Chapter Twenty-Three

Aspen and Sierra had saved a table at Sunfish, which was already packed. Brick came in and squeezed next to her, giving her a quick kiss. "They giving away free oysters or something?" he asked. "This place is crazy."

"Band tonight," Sierra said. "Inez and Brooklyn are joining us."

"Great. Marco and the guys said they'd stop by. Kane should be on his way soon, too."

Aspen smiled as he kissed her again, and Sierra made appropriate gagging noises. Brick lifted his brow. "Is this what I was missing when I didn't get a sibling?"

Aspen rolled her eyes. "Oh, and so much more."

"I found out about the couch," Sierra said sternly. "To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I was promised."

"Oh, my God, stop!" Aspen cried out.

Brick began laughing, especially after he caught her red cheeks. She had no idea how Sierra had figured it out, but Aspen was a crappy liar, so her denial sucked. "Your sister's a wild one," he said with a straight face, earning a smack and a tortured groan.

Thank God Sierra's girlfriends came then. Brick took their drink orders and headed to the crowded bar. "You two are adorbs," Brooklyn announced. "Things are still going well?"

"Yeah, we're happy."

"What are you going to do when you have to go back home?" Inez asked. "Is it serious?"

Aspen kept her smile as her mind flashed back to that afternoon. They'd managed to move past the moment, but it was like the cliché elephant standing between them. Eventually, they'd need to address their feelings, even though the ending had been agreed to. For these next few days, it would be easier to pretend, as cowardly as that was. "Not sure. We'll see."

She shifted the conversation, and they fell into casual chatter, pinging to different subjects as Brick returned with their drinks. Marco, Patsy, and Burger came in, crowding into the group, and soon, everyone was laughing, talking, and drinking.

Sierra left for the restroom, and Kane showed up. He introduced himself to Brooklyn and Inez and high-fived Marco and the guys. "I'll get the next round," he said with a grin that made the girls trade interested looks. Yeah, Kane was a hot commodity. Women were already sneaking glances at his pressed khaki pants, crisp white shirt, and expensive shoes. He gave off an aura of masculine elegance, reminding her of old-school James Bond as a ginger, with that undercurrent of sexuality that gave him the perfect edge.

He went back to the bar with Brick, and Sierra returned. "Kane's here," Aspen said, raising her voice above the music.

Her sister chuckled. "If I finally meet him, will you promise to stop talking about how great he is?" she teased. "You're being a meddling matchmaker."

Aspen threw up her hands. "Just looking out for you, sis. Inez may fight you for him, though."

"Hos over bros, babe."

Aspen cracked up. She didn't know how much time had passed when the guys returned with all the drinks, and Kane got caught up in a dialogue with Marco. Strangers pressed in, and it got harder to keep the group together.

She pulled at Brick's arm. " Let's introduce them ," she mouthed, jerking her head over.

He nodded, motioning to Kane. "I want you to meet Aspen's sister," Brick said.

Kane took a few steps, and Aspen eased her sister in front of her. "Kane, this is Sierra. Sierra, this is Brick's friend, Kane. He's visiting from New York and helps Brick out with some of the tours."

She glanced at them, excitement dancing inside as she waited for them to make googly eyes at each other or share a heated, knowing stare.

Instead, Sierra's eyes widened, and she jerked back. Her drink fell, shattering to the floor while applause broke out in favor of things getting broken. "You okay?" Aspen asked, checking that her sister hadn't gotten any glass on her.

Sierra didn't answer. Concerned, Aspen noticed her sister's gaze was still pinned to Kane, so she glanced over.

He also stood still, staring at her sister as if he'd seen a ghost. An array of emotions flickered over his face. His voice was barely heard in the noisy bar. "Sierra?"

Her sister jumped like she'd been shocked. "Um, hi. Nice to meet you, Kane." She pressed a fisted hand to her trembling mouth. "Aspen, so sorry, I gotta go. I've got an…awful headache. Tell the girls I'll see them later this week."

"Wait, I'll go home with you."

"No!" Sierra blinked and seemed to be forcing a smile. "No, stay. I want you to stay. I just really need some sleep and alone time. Bye, Brick. Talk to you guys later."

