“She is, but she’s looking to expand, and I think Flirt would be perfect. I’d do a custom window display. I can picture the sun sparkling on those beads and catching attention.” Sierra tapped her finger against her lip. “But she’s looking for a high cut. Not sure it would be profitable enough, so I’m heading out for a face-to-face meeting. I think she’s been burnt before. I need to show I’m all in.”
“You’ve really built your dream business,” he said slowly. “The night we spent together? You never mentioned that was one of your goals.”
“I didn’t know it was,” she admitted. “I only knew I had to find my own voice and identity. It was as if I was always stepping into a role I wasn’t prepared for. A guardian to my sister. A wife to my husband. A community member and friend in a new town I desperately wanted to fit into. Once I began paying attention, I followed the bread crumbs and took a chance.”
He scratched his head. Seemed to consider his next words. “Would you ever think of…expanding? Opening up a newer store in a more dynamic location?”
She laughed. “No. I like where Flirt is, and I don’t need a second store. I’m happy where I am.”
“Right. Makes sense.” A frown creased his brow. “You mentioned the lease. Have you heard back on a renewal?”
“Not yet. But my landlord is a bit flaky. I’m sure there will be an increase, which I can handle. I’m going to track Benny down next week.”
Kane stiffened. His gaze narrowed with intensity. “And if he refuses to renew the lease for some—strange reason?”
“I can’t imagine. It just won’t happen. There’s no reason to think anything has changed.”
He nodded but there was something in his face that concerned her. Like he was worried.
“Kane, what is it? Anything going on I should worry about?”
He relaxed and smiled. “No. Sorry, I got distracted. Want dessert?”
“No, thanks.”
“Then let’s get to the second half of our date.”
Sierra raised a brow. “It’s a two-parter, huh?”
“Yep. The public is over. Now it’s time for the private.”
He paid the bill and escorted her to the car. As they walked out, the stares lasered into her back, but at this point, Sierra was amused by all the attention. She’d never done anything to rivet the town’s interest before. Her divorce earned her some gossip, but nothing like dating Kane Masterson, the hottest bachelor in town.
She finally knew how Aspen felt.
Sierra relaxed as he drove, navigating the crowded streets of downtown, and heading out to the beach. The hazy colors of sunset streaked the sky. He parked and turned. “Will you watch the sunset with me, Sierra?”
Pleasure shimmered. It was one of the things she adored; watching the sun sink while she gazed out from her front porch, sitting in her rocking chair, drinking sweet tea. His question was both considerate and romantic, as he stretched his hand out with invitation.
“I’d love to.”
They grabbed a blanket from the trunk, kicked off their shoes, and made their way down the curvy path to the boardwalk stairs. A few people lingered on blankets scattered on the sand but there was plenty of empty space. The white powder crunched under her feet and the hot wind tossed her hair. The ocean roared before them, stretched out in a vast expanse that caused both wonder and humbleness. Puffy white clouds floated in a pale-blue sky, slowly morphing and darkening into the familiar colors of fire.
They sat together on the blanket and watched in companionable silence. Kane took her hand, playing with her fingers, chin tilted up as he gazed at the sky. She studied his profile. The ache in her chest grew; the familiar hunger growing more with each day. Not just for his body, but for more of the man he hid from the rest of the world. She was greedy to be the woman he shared his soul with.
“I never appreciated a sunset until I came here,” he said. “The buildings block most of the view in the city, and I was too busy to stop and look. When Brick first showed me what I was missing, I couldn’t believe it happened every night and I’d never thought to watch.”
She nodded. “Things are slower here. There are more reminders of how days pass, which I love.” A dreamy smile curved her lips as the blazing ball of orange began slowly sinking. “There’s something about the end of a day that inspires me. Sunrise never motivated me the way it does so many others. Too many unknowns ahead out of my control. But this? I can look back on the hours I spent and take account. I can learn to accept what the day brought. It’s completely satisfying.”
Kane glanced over. His gaze drilled into hers, diving deep with curiosity and fascination. “I never knew that,” he murmured. Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips into her palm. “Yet, it makes total sense to me.”
She ached to move closer and let him hold her. Lay her head on his chest while he stroked her hair. She missed the simple comfort of companionship with someone you loved; the sensation of being completely full because all the empty spaces were shared. Emotion struck her hard, so she broke her stare and focused on the dying sun.
“What about you? Sunrise or sunset?” she finally asked.
The light faded and shadows danced across the beach. Only a shimmer of fire glowed in the distance, inches away from oblivion for another day.
“Always sunset.”
