Meant For Her

She picked up her glass. “Sometimes. It’s especially hard when you’re young and don’t understand why people think you’re different. We had two parents, they just happened to be the same gender. Eventually, Lane and I learned to stick together and people left us alone. Still, it can be hard not having a father in the picture.”

  He nodded. “Yeah. My mom and I were on our own right around the time I turned thirteen.”

  “I’m sorry. That had to be hard. Did your father die?”

  “No. He still lives in Australia.”

  She sensed he didn’t want to discuss it. Since he’d never mentioned a father before, she figured they weren’t close.

  “Your mom must have been a brave and wonderful woman to take on raising a thirteen-year-old boy on her own,” she said.

  “She was, for more than just that.”

  She looked at him, studying his profile. That was as far as she was going to push him on the topic of his mother. For now.

  “I’m sure you can imagine that my parents had an interesting time communicating with me and Lane about sex,” she said, bringing them back to their original topic of conversation. “Regina, at least, could explain how it mostly worked. In the end, they bought us as many steamy romance novels—a girl’s version of porn magazines—as we wanted. You would be surprised how educational those books are.”

  “Probably a hell of a lot better than porn mags.”

  She laughed. “I have no doubt. If you want, I can share a few things those books taught me that we haven’t tried yet while we eat these appetizers.”

  His eyebrows lifted. “I’m all ears.”

  Chapter 35

  Deciding that they didn’t feel like dining out that evening, they ended up ordering pizza after a relaxing walk on the beach, eating it on the balcony as the sun set. Sierra made sure the conversation stuck to fun, random topics that allowed them to learn more about each other without making Evan uncomfortable. She sensed he was easing toward a willingness to share more with her, but knew he wasn’t going to be forced into it.

  They spent the evening making love and fell asleep around one in the morning. Seven hours later, Sierra woke up feeling refreshed and happy. She decided to let Evan sleep, getting up and starting the water for a bath. While the tub was filling, she hopped in the shower to scrub her hair and run a razor over her legs. She added some bath salts to the hot water before she climbed in. The scents of jasmine and vanilla floated around her in a steamy vapor.

  Evan knocked on the door fifteen minutes later. “Sierra?”

  “You can come in. I’m just in the tub.”

  He opened the door and looked around until he spotted her. An appreciative smile spread across his face as he approached the tub.

  “Now that’s a nice sight first thing in the morning.”

  “I’m glad you think so,” she said. “Want a spin in the tub? I’m about to get out.”

  “Not right now. I slept later than I thought I would. I want to go for a run. Are there any weights here?”

  “Unfortunately, no.”

  “No worries. I can exercise without them.” His gaze slid along her body. “Maybe you can help me out with a few of them.”

  She smiled. “Consider me at your service.”

  “All right. More motivation to get through this run.”

  He surprised her by walking over to the tub and bending down to give her a kiss. It was tender, not passionate, and went straight to her heart.

  “I’ll be back in a bit,” he said with another smile.

  When he left, she got out of the tub and got dressed in a long, flowing skirt and a blue tank top. She replayed the quick kiss in her mind as she brushed her hair.

  Did Evan realize how much progress he’d made since she’d first met him in November? Did he know that he’d smiled more in this single span of twenty-four hours than he had in all the weeks they’d lived beside each other?

  Did he know how much she loved him?

  It was hard to know whether he would welcome a declaration of love from her, or anyone else for that matter. She wasn’t oblivious to the fact that he had intended to keep his distance from others when he moved to Atlanta. He’d been clear from the start that he didn’t intend to put down roots in the city. The question was how flexible he would be if his heart defied his mind.

  She was determined to find out, even if the answer ended up breaking hers.

  * * *

  They went out for breakfast and hit a few of the galleries and shops along Butler Avenue. Sierra picked up a birthday gift for her sister, whom Evan found out was about to turn twenty-five. He wanted to get something to thank Regina and Deanne for letting them use the rental house and watching the dogs, so Sierra helped him pick out a few colorful glass watering globes and a bronze figurine for their garden.