She stumbled out of the bar and disappeared.

Brick frowned. "Poor thing. She didn't look well."

"I know. Kane, I'm sorry, my sister's usually social. She's been tired this week."

Kane's lips tightened into a thin line. Sweat beaded his brow, which was strange because she'd never seen him buckle under even the most intense heat. "No problem. You know, I'm feeling a little off myself. Think I'll head back if that's okay?"

"You, too? Hope something's not going around," Brick said.

He said goodbye to everybody at the table and left.

"Was it something we said?" Aspen teased, leaning against Brick.

"Hope not."

They spent the next few hours hanging out before everyone began to disappear.

"That was fun," she said, climbing into his car. "I never go out like that."

"How come?"

A tiny bit buzzed, she searched for the answer. "I guess I didn't make many friends I wanted to go hang out with. I'm alone a lot and never craved being social. But I'm starting to like it."

"Even in college? Or were those your partying days?"

"They should have been. Got a little wild freshman year, but then my world began to revolve around Ryan. Since he was a secret, it was easier to stop making friends who'd ask too many questions. Easier to be alone."

"Asshole. I'm sorry, baby."

His simple apology soothed the old wound. She'd begun to change again, into her best self. Would she ever be able to return to her isolated existence? Would she fall back into her old routine or crave something new? Her connections in OBX had become special to her. She'd grown and figured out new things about herself.

"I think balance is a good thing," Brick said, pulling away from the curb. "Most people have trouble with their own company. I like that you're comfortable with yourself but have a great instinct about people. I never would've spoken to Maleficent in that way to get her to open up. Same thing with Marco and helping him with the store. Everyone who meets you says you're special."

"That's a really nice thing to say," she said, touched by his compliment.

"Just the truth." He cut her a glance, then took a side road. Bumping down a dark path, she looked out at the abandoned road that seemed to lead nowhere.

"Do I need to be worried? This looks like a serial killer's haunt."

He flashed her a wicked grin. Turning off the engine, he dimmed the lights. "I realized Sierra is at her house, and Kane is at mine. And you're still not comfortable having someone else there, right?"

"I'm sorry. I know it's silly, but I feel weird about it."

"Don't be sorry. I respect you for being truthful. So, I guess we're having car sex."

He pushed the side button, and the seat moved back, then reclined. Aspen was caught between a gasp and a laugh. "Car sex? Are you serious?"

"Yes, because not getting my hands on you tonight is a deal-breaker." His voice dropped to a sexy growl, and he tugged her over. Masking a giggle, she climbed on top of him and propped her hands on either side of his head. In this position, her breasts pushed against his chest, and she straddled his hard, muscular thighs. His erection notched into the V of her legs, making the familiar sweet, hot ache seep through her. "See? It's a classic for a reason."

She wriggled a bit, and her back bumped the steering wheel. "A bit constrictive."

"It will force me to get creative."

He took her mouth in a deep kiss, and soon, her surroundings faded away under the sting of the need to touch and taste him, to feel him pulse inside her and fill her up. Limbs bumped and tangled as she managed to lower his zipper and hike her dress up around her waist. Those talented fingers slipped under her panties to stroke and tease, and she groaned and bit his lip as she moved over him, chasing her pleasure.

"That's right, baby, take what you want," he commanded, tearing the fragile lace to the side and thrusting up to enter her. He slid in easily, and she rode him, her lips fused to his, squeezing tightly and speeding up the pace as release crept closer. His hands cupped her breasts, thumbs tweaking her tight nipples as she began moaning and twisting with her growing need.

Aspen arched hard, desperate, and he shoved one hand between them to find her throbbing clit. He stroked and rubbed and petted her, whispering hot, dirty demands in her ear. And then everything went bright and hot as she exploded.

"Yeah, just like that. Fuck, you feel so damn good," he growled against her neck as he bit hard and caused mini convulsions to quake through her core. Grasping her ass, he jerked his hips and followed, and she watched his face as he experienced his own orgasm, falling apart inside her, gaze locked with hers.

She collapsed against him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. A half laugh escaped. "That was intense."

