Only $19.99 but if you buy two, you get one free.” Prim handed him the candle and eased away. “I’ll let you browse but I’m here for anything you need.”
Kane gave her credit for a great sales pitch. People hated sales teams to hover or spy, but they were also pissed off if no one was around to help. Prim immediately began hanging clothes, but he sensed she’d be available the moment he sought out her gaze.
Sierra did well with her training.
Kane spent some time as a shopper and threw himself into the experience of Flirt. He picked up items, ran his hands over fabrics, and eavesdropped on conversations that held the joy and mystery of females bonding over shopping. Brooklyn was manning the counter and then the familiar husky tone of Sierra’s voice cut through the air.
He turned his head and once again, experienced the jolt of recognition he’d had that very first night they met.
She wore a playful, white eyelet dress with a bouncy hem that showed off her gorgeous bare legs. Hair tied up in a fashionable ponytail, her multiple silver link chains roped around her neck and ankles gave off a fun vibe, and showed off her perfect cleavage. His gaze dropped and a smile automatically curved his lips.
White flats covered in elaborate lace with a rounded toe. Simple and flirty. She was feeling good today after telling her sister the truth.
Every part of him clenched with the need to touch her. He wanted to be the one allowed to cross the store and take her into his arms. He wanted to claim her with his mouth and hands so the world knew she belonged to him. It was a primal instinct that made him clench his fingers and not move until he was under control.
It had been two days since he’d seen her last. They’d spoken after their dual conversations with Aspen and Brick but he’d given her some space to settle. The engagement party was officially booked and sending out invitations was the next step. Sierra had all the addresses and said she could just print out labels, so Kane had been officially dismissed.
Good thing he had a few last-minute proposals to offer.
It was time to take the next step together.
But first, he wanted to make himself comfortable in her second home. So, he roamed incognito waiting until Sierra recognized him.
Unfortunately, Mo came to him first.
Kane reached out to examine a tapestry bag in an interesting patchwork design when a blur of fur jumped out. A blistered curse escaped as he staggered back, heart beating from the scare. In seconds, the cat managed to squeeze himself in between the bags and take center stage, unfurling his massive length to full capacity.
Golden eyes squinted with menace. His fur prickled.
