And dangerous.
Kane breathed quietly. One wrong move and his balls would be in big trouble. It took a few moments but Kane finally relaxed, enjoying the cat’s solid warmth in a strange type of comfort. Maybe he was getting to be an animal lover after all. Mo was…kinda cool.
Kane drank his coffee and tried to come up with the perfect way to tell Sierra that she was losing her business. He should’ve told her last night, but no way was his brain working after she jumped into his arms.
It was the last piece of truth he needed to share. Once they worked through the problem together, nothing would ever keep them apart again.
He settled into the quiet of the morning and waited for her to wake up.
Sierra climbed out of bed, donned a short, silky robe, and walked to the kitchen. It was ridiculously early, especially after all the hours of lovemaking, but something had roused her. The house was quiet and not even Mo circled her feet, looking for breakfast.
She made herself a cup of coffee from the Keurig and went to look for her two favorite men.
Her footsteps led to the sunroom, and she paused before the French doors, taking in the scene before her.
Mo sat on Kane’s lap, sleeping soundly. Kane held his own coffee, his gaze trained on the view outside, obviously lost in thought. Her heart leapt as she stared at him, and a deep-seated knowing lodged within her chest.
She loved him. She was no longer afraid of the future, as long as they were together. The future was bright and shiny before her, because last night had exorcised the demons. They’d spent hours talking and sharing, until only their bodies could show how much they felt, reaching for each other over and over.
Last night was even more beautiful than their first. Because this time, neither of them held back any secrets.
This time, they’d called out each other’s names in the dark and the light.
Kane’s head swiveled around and caught her gaze. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
She smiled and walked close, leaning down to kiss his rough cheek. “I was enjoying the view.”
His fingers curled against Mo’s orange fur. “Yeah, we were having a moment. Of course, one screw up and I’ll be celibate.”
Sierra laughed and touched his broad shoulder. “You were deep in thought. Where did you go?”
He blinked, giving her that lopsided smile. But his eyes were filled with shadows. “I was thinking about your store and how we’re similar in how we see the world. Your shoes aren’t just sexy—they tell me about a piece of you. I love seeing how beautiful things can become a way to not only express yourself, but dream.”
Sierra stared at him. His pain made him poetic in a way that touched her deeply. It was rare a man viewed fashion with such respect. Curiosity urged her to question him further. He seemed slightly melancholic. “Was there anything specific that made you appreciate good clothes?”
“When I was in the city, I was fascinated by the men that went to work every morning. The power suits and silk ties. The smart leather shoes. They held briefcases and spoke commands into their earbuds while they rushed through the crowded streets. God, I was so impressed. They looked important and…worthy. Like they belonged in every way I couldn’t.”
He released a hard breath. “Somehow, I got it in my head if I dressed a certain way, I’d fool them all. I became obsessed with how I presented myself. I studied male fashion, and with each new crisp dress shirt or Italian loafers, I got closer to believing I was worthy. Cologne hid the memory of garbage. The swish of silk or fine cotton masked the scars. A bold watch told people you were someone to pay attention to. My college was the street and studying every man that intrigued me.”
“I never asked how you started in such an industry?” She leaned over and wrapped her arms around him, squeezing in comfort.
“I lied. My résumé was impressive and showed a degree I didn’t have. I learned how to bullshit and give them what they wanted to see. I grabbed an intern spot at a property firm, which was pure torture. Endless hours, little pay, and I was treated like shit. But damn, I loved it and I took that opportunity and made sure it was a stepping stone. Soon, I was offered a real position. I got a place—postage stamp but good enough—and got Derek out of my dad’s.”
The sheer grit and determination to transform his circumstances stunned her. No one would ever know what this man carried with him on a daily basis. How the love for his brother and need to be better drove him forward.
“I stayed there and soaked up all they could give. Then I got an offer from Global—specifically John, who told me the job was a ticket to my dreams.” A humorless laugh escaped his lips. “I forgot about the one lesson in life.”
“What?”
“There’s always a price to pay for what you want.”
A shiver bumped through her. Sierra held him tight as if to ward off the negative statement. “These are pretty deep thoughts before two cups of coffee.”
He arched his neck back to meet her gaze. “Sorry, I have no idea why I turned maudlin after the most beautiful night of my life.”
“Maybe you need a full stomach. I’ll cook breakfast.”
She tried to pull away but he tugged her hand, easing her beside him. Montgomery finally woke up enough to treat her to a few purrs and rubs before jumping down and disappearing. Sierra took her cat’s place and snuggled on Kane’s lap.
