The Inevitable
Kolton sucks in a sharp breath. “Jesus, Sierra, I don’t even know what to say…”
“There’s nothing to say. Just like there’s nothing I can say about your brother’s death. We can say we’re sorry, but we both know that word is useless. It doesn’t change anything. Horrible things happen that are out of our control, but it’s how we react to them that defines us. And how I handled shit after my parents died was horrible. I pushed my sister away and made her feel as if I didn’t love her anymore. We were best friends, and I abandoned her. I was so hurt by what happened… afraid to love again… to be vulnerable. My mom gave my dad everything. Every bit of her. She made him her priority even though she had us, and in the end, her love and devotion to him killed her.”
“Sierra—” Kolton starts, but I cut him off, needing to get it all out.
“When Blakely found out she was pregnant, she was terrified. And the day we heard Zane’s heartbeat, I realized how badly I messed up. I didn’t even know about Keegan. She should’ve been able to come to me, but she didn’t. She considered giving Zane up because she didn’t think she had any other choice, and my heart broke. I vowed that day to make it up to her. All the years I spent pushing her away, I would make it right.”
“And that’s why you work at a restaurant you hate, to pay all the bills so your sister could keep Zane and get her degree.”
“Yeah,” I breathe, staring out at the ocean. “It’s more than that, though. Blakely never gave up on me, and now it’s my turn to be there for her. And if I date you and we don’t work out, I could risk her happiness. Did you see how ecstatic she was to give Zane more family?”
“I understand how important your sister is to you because I feel the same way about my brother, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find your own slice of happiness.”
“True…” I turn my head to look at him. “But it can’t be with you. I feel the connection between us, the spark, the chemistry, and I don’t want to end up like my mom. She loved my dad with all of her being, and in the end, her love for him killed her.”
Kolton reaches over and pulls me onto his lap, so I’m straddling his thighs. With both hands, he cups the sides of my face. “I know firsthand how easily a single choice can affect someone else’s life, and I would never purposely put you in danger. If you give me your heart, Sierra, I promise to always protect it, handle it with care, and provide the love it needs to thrive. After my brother died, I didn’t think I deserved to find love or be happy, but then I walked into that bar. With just one look at you, I knew I needed you in my life. The way you danced behind the bar reminded me of how carefree my brother was, and when your eyes glittered with mischief, I swear, it was as if he sent you to me.”
“Kolton.” I gasp. “You can’t say that. I can’t possibly live up to those expectations…”
“It’s the truth, and the only expectation I have is for you to give us a chance. To see if things can be as good as I believe they can be.”
“And if it doesn’t work out between us?”
“You have my word that no matter what happens, I will make sure our families are never affected.” He glides his hands down the curve of my neck and across my shoulder to land on my hip. “Please, just give us one chance. We’ve both been through hell, and we deserve to find a bit of happiness, especially since your sister and my brother have found it.”
Well, hell, how do I say no to that? “Okay, I’ll give us a chance. We’ll start with one date and see where it goes from there. When?”
Kolton’s face splits into the most gorgeous two-dimple grin. “Tonight, so you don’t have time to back out.”
I laugh. “We’re already out.” I run my hands up his shoulders and snake them around his neck.
“No way.” He shakes his head. “I want a real date. One where I pick you up and take you out.”
“Fine. Tonight it is. I’m watching Zane for Keegan tomorrow night. He’s taking Blakely away for the night.”
“Perfect.” He moves his hands around to the globes of my ass and lifts us both into a standing position. “Better get you back to work. You’ve taken a helluva break.”
“Actually, you can take me home.” I pull out my phone and text Sonora—the owner of The Orange Sunrise and my boss—to let her know I won’t be back in.