"Best car sex ever," he murmured, stroking her back and kissing her cheek. Insects and crickets chattered. The night closed around them like a cocoon. The air in the vehicle smelled like sex and cologne. Warm and safe, cuddled against him, Aspen was completely fulfilled.

Her voice was barely a whisper. "Let's stay here a little while. I just want you to hold me."

His arms tightened around her. "I'm not going anywhere, baby."

With a satisfied sigh, she let herself go and surrendered to the moment.

Two days later, Aspen stopped at the store to see her sister.

She poked around as Sierra finished with a client, then walked to the counter. "Hey. Have you been avoiding me? I keep missing you and feel like I'm playing a role in Weekend at Bernie's. "

Sierra rolled her eyes. "Always so dramatic. I've just been busy."

She stared at her sister with suspicion, noting something was off. "Do you still have a headache? I felt bad about letting you leave alone that night. "

Sierra turned away and began polishing the counter. "Don't be silly. I wanted you to stay."

"What did you think of Kane? Isn't he cute?"

A long pause. "Seemed okay. Didn't get to talk to him."

Aspen frowned. "Is something else going on that you're not telling me about? I'm getting a weird vibe here."

"No. It's nothing. Well, just that Riley came into the shop today. Told me she'd seen you out with Brick and gave me a lecture like I had to save you."

"Are you kidding me?"

"No, for real. I thought over what you said about Brick and started to get pissed off. I mean, she was lecturing me like Brick was some kind of criminal. I told her she didn't know the whole story and to back off, and then we got into it a bit."

She blinked. "You got in a fight?"

"Kind of? I told her she was being a hothead and feeding the flames of the past and to just let Brick get on with his life and leave you alone."

"You said that?"

"Yep. She didn't like it much and stormed out. I'm starting to wonder if you're right. All this talk about him never leads anywhere. He hasn't dated anyone for a long time—until he began seeing you. And since you two have been dating, I have to admit…"

Aspen cocked her head. "What?"

Sierra sighed. "Well, he's sweet. He's really sweet to you, Aspen."

Her insides softened and got melty. At the same time, a strange dread kept pulsing in her stomach. As if she knew time was running out and there was only one real ending. "He is. But I keep waiting for the drama and heartbreak to come," she joked.

Her sister gave her a lengthy stare. "It's not supposed to be like that, you know. You were strong after the breakup with Ryan, but I worry you think it's the norm."

Aspen tilted her head in question.

Her sister continued. "The pain. The heartbreak you're paying Brick to give you. Sure, there are many ups and downs and good and bad in a relationship, but the real stuff is sometimes more boring than you think. It's what I miss the most about my marriage."

It was rare that Sierra shared such vulnerability. "You always said your divorce was a gift because it showed you the truth."

"It did. But the quiet, intimate moments were real. God, I have to believe that. Sharing a laugh over a private moment. Knowing what the other will order at a restaurant—or what they won't. Arguing over the remote and then agreeing to watch a show together. Singing to a song on the radio while you drive. It's special. You know what my favorite time was?"

Aspen waited, knowing her sister didn't need prodding.

"Falling asleep next to someone who cares about you. You're shrouded in quiet and darkness while you listen to their breathing, and for a little while, everything is calm. Safe. You're just in the moment and happy. That part was really, really nice."

Aspen watched her sister's face tighten, then smooth out. Her heart panged. Had she ever felt that with Ryan? No. It had been fierce angst and anxiety wrapped around fragments of pleasure and feeling worthy.

But she'd felt it with Brick, and in such a short time—the sense of quiet intimacy and knowing.

"I just don't want you to close doors with Brick unless you're sure," Sierra said.

"Got it." She'd never really thought about the dynamics of her relationship with Ryan. She always focused on the betrayal and pain, not the actual day-to-day. Maybe Sierra was right. She had no idea what was normal.

Sierra sighed. "I feel bad for Brick getting trashed all over town. Especially since he didn't do anything."

"Agreed. I think it's time I did something about it." Sierra waited while her thoughts spun, then formed a plan. "Where is that support group? Isn't it tonight?" Aspen asked.

