Page 17 of Falling for Sierra

“What is it?” Blake asked as he slid into the seat.

“You don’t like that place. I don’t know why you don’t tell Elaine not to book there.”

Jay closed the door, leaving Blake unable to answer right away. By the time Jay made it around and sat behind the wheel, Blake had rolled down the barrier.

“What do you mean I don’t like this place? The food is good.”

Jay put the car in gear before glancing in the mirror. “You always have me stop for takeout after eating there.”

“That’s not because the food’s not good, there’s just not enough of it.”

Jay lifted one brow and shot a look at the mirror that said Blake knew what he meant. He did, and it hadn’t even occurred to him to tell Elaine to book meetings somewhere else.

They did use other places, but now that he thought about it, he did usually stop again after this one, needing something more so he wasn’t up in the middle of the night raiding the kitchen.

Blake’s phone range. A glance at the screen told him it was Sierra. He hit the button to close the barrier between him and Jay then answered the call.

“Hello?” He didn’t want to sound too eager.

“Blake? It’s me, Sierra.”

“Yes, I know.” He was unable to keep the amusement from his voice.

“Oh, yeah. I gave you my cell number.”

He could picture the way she was probably shaking her head at herself.

She muttered for a moment then spoke up. “I called to say thank you. You didn’t have to, but thank you anyway.”

“I know I didn’t have to. I wanted to. I wanted you to know I was thinking about you.” He paused for a couple seconds. “I was going to send flowers?—”

“No,” she cut him off. “These are better. Flowers die, but these will last far longer.”

“I’m glad you like them. I wasn’t sure, but Harmony insisted they were perfect.”

“They are. Have you seen them?”

“No. I took Harmony’s word that you’d like them.”

“Just a second.” The phone went silent, and he wondered if someone had approached her or if she had another call. A moment later she was back. “There I sent you a picture.”

The phone beeped in his ear. He pulled the phone from where he’d dropped it into his pocket after dialing her and thumbed the screen.

“Those look great.” He was surprised to find they were small, smaller than his thumbnail. They looked to be shaped like some stylized bird that looked vaguely familiar. The small birds were made of silver and some dark green stone he didn’t recognize, but they set off the pale blue of her eyes, which twinkled with delight. “What is that stone? I can’t tell.”

“It’s malachite. I fell in love with it as a teenager.”

“It’s nice. It makes your skin glow.” He stared at the photo she’d sent, wishing he could see the real thing, the animated way she moved, the sweet way she would look away and blush at a compliment.

“Thank you.” There it was; that slightly embarrassed tone in her voice.

“It’s not just the earrings you know. They make your eyes shine, but you’re beautiful without them.”

“Thank you.”

“Sir,” Jay’s voice came across the intercom, “we’re about two minutes out.”

“That’s my driver. I’m on my way to a meeting so I’ll have to go. I’m glad you like the earrings.”

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