Seconds passed. He held his breath and waited.
Finally, the glow faded. Kane heard the rustle of sheets as they were rearranged. Then the soft sigh of Mo as he settled.
It took him a while to relax and realize Mo was sleeping next to him and, so far, had spared his life. Eventually, he went back to sleep, a slither of satisfaction curling in his blood. Mo must’ve believed him. It was definitely a first step between them.
Kane slept with a smile on his face.
Chapter Eighteen
“Kane, can we talk?”
He looked up as Duncan came into his office and shut the door. In Manhattan, he was used to being dragged into his boss’s luxury office for a game of intimidation. With Duncan, he came to you, and no matter what deal you closed, treated each employee as an equal. As Kane watched him settle in the chair opposite his desk, white hair neatly combed back, gaze peering over his silver glasses, he was struck by a sense of ease he rarely experienced in his career field.
“Of course. Is everything okay?”
Duncan’s smile was gentle. “That’s what I came to ask you. Stealth called. Said you’d delayed the contract meeting and they weren’t happy. You haven’t responded?”
He fell back into the familiar role, masking his features into a calm ease. “I had some issues with scheduling but it’s already on the calendar for tomorrow morning. Apologize you got dragged into it. I’ll call Todd ASAP.”
Duncan studied him for a long moment. Kane held his smile, used to the mask he wore after so many years of being forced to use it. “I’m not mad, son. I actually wanted to chat about a few things.”
He relaxed. “Sure. What can I help you with?”
“Do you want to do this deal?”
He jerked. Tried to focus. “Of course. Are you having second thoughts about me taking the job at Stealth?”
Duncan shook his head “No, you misunderstand. I’ve been watching you and became concerned. Not only did you delay meetings, but my contacts say you’ve been inquiring about other properties in the area to lease. Is there something else going on you’d like to discuss?”
Kane wondered what it would be like to trust Duncan and tell him everything. That he was desperate to find a place for Flirt. That he was suddenly questioning how badly he wanted this new job. To be dragged back into a competitive, cutthroat business where the job demanded twenty-four-hour care and commitment suddenly sounded empty. Not when he could spend quality time with the woman he loved and his friends and the horses and the town he’d come to care about.
But he couldn’t. Look what happened with John. Hadn’t that taught him the most valuable lesson of all? That he could trust no one but himself? If he confessed everything to Duncan, it could all be held against him.
Better to keep his secrets tight and close this deal. Then fix the fallout. It was what he’d always done before.
“Thanks for the concern, Duncan, but things are good. I’ll get this deal finalized and transition over to Stealth. I’m so grateful for the opportunity you gave me to work here. I’ll never forget it.”
The man tipped his chin. “Understood. I was happy to have you here. And if things ever go sideways, your job is always open.”
Surprised by the kindness, Kane tried to ignore the tightness in his throat. “Thank you.”
He watched his boss walk out and wondered why he felt so lost when he’d just gotten back in the game.
Things were moving too fast now. He had to get ahead of it and be the one to tell Sierra before she found out and it was too late.
Sierra watched her sister enter the room and gasp in delight. Her hand flew to her mouth as she took in the crowd gathered together to celebrate the engagement. Brick stood beside her, grinning widely, while Aspen took it all in, glancing around as if searching for someone.
Their gazes met and locked across the crowded room. As only siblings could, they spoke to each other in thoughts and responses.
I cannot believe you did this. Everything is so beautiful.
I enjoyed every moment. You both deserve it.
I wish Mom and Dad could be here. To see this party you threw for me and know I’m happy. For them to know we’re okay.
Me, too. But I’m sure they know.
They both teared up and started laughing. Sierra closed the distance and gave Aspen a hug, savoring the embrace. “Thank you,” Aspen choked out.
