Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

I twirled on the heels of my boots. “Good guess. Is he here?” I wasn’t sure if I should hope he would appear from the office.

When I played this scenario out in my head, it didn’t include Cole.

“Yes and No. How did you know he was on the island and not Orlando?”

I shrugged, embarrassed to tell him I had stalked his cousin’s social media accounts. Everywhere Blake went there were pictures. I knew he had landed in Raleigh yesterday. That only meant one thing—he was here. He had a bye week. The team was off for almost two weeks.

“A good guess?” I faked dumb.

“Well, he’s not here. He’s up at the Dock House. It’s Tuesday. You remember Tuesday nights around here, don’t you?” He had taken a seat on a nearby stool.

“Of course I do. I just didn’t know where I’d find him, so I thought I’d try here first.” The disappointment that Blake wasn’t here washed over me. Or was it relief?

“Don’t look so sad, girl. He’ll be back.”

I took a step toward the door. I hadn’t flown hours and then driven three more to sit around and wait for Blake to show up. I had to get this over with.

“Thanks, I’m going to go see him.”

“I guess some things don’t change.” Cole exhaled.

“What does that mean?”

“You always going after what you want—same ol’ Sierra.” Cole smiled.

“Some things do change,” I replied softly. I had to fight the instinct to rest my hand on my belly.

Cole’s playful banter face transformed to shock.

“What’s going on? Why are you here?”

“To see Blake,” I answered.

“Uh-huh. And you just showed up here on a Tuesday night?”

“We need to talk. Ok? We left a lot of things unresolved at the end of the summer.”

“That’s what you call it?”

I felt the tingles of panic work through my body. “Why? Did he say something to you? Do you know something, Cole?”

He backed up. “I’m not getting in the middle of this again. I played my part when you left the first time. I watched the destruction of my cousin implode in front of my eyes.”

“Wow. I didn’t know you thought that about me.”

He hung his head. “I don’t, Sierra. But you two need to get your shit straight. You belong together, not apart. And the sooner you both figure it out, the sooner you can stop hurting each other.”

“That’s why I’m here,” I admitted.

“Good.” He shoved his hands in his poc

kets.

“Could you do something for me? A small favor?” I asked.

“Depends.”

“Could you give me time to get there? Please don’t tell him I’m here. I need to talk to him. It’s important.” I was suddenly more afraid than ever that if he knew I was on the way he might be the one to run this time.