by Nikki Ash
“Nah, Jailbird,” Keegan replies with a laugh. “No murders, no arrests. How about you? Have you kept yourself out of jail? Paying for everything at the store? Attending all your classes?”
Sierra laughs. “You told him about the time we shoplifted and when you got caught skipping?”
Wait, what?
Blakely rolls her eyes. “I was making sure he wasn’t going to rape and murder me, and it backfired.”
“You’ve been arrested?” I blurt out.
“We were bad teenagers,” Sierra says with a shoulder shrug and a smirk. “Now, we’re responsible, law-abiding adults.”
“That’s good to know,” Keegan jokes. “So, you wanted to talk?” he says to Blakely.
“Yeah.” She nods, and her smile disappears. “Brenton, you can go,” she tells him. “I’ll call you later.”
“You sure?” he asks, sounding whiny as fuck. Poor guy, he has it bad.
He takes off, leaving the four of us. Blakely suggests to Keegan they go for a walk and talk, and then Sierra says she’s going to head in with her nephew.
Before she can open the door, I snag her wrist gently.
“This isn’t over,” I tell her. There’s no way I’m letting her bail on our date.
She doesn’t say a word. Instead, she just slips inside.
The second I’m back home, I send her a text: When am I getting my rain check?
I wait several minutes, but of course, my text remains unread.
“You’re not going to believe this shit,” Keegan says a couple of hours later when he walks through the door with a huge grin on his face.
Sierra still hasn’t texted me back, so I’m cranky as fuck. “What?”
“Zane, Blakely’s son… he’s my son.”
He drops onto the couch. “I can’t believe it, man. I’m a fucking dad.”
Well, shit, now it all makes sense. Sierra’s earlier comments… “You look just like my nephew… We’re practically family.” Because she knew Keegan was the dad, which makes me Zane’s uncle.
Oh. Fucking. Well. If she thinks that’s going to stop me from pursuing her, she’s got another thing coming.
Chapter Four
Sierra
During my entire shift, I keep one eye on the entrance, waiting for Kolton to walk in. Yesterday was a shock, to say the least. My sister, who has dreamed of the day when she would find her son's father, has found him. And of course, he’s none other than Kolton’s identical twin brother. Because apparently having one of those sexy men in the world isn’t enough, God graced us with two of them.
I’ve been avoiding his texts since yesterday, trying to decide what I’m going to do. I always told myself I wasn’t running from love. I’ve just never come across the right guy. But the second it hit me that Kolton could be the one, I did exactly that. I ran. And now I have to figure out if I’m going to continue to run, or if I’m going to give us a chance because it’s not fair to keep stringing him along.
As if the thought of Kolton has summoned him, he appears at the door, sauntering my way with purpose. Today, he’s dressed in a navy-blue button-down shirt with his sleeves rolled up and a pair of black slacks that fit his muscular thighs. Maybe if I had teachers like him in high school, I would’ve considered taking the step toward higher education.
“If you want me, you can have me, Sierra. You just have to say the word.” His words knock me into reality.
“Excuse me?” I splutter.
“You’re practically undressing me on the spot.” He smirks playfully, then leans over and runs his thumb along my chin. “And drooling.”
“I am not!” I shriek, grabbing a coaster and placing it in front of him.
“Oh, you were, but I’ll try to keep my clothes on in front of all these people. What’s underneath is for your eyes only.”
I groan, hating that I don’t hate him at all. “What can I get you?” I ask, making him smirk.
Dammit! I keep setting myself up for this shit.
“Other than me,” I add.
He chuckles. “I’m done with these games. I want you to go on a date with me.”
“It’s not happening. We’re family.”
I know. I know. Stupid excuse. But it’s all I’ve got to keep him at arm’s length while I figure out my feelings toward him.
“We’re not family. But I am excited to officially meet my nephew.” A genuine smile graces his lips. “Keegan is meeting him today. He and Mom went shopping for Zane earlier. The guy is on cloud nine.”
My heart soars for my nephew and sister. This reunion could have gone in so many directions, and I’m thankful it went in the one that means Zane will have a loving, caring father, and my sister will have a partner to parent with.
“He’s an amazing kid,” I tell him. “Smart and adorable and funny.”
“Of course, he is,” he quips. “He’s a Reynolds.”
I roll my eyes. “Salad and iced tea?”
“Yep, with a side of you, please.”
“It’s not happening.”
“Oh, it is. And the sooner you accept that, the sooner we can move forward… together.”
He pulls a bunch of papers out of his briefcase and sets them on the bar top. “Do you mind if I grade my papers here?”
“I don’t care.” I shrug. “But wouldn’t you want to do that in peace and quiet at your house?”
He shakes his head. “I’d rather do it with the backdrop of you.”
I shake my head and walk over to the computer to place his order, trying not to seem affected by his words, when the truth is, I’m very much affected. For years after my parents died, I kept everyone at arm’s length, not wanting to risk my heart getting broken. I watched my mom’s heart get torn to shreds little by little, bit by bit, all in the name of love, and I swore I would never allow that to happen to me.