  A bell chimed when Sierra led the way into Dee’s Designs. Evan looked around as the door closed behind him. He saw that the shop carried a combination of wall art, sculptures, and custom jewelry. Judging by the limited inventory and the special lighting over most of the displays, this shop catered to discriminating collectors. The air was lightly scented with something flowery and inviting, keeping the place from feeling too aloof for casual browsers. Since there were currently at least twenty people milling around in everything from dresses to swimsuits, he supposed the owner was doing something right.

  He spotted a petite blonde woman wiping the glass over a display of jewelry and a dark-skinned male in a collared shirt and pressed slacks talking with a couple about a marble statue. A tall, willowy woman with silver-streaked black hair stood behind the main counter near the door, assisting a guest with her purchase.

  “Hi, Dee,” Sierra greeted the woman behind the counter.

  “Why, as I live and breathe,” Dee said, returning the smile. “Sierra Stratton. What a pleasant surprise!”

  The guest turned with wide eyes, glancing at Sierra and then back at Dee. “I’m sorry. Did you say Sierra Stratton?”

  “Indeed, I did,” Dee confirmed.

  Evan saw the guest’s eyes light up. She clasped her hands in front of her chest.

  “I absolutely love your work, Ms. Stratton,” the woman gushed. “This is the third print of yours I’ve bought, and they always get the most comments when I have guests over. I don’t suppose you’d be willing to sign this one? I’d pay more for it.”

  Sierra waved that away. “I’d be happy to sign it. No charge.”

  It was an interesting experience, being with a woman popular enough in her profession that people were willing to pay for her signature. For once, he wasn’t the one being asked for an autograph. A corner of his mouth lifted as he stepped away to give Sierra a moment with her fan.

  He moved along the outer walls of the store, which displayed a combination of paintings and framed photography. Most of the artwork contained scenes related to the beach or Savannah. All of it was exquisite.

  When he reached the section dedicated to Sierra’s work, he had to view it from behind a handful of people who were pointing at some of the framed photographs and discussing which one they should buy. His gaze moved from one photograph to the next, marveling over her talent. She’d captured beautiful, timeless moments and breathtaking images. A bird riding the crest of a wave, its wings tipped to capture the sunlight. The silhouette of two parents holding their child’s hands as they walked into the sunset along the shore. Wispy reeds swaying in the foreground, perfectly framing the brilliant blue of the ocean beyond. A young mother touching her forehead to her young son’s, a wistful smile on her face.

  His eyes remained on that last image for several minutes. Eventually, he tore his gaze away to collect himself. He happened to notice a small price sticker at the bottom of one of Sierra’s photographs.

  Holy shit.

  Doing some quick math based on the sizes of the photographs, he realized that he had roughly three to four thousand dollars sitting on his walls at home. Maybe more, since the photos were personalized and on
e of a kind.

  He turned to look back at the counter, where Sierra stood talking to the woman who had asked for her signature. Looking at her, no one would know that she was more successful in her craft than many people twice her age, and she worked damn hard at it. She looked so carefree…so happy. Sunlight sparkled on the display cases, but it couldn’t compete with Sierra’s bright smile.

  She gave so much of herself without asking for anything in return. He didn’t think he’d ever met anyone so unassuming and generous. A fierce desire to protect her swept through him. He wasn’t sure what he needed to protect her from, except perhaps that generous nature. It would be far too easy for someone to take advantage of her.

  “Can I help you, sir?” asked the woman standing behind the jewelry counter.

  “I’m here with Sierra,” he explained, “but thanks.”

  “Oh, how nice,” she said with a smile. “My name’s Marlene. I’ve known Sierra since she was knee high. It’s always a pleasure to visit with her. Maybe I’ll be able to convince her to splurge and finally buy the necklace she’s been eyeing for months. Dee told me I could offer her a twenty-percent discount because of how well her photographs have been selling.”

