Page 87 of Totally Off Limits

It really was for the best.

As they approached the Hayden estate, Austin pulled her from her thoughts. “Does your family always make a big deal out of the Fourth?”

“Sometimes. They haven’t really been into setting fireworks since Layne outgrew them, but they like watching the ones the city puts on. But they don’t do a get together every year. My dad usually takes time off in July so it seems like a lot of times my parents are out of the country.”

“You could make the argument that the fourth is the most important time to be home.”

Sierra bit her tongue because, if Austin did indeed join their family, he’d find out soon enough that you could make any kind of argument you liked, but her parents would always win. She then started to wonder out loud why this year was so damned important—but, before she let the words slip out of her mouth, it dawned on her.

All the way back in the last weekend of April at the wedding…hadn’t her mother made her commit to coming to this barbecue while mentioning Austin in the same breath?

This had been her plan all along. Get the prodigal daughter married off so she wouldn’t soil the family name anymore. It was clear as day.

Of course, she suspected Austin was getting the same kind of messaging and subtle pushes from his own family. The powerful Ackermans and influential Haydens needed to join forces for the good of Winchester. She’d been invited for dinner with Austin’s family on Friday night and she didn’t relish the notion one bit. Why she dreaded it, she didn’t know, because she already knew his parents.

But it felt a bit like planning to go shopping for a car. The salesmen would be there in full force, slick and tricky, ready to hit her with one pitch after another.

“Gramma!” Mia giggled from the back of the car as Austin turned into the drive that led to the Hayden home.

“She must recognize the terrain.”

“She does. She spends every Monday through Friday with her grandmother.”

“I guess that means they have a special bond.”

That familial bond had skipped a generation…but at least it meant her daughter would have a better life than Sierra. And maybe all that was about to change for her as well. After all, she’d never tried just doing everything her parents wanted without complaint or resistance. Maybe that would be her key to happiness.

As their home came into view, Sierra prayed it would.

* * *

The food had been good,the conversation light but pleasant. Thus far, Sierra hadn’t bitten her tongue or felt nauseous. And, at one point, she and Layne exchanged glances, a reminder that they were there for one another.

The easy afternoon was settling into dusk and, unlike most times, Sierra didn’t feel like the other shoe was about to drop. It was the oddest sensation, but she was trying to get used to it.

She could definitely get used to it.

“Austin,” Rebecca said as she finished wiping off the picnic table, “from where you and your family live, can you see any of the fireworks?”

“No. Too many trees. We have to drive to Winchester to see them.” Just like the place he was buying where there was no sign of anything beyond the forest.

“Then tonight will be a treat. Not only do we have a spectacular view of the fireworks in Winchester, but when they have New Year’s fireworks on Pikes Peak, we can see those as well. We’re in the perfect spot.”

“Thanks again for having me.”

“It’s our pleasure.”

Paul’s deep voice cut reverberated throughout the perfectly manicured yard. “Would anyone like a beer?”

Layne said, “Don’t have to ask me twice.”

But Austin said, “No thank you.”

The triplets’ faces were easy to see, even in the shadows muted by the outdoor lights. The only girl looking enthusiastic about a brew was Hope, but the girls weren’t twenty-one yet. Even though their parents let them occasionally drink wine, with a guest on the premises, it wasn’t likely they’d be allowed.

And, of course, there was also Sierra. There was no question she could use a little alcohol. Even though she was starting to relax into the role chosen for her, a beer or a few would help. But before she could walk over to the minifridge where her father was handing out drinks, Austin wrapped a hand around her upper arm and pulled her close. Without warning, he kissed her. Although he avoided using his tongue, he brought her body close.

Before she could even formulate the words to ask what the hell he was doing, he said, “There’s no sense putting it off any longer, Sierra. You know and I know that our families want us to get married. We have a history. We have a great future. We’re both attractive and well off, and it’ll be a hell of a merger for our families—but, most of all, I promise I’ll be a good father to Mia.”

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