They said their goodbyes, making their way to Aspen and Brick.
Aspen squealed and gave her a hug. “Sierra, these sea turtle soaps are my favorite thing ever. I cannot believe you thought of something so unique!”
Sierra laughed. “To be honest, that was all Kane’s idea. He found them on Etsy and suggested we use them as favors.”
Brick shook his head, a smirk edging his lips. “Etsy, huh? Had no idea you could be so…creative.”
Kane’s brow shot up. “You making fun of me, bruh?”
Aspen gasped. “I hope not! I’d rather have a sensitive, caring man rather than someone who’s afraid to stand up to his bullying friends.” The warning glare was caught and received. Brick gave his friend a look for getting him in trouble.
“Just a joke. I love them.”
Kane snorted, but his half hug to Brick was genuine. “Glad you had a good time.”
“It was perfect,” Aspen gushed. “And now I’m ready to go home and collapse.”
Brick growled. “I’m ready to go home and do other things, baby.”
Aspen blushed.
Kane threw up his hands. “And that’s our cue to leave.”
“Talk to you in the morning,” Sierra called, holding Kane’s hand as they walked out. The air was sticky. By the time they had the air conditioner on in the car, her hair was clinging to her neck. She scooped the strands up in a fist and lifted them from her nape. She chattered on about the party, pointing out the highlights. Kane nodded and smiled but was oddly quiet. As if he was thinking hard about something.
“You okay?” she asked.
“Yeah. I had a great time. Haven’t seen Brick so happy.”
“Same with Aspen. I’m so glad they found each other. It was meant to be.”
He gave a slow nod, but his jaw tightened. Tension swirled from his figure. “I’d like to talk tonight if you’re up for it?”
Arousal gathered between her legs. She sensed there was one reason he wanted to talk, and it had to do with taking their relationship to the next level. Sierra knew she’d demanded to know more about his past before they slept together. And he’d insisted Montgomery would accept him, which hadn’t happened yet. But after sharing their intimate FaceTime moments, and the way her heart was beginning to unfold every time she saw him, Sierra was ready to jump.
“Sure. We can…talk.”
“Good.”
Relief threaded through his voice. She hid a smile as they pulled up to her house and went inside together.
“Mommy’s home,” she called out, waiting for the familiar light footsteps of her new best friend. She turned to Kane. “You may want to step back from me so he’s not threatened. I’d hate to see you get clawed again.”
“I’m not worried.”
His casual tone made her roll her eyes. Always macho.
Montgomery prowled in, whiskers twitching, giving a loud meow in greeting. She sank to her knees and opened her arms, and he pushed against her, mushing his face to the inside of her thigh. “Such a good boy,” she crooned, petting him with pure love. “Did you have a nice evening? Do you want a treat?”
She took her time, then slowly rose to her feet. “Kane’s visiting tonight. Remember he took care of you when Mommy was away? Maybe you can try to be nice?”
“I’ll get the treat,” Kane said, retreating to the kitchen.
When he returned, he approached the cat with a confident ease that was brand-new. She frowned. “Kane, just leave it there, don’t try to give it to him yourself or—”
In one smooth motion, Kane offered up the morsel and Montgomery slowly took it from his fingers like an aristocratic gentleman allowing someone to feed him.
Her jaw dropped.