But the second I heard my nephew’s heartbeat on the monitor, it was as if my chest was cracked open, and my heart was on display for the world to see. Which was fine since my entire world consisted of Blakely and Zane—and I knew they would never hurt me.
But now Kolton wants in, and I have no doubt, if I give him my heart, he has the capability to destroy it the same way my dad destroyed my mom. And I have to decide if I’m willing to take that risk.
The evening flies by. Kolton hangs around, grading papers, and when I’m not busy, we chat. When the final customer pays his check and leaves, I glance over at Kolton, who’s still nursing his iced tea.
“You ready to go?” he asks, standing when I come around the bar to lock up. The staff has all cashed out and shut down their stations, and Kolton and I are the only ones left.
“Yeah.”
He hands me his helmet, and I reluctantly put it on my head, knowing it’s going to ruin my hair.
“What’s wrong?”
“These helmets are clearly not made for women.”
He chuckles. “No, probably not, but you still look sexy as hell with it on.”
The ride to my apartment complex is quick, and when I get off the bike, I expect him to ask me out, so I’m shocked when he walks me to my door like a gentleman, kisses my cheek, and tells me he’ll see me soon.
When I walk inside, Blakely is still awake, studying. She gushes about her evening with Keegan and how well it went telling Zane he’s his dad. He also mentioned he wants to get to know her as more than Zane’s mom. After we chat for a few minutes, I jump in the shower and drop into bed exhausted. When I plug my phone in to charge it, I notice a text from Kolton.
Kolton: Good night and sweet dreams.
I usually ignore his texts, afraid to open that door, but tonight, I reply: Good night.
The rest of the week feels as if it’s in fast-forward. I’m working every day—between managing the restaurant, manning the bar, and running interviews. Kolton shows up every day, but he no longer asks me out. He eats and drinks and grades papers. When I’m not busy, we chat about everything and nothing. I have to admit I mis
s his flirting, but I also enjoy getting to know him without feeling like there’s an agenda.
By Friday, I’m convinced Kolton is over asking me out, and the only reason he continues to frequent The Orange Sunrise is for its iced tea and salad.
But then, right after my sister asks me to join her on Saturday to meet Keegan’s parents, a text comes in from Kolton, making it clear where he stands.
Heard you’re joining us for lunch. If it were up to me, you’d be coming as my girlfriend and not as my brother’s baby momma’s sister, but I still look forward to spending the day with you nonetheless… Next time, though, you’ll be visiting as mine.
Me: I *think* that was romantic… in a creepy sort of way.
Kolton: Are you saying you miss my flirting?
Me: ……….
Kolton: I’ll take that as a yes.
So, he has been making it a point not to flirt with me.
I set my phone down, but then my curiosity gets the best of me.
Me: Why haven’t you been flirting?
Kolton: Wow, so you really do miss it, huh?
Me: That’s not what I asked.
My phone suddenly rings, and Kolton’s name flashes across the screen. “Hello?”
“You okay?”
“Um… yeah.”
“Just checking. It’s hard to tell through text. You seemed very distraught over me not flirting with you all week.”
“Hardly. I was just wondering what changed.”
“I was waiting for you.”
“For me?”
“To realize you miss my flirting.”
Motherfucker… Of course! He used reverse psychology… because he’s a freaking psychology major.
“I’m hanging up now.”
“No, wait,” he says through a laugh, but I don’t. After hanging up, I go one step further and turn my phone off. Let him psychoanalyze that!
It’s Saturday morning, and the five of us are piled into Keegan’s truck on our way to meet their parents. Blakely is droning on about how nervous she is to meet Keegan’s parents while he reassures her everything will be fine. I shouldn’t be nervous since I’m only coming along as moral support for my sister, but I can’t help the anxiety attacking my belly. I’m about to meet Kolton’s parents. I haven’t been around any parents in years. After ours died—and shortly after our grandma died—we were put into foster care. One woman was nice, but she was more like a roommate than a mom… From that moment forward, it was Blakely and me against the world.
“Mom will be so happy to have Zane there. She won’t care about anyone else,” Keegan promises her.
“And add to that Blakely and Sierra.” Kolton snorts. “She always says she wishes she’d had a daughter. Now she’s getting two-for-one.”
He looks over at me and winks, and my heart bottoms out in my stomach. Has Kolton told his parents about me? If he hasn’t, will I be disappointed? Will they think I’m good enough for their son?
My thoughts are still running rampant when we pull up to the most adorable gray and white house. It’s nothing like the over-the-top home Blakely and I grew up in… and I love it.
I unbuckle Zane from his booster seat and then climb out, taking it all in. In the front of the house there are flower beds containing beautiful multicolored flowers spread out across the front of a cute wraparound porch with cozy-looking rocking chairs. The entire scene in front of me screams homemade apple pies and family dinners, and it warms my icy heart.
Distracted by my thoughts, I don’t notice Kolton come up behind me until his lips graze the outer shell of my ear.
“You must be exhausted,” he murmurs.
“What?” I ask, snapping my gaze from the house to him. “Why would I be exhausted?”
