“It’s not even my birthday.”
“I don’t need an occasion to treat you like a princess.”
My fingers unhook the necklace from its velvet restraints, clipping it around my neck with a gasp.
The diamonds attract the light, making my neck look like it’s surrounded by stars.
“It’s out of this world, thank you.”
Declan glances at me, a smile on his face that tells me my reaction pleases him.
“You’re crazy; you know that?”
“I’m crazy for you, Sierra Carson.”
Moments later, we arrive at his beach house, and we waste no time falling to the sofa, our mouths exploring each other urgently.
“I could kiss you all day,” he mumbles, his hand brushing against my hip. “But right now, I just want to be inside you.”
“Fucking me in my diamonds?” I breathe against him, reaching down to stroke his hardness.
“Fucking you inonlyyour diamonds.”
TWENTY-FOUR
CRANE
Kai is the only reason I’ve come back to this godforsaken town. Well, at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Nothing to do with a certain blonde…
Anyway…
It’s been five years, but everything looks the same as it did when I left, including my best bud.
“It’s good to see you, man.” Kai hugs me tight, whistling as he slaps my arms. “What did you spend five years doing—lifting weights?”
“Something like that,” I chuckle, glancing around us. “Can’t believe I’m back.”
Kai grins at me, his excitement upon seeing me infectious.
“It’s so fucking good to see you. Thank you for coming.”
“It’s your wedding, bro. You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Kai nods, licking his lips as he does.
“How’s your mom?”
“She’s doing great. Leaving here saved her life.”
We order some food and beers, and Kai fills me in on his proposal to Lorena, trying to update me on everything I’ve missed over the years.
It’s a lot to take in, but my best friend is doing well for himself.
“It’s nine-to-five, nothing as exciting as what you do, but it pays well,” Kai says enviously. “You’re covered in tattoos. Who did them?”
“All kinds of people, some names I can’t even remember,” I admit. “How’s your family?”
Kai shakes his head as he studies me, a sad look on his face.