  Drifting closer to the counter, he looked down into the case. There were several necklaces, as well as bracelets and earrings. Everything gleamed under the showroom lights.

  “The green one?” he guessed.

  “Yes.” Marlene smiled. “You know her tastes well. This is a one-carat light green tourmaline in a platinum setting. The design is a pear-shaped infinity knot, which has several meanings, including never-ending love and friendship or the intertwining of wisdom and compassion.”

  Glancing again at Sierra, who was now speaking with the customers that had been viewing her photographs, he nodded. It suited her perfectly. The stone’s color nearly matched her eyes.

  It took fifteen more minutes for Sierra to wrap up with Dee and for them to head out. He took her hand as they stepped onto the sidewalk.

  “Did you pack anything we could wear to a nice restaurant?” he asked as they once again strolled along the sidewalk. “I’d like to take you to dinner tonight.”

  She smiled. “Not really. I figured we’d spend most of the time at the beach. You don’t have to take me to dinner.”

  “I want to. We haven’t ever been on a real date.”

  “Well, there’s a boutique right over there. I suppose we could—”

  “Excellent.” He tugged her hand and led her across the street. “I never thought I’d be saying this to anyone, but hell…let’s go shopping.”

  Chapter 36

  Sierra couldn’t help but be delighted by Evan’s insistence on taking her out to dinner. He’d even helped her pick out a dress, a black silk Issa jersey gown with a deep V neckline and knee-length skirt that she absolutely loved. Despite her protests, he paid for the dress, as well as a pair of strappy black heels and a matching handbag.

  She took the time to straighten her hair and twist it into a sophisticated up-do. Once she had applied her makeup, she left the bathroom and went to retrieve her new shoes.

  Evan was sitting on the edge of the bed. They’d managed to find him a pair of khakis, a dark blue button-down dress shirt, and a pair of dress shoes. He looked sexy as hell.

  He stood and let out a low whistle when she walked into the room. “You’re stunning.”

  “I was just thinking the same thing about you,” she said, walking up to him and running a hand along his chest. “As much as I’m looking forward to dinner, I’m looking forward to taking these clothes off you later even more.”

  His mouth curved up. “The feeling is mutual.”

  She laughed and sat down to put on her shoes. Then she got up and walked over to the nightstand, where she’d left the only jewelry she’d brought with her. Most of it was far too casual for the outfit, but her silver hoop earrings would suffice.

  “I’ve got you covered there,” Evan said.

  Turning, she watched him approach with a couple of small, velvet-covered boxes in his hand. Where had those come from? Her eye caught the logo from Dee’s Designs on the lids. Her lips parted into a surprised O.

  He opened the lid on the first box and she saw the necklace she’d barely resisted buying on her two previous trips to Dee’s. She’d been crushed earlier when Marlene told her it had been sold. Her eyes stung when she realized he must have collaborated with Marlene to buy the necklace.

  He removed it from the box and prepared to clasp it around her neck. She wanted to thank him and let him know how thrilled she was, but she couldn’t get anything past the lump in her throat.

  “Speechless, are you?” he murmured, walking behind her with the necklace. “I’ll take that as a positive thing.”

  He settled the gemstone so it sat properly against the hollow of her throat, then secured the clasp. His lips brushed against her exposed neck. The feel of his warm breath against her skin sent delicious shivers coursing through her.

  Moving in front of her again, he opened the other box. She saw the matching earrings and bracelet and brought her hand to her mouth. A tear fell. He reached up to wipe it away.

  “You deserve more than this for all you’ve given me, Sierra,” he said, taking her hand and slipping the bracelet around her wrist. “But hopefully this begins to convey how grateful I am. I hope you’ll think of me whenever you wear it.”

