“I expected that. I don’t mind playing the role of bad guy. I’m used to it.”
Brick gave him a long look. Unease made Kane shift in his seat. Why did he sense some hard truths coming he wouldn’t like?
“You may be used to it, but do you still want that role?”
“Huh?”
“Listen, what John did to you? That was a betrayal most of us wouldn’t get over easy. It makes so much sense now—I knew you’d never turn dirty.”
“Thanks.”
“Welcome. You’re used to doing this job and looking at black and white. It’s what you know. But Sierra only sees the man she loves betraying her. She doesn’t give a shit about logic or explanations. You’re the one leading the charge to destroy her store.”
“I know.” Brick was right. Who cared how he tried to make it seem if the result was the same? “I hoped if I gave her time, and found her a new place, she’d see I didn’t take this job to hurt her. It was simply bad luck.”
“I guess I’m wondering how bad you really want this job with Stealth in the first place?”
Kane didn’t stop to think about his answer. “It’s what I do. It’s my career.”
“I had a career in New York, too. Built my whole world around being a top finance executive. Now, I’m running Ziggy’s Tours and happier than I’ve ever been. You’ve never given yourself a chance to imagine a different type of career.”
Kane paused. His friend was right. Once, they’d planned on making a huge mark in the industry, but Brick had pivoted and created a new life. A better life.
But Kane was different. He loved the game and the risk, the big money and deals to be made. Without it, he’d be bored.
Right?
“Hey guys. What’s up?”
They both turned as Marco joined them. He opened the back door and climbed in the seat, comfortably settling in. His shaggy hair hung in his eyes. He wore jeans with holes in the knees that were real and not cut for style. His orange t-shirt said Salt Water Cures All Problems.
“Hey,” Kane said.
“What’cha talking about?”
Brick hesitated. “Relationship stuff.”
“Cool. I’m good at that. Need help? Or I can ditch if it’s personal stuff.”
Usually, Kane would be polite but change the subject. Other than Brick, Sierra, and Derek, no one knew too much about him or his past. Surprisingly, he wanted to open up more. Something about this place stirred an urge to stretch his comfort zone and invite more people to his inner circle. “I’m in love with Sierra, but I got an opportunity for a big job which forces me to be the main guy who buys out the property Flirt is on and destroys her business.”
“Oh, shit. That’s a pretty big problem.”
“I know. Brick was giving me some advice.”
“What’s in it for you?” Marco asked.
Kane cocked his head. “You mean the job? Well, a lot. I’ve been trying to get back to the high stakes deals where I can make a lot of money. This company—Stealth—offered me a big contract if I finish the deal. I can pretty much re-create what I had in the city.”
Marco nodded. “Money, power, health benefits, status. Right?”
“Yeah.”
“But if you do, Sierra feels betrayed.”
“Yep. But I’m thinking I can get her to understand. She’s a businesswoman. She knows how these things work, and that it’s separate from my feelings for her.”
Silence settled over the Jeep. He figured Marco would just offer him some sympathy, some support, and some weed. Kane still felt good about sharing.