Kolton smirks devilishly, and I know whatever he says next will be something flirty. “Because you were running through my mind all night.”
I can’t help the snort-laugh that bubbles out of me. He has got to be the cheesiest guy I know, and somehow it only adds to his charm.
He takes my hand in his and guides me into his house. When we enter the house, the sweetest woman comes rushing over to us. She makes a beeline straight for Blakely and envelops her in the warmest motherly hug.
“My son has told me so much about you. I’m so happy I get to finally meet you.” She pulls back slightly to assess Blakely. “You’re gorgeous.” She smiles sweetly, then glances over at me. “You both are.” Barely releasing Blakely, she says to me, “Come here,” and pulls me into their hug. My insides melt at her touch, not realizing how much I’ve craved this. Even when our parents were alive, our mother never hugged us like this.
“I hate what happened with you and Keegan,” she murmurs to Blakely. “Him losing your number and you girls having to take care of my grandson alone all these years.”
Tears prick my sister’s eyes, but I try to remain strong.
“It’s okay,” Blakely tells her.
“Well, I can promise you that you will never be alone again. You have all of us now. I’m so excited to be a grandma,” she gushes. “Anything you need, you just let me know.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds.”
“Oh, no! You call me Larissa, or Mom, whichever.” She winks. “And this here is my other half.” She waves her husband over.
“I’m Paul,” Keegan’s dad says with a friendly smile. He looks like an older version of Keegan and Kolton, right down to the dimples. “It’s very nice to meet you.” His eyes meet mine. “Both of you.”
The early morning turns into afternoon as we eat and talk and laugh the day away. After lunch, the guys go fishing while Blakely, Larissa, and I go shopping. The entire day I can see the emotions splayed across my sister’s features. She doesn’t know what to do or how to act. This is new for both of us. But I can see in her eyes that she’s so damn happy. Zane not only has a mother and a father, but he now has an entire family, which only solidifies my decision. Kolton and I can never be anything more because if, or when, it doesn’t work out, everything would be awkward. My sister and nephew deserve to have this family, and I won’t be the reason they risk losing it.
Later, when we get home, I send a text to Kolton before I lose my courage: I’m sorry, but we can’t be anything more than friends. We’re family now, and that’s the way it has to stay.
He sends a response back immediately: If I believed for a second you really felt that way, I would accept that, but I know you’re scared. Sorry, Sierra, but I disagree. We can and will be more…It’s only a matter of time.
Chapter Five
Sierra
“I’m running out to get coffee. Want anything?” I ask Monica as she throws her apron around her waist, ready for the start of her shift.
“Nope! I’m good.”
“All right. I’ll be back!”
“Or you can go home and start your weekend early.”
That sounds nice… but at the same time, I need to get a bunch of stuff done before I’m off for the next three days.
I rush out of the restaurant, needing my caffeine fix, and run straight into Kolton.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, not confused that he’s here—he’s been here every night this week—but that he’s here this early. He usually arrives in time for dinner and stays until closing, then insists on giving me a ride home.
“I have Fridays off. I usually spend the day doing schoolwork or grading papers. My brother told me you were working this morning… Are you off already?”
“I’m taking a coffee break.”
“How long do you have?”
“Technically, however long I want… I’m not on the schedule today. Why, what’s up?”
“I want to talk to you.” He walks over to his motorcycle and pulls something out of the saddlebag. “For you,” he says, handing me a helmet—this one is different from the one I wore the other night. It’s lighter and has a cute black and pink design on the back.
My heart swells behind my rib cage, a
nd I know I’m screwed. “Did you buy this for me?”
“Of course. You’re going to need your own helmet since I plan to have you on the back of my bike every chance I get.” He nods toward the helmet in my hand. “The guy said women prefer that design because it’s easier on their hair.”
He gets on his bike, leaving me momentarily frozen. I mentioned to him that the helmet ruined my hair, so he went out and bought one that wouldn’t. Jesus, this man is something else. How am I supposed to resist him when he says and does all the right things?
After a few seconds, I hop on, pushing my helmet on my head and wrapping my arms around him. We head east, riding in silence and enjoying the view around us. About thirty minutes later, he turns on to Ocean Ave, the road that runs north and south along the Atlantic Ocean. The breeze from the ocean picks up, and I snuggle closer to Kolton, trying to get warm. He smells clean with a hint of sweetness, like laundry detergent mixed with vanilla.
Eventually, he pulls into a deserted parking lot that overlooks the beach and parks his bike, turning the engine off.
“It’s beautiful out here.” I inhale a deep breath, feeling immediately rejuvenated. Something about being at the beach, smelling the salty air, and listening to the crashing waves instantly calms my nerves, making me feel like a new person.
“Yeah, it is,” Kolton agrees. “I like to come out here when I need somewhere to be alone and think.”
“About what?” I ask, wanting to know more even though I shouldn’t.
He slides off his bike and takes my hand to help me off. With our fingers intertwined, we walk down to the water. It’s a cloudy day, the norm here in Florida, but the sun is shining enough that it probably won’t rain until later.