  She accepted the earrings when he handed them to her. As she put them on, she focused on reining in her emotions. It took another full minute, but she managed it.

  “Thank you, Evan,” she said at last, reaching up to touch the side of his face. “This is already one of the best nights of my life.”

  He smiled. “Well, then, let’s head to dinner while we’re still on a high note.”

  She took his hand and picked up her purse so they could head out. He drove her car, following his phone’s directions to the downtown Savannah restaurant he’d chosen. When he had first called, they’d told him that they didn’t have any available tables. She wasn’t sure what he’d ultimately said to change their minds, but he’d gotten them a reservation for eight o’clock.

  They pulled up to the valet and Evan handed over the keys. Striding around the car, he joined her on the curb and gently took her elbow to escort her to the door. One of the restaurant’s staff opened it and welcomed them. She’d never eaten in this particular establishment, though she’d always wanted to. Her eyes were probably wider than usual as she took in the elegant décor, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. She longed for her camera.

  “Good evening, Mr. Dorsey,” greeted the maître d. “We have your table waiting for you.”

  “Great, thanks.”

  They were led upstairs to a smaller dining room than what she’d glimpsed on the first floor. Only eight tables filled the space, each of them encircled by curved wooden walls. As Sierra took her seat and the maître d left them, she realized the arrangement was very private. Their server would be the only one able to see them throughout the meal.

  “Are these tables different than the ones downstairs?” she asked.

  “Yeah. They’re reserved for what you might call VIPs. You have to know to request one.”

  She grinned. “Wow. Even more cool points added to the evening, then.”

  Their server greeted them and Evan ordered a bottle of wine as Sierra looked over the menu. She realized there weren’t any prices and wondered just how much this date was going to set Evan back.

  “See anything you like?” Evan asked with a nod at her menu.

  “Sure,” she said, moving her gaze over him like she was checking him out.

  “Ha, ha.”

  “I’m leaning toward the crab-stuffed grouper. I’m drooling a little just reading ‘bacon buttermilk mashed potatoes’ on the menu.”

  He smiled. “My mom used to say everything is better with bacon.”

  Her heart pounded over the casual mention of his mother. “Wel
l, I happen to agree with her.”

  Their server returned with their wine and took their orders. She went with the grouper and Evan ordered the filet. Once they were alone and had sampled the wine, she decided to test the waters.

  “Will you tell me what your mom was like?” she asked.

  His gaze grew shuttered. He drank some of his wine and looked down at the table. She considered taking the question back, but it was too late for that.

  “She was strong,” he said at last, looking up and meeting her gaze. “She worked hard, but was quick to laugh. Everything she did, every decision she made in her life, she did for me.”

  “Are you an only child?”

  “I was her only child,” he answered. “Once we moved to the States, it was just the two of us. We came to Atlanta because that’s where her parents and brother lived. We didn’t spend much time with them, though. My grandparents both passed away within a couple years of us moving to the States. Before my mom’s funeral, I hadn’t seen my uncle in years, either. He moved out of state due to the economy when I was seventeen.”

  “So you two really just had each other,” she said, reaching out and placing a hand on top of his. “I can only imagine how devastating it was for you to lose her. I’m sorry.”

  He shrugged and took another drink of wine. She moved so she was sitting closer to him on the circular padded seat.

  “When we first met, I thought you’d been sick,” she said softly. “Then I realized I was off the mark. Am I right that she was the one who was sick?”

  Taking a deep breath and releasing it, he said, “Breast cancer.”

  “Oh, Evan. How awful for you. For both of you.”

  His gaze was on the wine in his glass, his eyes slightly unfocused as he revisited the painful past. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and never let go. Instead, she continued to grip his hand.

  “There’s nothing worse than seeing someone you love, someone who has always been bright and strong, die by inches,” he said. “She fought so hard—”

  He stopped talking and looked away. Tears stung her eyes. She hated putting him through this. But she knew it was something he needed to do.