His gaze dove deep, searching. “What did you think of the ending?”
She blinked. Studied his face to figure out why the dialogue turned so strange. “Umm, it was a regular romcom. Happy ever after. Wasn’t that deep.”
“Did you agree with what Tom Hanks did to her?”
Sierra frowned. “Not really. But he had no choice, I guess.”
He didn’t answer. Seemed to pick through her statement as if looking for clues. “You were satisfied with their happily ever after ending?”
She stepped out of his embrace and stared at him. The mystery of the question suddenly became crystal clear. “It was exactly what the audience expected Hollywood to deliver. But honestly? No. Tom Hanks took her mother’s store away, and he didn’t even look gutted. He was too focused on his win.”
She turned on her heel and headed to the door. “Tom Hanks sucks.”
Sierra left without another word and wondered what their own ending would be.
It was almost over.
Kane finished packing up his laptop and the papers he’d need for the meeting. Sierra had kept her distance, focused on gathering her resources to block the sale. His pain mixed with the soaring pride he felt for not only her business savvy but also her fuck-you attitude. If there’d been any way to sabotage the deal, Kane would’ve grabbed the opportunity. But between Benny’s willingness and Stealth’s wealth and power, this was going to go down quickly and relatively painlessly.
The board was already poised to agree to Stealth’s plans for the resort. Contacts had been well-oiled and greased. Kane had done his job well, staying within legal lines, and Jack was pleased.
There was nothing left to do but deliver everyone to the boardroom and make things official.
Kane left his office. On the way down the hall, he noticed his boss at his desk, the door open. “Kane? Come on in.”
He peeked his head in. “Duncan. I’m on my way to Stealth.”
“Closing the deal, huh?”
“Yeah.” He shifted his weight. Worry steeped his shoulders, but Kane forced a smile. “We’re ready to finalize.”
“Congratulations. Sit down for a minute. If I know you, you’ll be there an hour early anyway.”
He laughed, obeying the request. His leg jiggled up and down with tension. “How are things going? Did you finish up the Jefferson contract?”
“We did, thanks to you. You’ve got a gift, but I’m sure you know it. Are you looking forward to working at Stealth?”
“Sure.”
One white brow shot up. “Figured your dream job would evoke a more passionate response.”
“Sorry. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”
“Like being forced to close Flirt?”
He jerked back, speechless. Duncan’s face was calm, those blue eyes staring back with a clear focus. “Wh-what did you say?”
“I heard that it’s Sunrise you’re closing on today. That’s where Sierra’s store is, correct?”
Pure hot anger rushed through him. “Did you set this up, Duncan? How did you know I was seeing Sierra or that was her store?”
His boss didn’t seem intimidated. Kane was thrown off by the obvious kindness in the man’s response. “Kane, this is a small town. My wife heard something from Deanna, who runs the café, and as a regular of Flirt, she also heard you’re dating her. I was asked if I knew anything, and told her no. This is all confidential. But I was concerned about the choice you’re being forced to make.”
Kane groaned and shook his head. “I keep forgetting I’m not in the city anymore.”
“I can’t imagine how difficult this was for you and I didn’t want to interfere. But I also wanted you to know I’m here if you needed anything. To talk. Advice. Support. I pride myself on running my firm with care, and forcing you to take this on was never my intention.”
Relief loosened his muscles. There seemed to be no manipulation or hidden purpose with Duncan. Kane had been studying him and his employees for a while, and all actions kept confirming he was different from John. Honest. Direct. Fair.