Sierra nodded. "I think so. They meet at the wine bar at seven. Have their own separate room set up so they can trash-talk and drink."

"I think I'm going to pay them a visit tonight."

Her sister gave a slow, evil smile. "I think that's a great idea. I'll come with you."

"You will?"

Sierra harrumphed. "Think I'm letting my little sister go into the shark tank alone? Hell, no. I got your back."

It was time for her to go to that support group.

It was time for her to track down the real truth.

"Ladies, we have two new members tonight. Sierra and Aspen have decided to join our support group."

Aspen kept her expression neutral as she looked around the room. Five women were gathered around the table. The room was cute, with a lantern chandelier, a carved table resembling cork, and dark-wood furnishings that reminded her of a cozy library. The bartender—Neal—knew them all by name and brought in a bottle of red and another of white, with a platter of cheese and crackers.

Besides Riley, Aspen had met the waitress Kate when she was out with Sierra. The other three were strangers. All were attractive and around Aspen's age. They greeted her with warmth, and then Riley began a quick introduction.

"This is a safe place where we can talk about our experiences with Brick Babel and try to heal. Many of us have PTSD from his treatment or can't seem to move on due to a hold he still has over us. We all vow to honor everyone's privacy and keep our stories in the sacred circle."

Aspen refused to look at her sister; she'd crack up if she did. This was the strangest thing she'd ever seen, but until she knew why these women were here, Aspen didn't want to judge.

Riley continued. "Before we begin, is there anything you'd like advice on from the group?"

A lovely brunette with olive-toned skin and large, dark eyes raised her hand. "I have a date this weekend with a guy I met on this app, and I was wondering if I should wear a dress or go more casual. Like maybe jeans and a sexy blouse? Because if I show up overdressed, he may get the impression I expect some five-star restaurant for dinner or think I'm uptight."

Lacey—a petite blonde who looked a bit like Pamela Anderson—leaned in. "Jeans, a sexy tank, and a cute blazer. With heels. It's always my first-date outfit and never fails."

The brunette chuckled. "Thanks, but I think you can show up in a bag and score a second date."

Kate chimed in. "No, I second Lacey. Just make sure you meet him there and text one of us the info so you're safe. I don't trust anyone from Myrtle Beach."

The brunette looked upset. "He's a golfer. Hot pic. Said he just moved there."

Lacey sighed. "They're all golfers now. Most flunk out of college and come down south to start a new life. Who starts a new life at twenty-three? I need an adult, not a child. "

Riley cut in. "Brick fit the qualities you wanted, right, Lace?"

Lacey shrugged. "Sure. I guess. Hey, I need some advice about work. I'm thinking of moving to the Grill Room instead of Sunfish because the tips are supposed to be better, but the guys are definitely cuter where I am now. Plus, it's more casual and fun. What do you think?"

Aspen watched in fascination as the women drank wine and fell into dialogue filled with all the usual topics. They traded stories about their week, complained good-naturedly, and acted like this was a normal get-together of friends who wanted to connect.

Why was this called a support group?

Sierra seemed to wonder the same thing because her brow rose like asking, " WTF? "

Riley seemed to be the only one irritated with the direction the evening took. She raised her voice to a high shriek. "Ladies, I'd like to remind everyone this is now the time to share your stories about how Brick hurt you. Would anyone like to jump in first?"

Silence.

Riley shifted in her seat. "Bethanny, what about you? How did it feel when Brick took you to that fancy dinner, and then you had drinks at his place? You said you got scared, right?"

Aspen leaned in, holding her breath.

Bethanny was a tall, willowy woman with pale skin and straw-colored hair, who liked to bite her nails. Worry spilled from her, and when she spoke, her voice was so faint that Aspen had to strain to hear. "Yes. That dog. I've never seen a dog so strange. I was nervous to be around him."

"Dug?" Aspen asked.

Bethanny gave a small nod. "I think that was his name. He looked like a monster or an overlarge rat. Tried to chase after me, and I got upset. And then Brick told me I should go home because if I didn't like his dog, it wasn't worth us spending time together."

"And that devastated you, correct?" Riley prodded.

"I guess."

Aspen bit back a groan. This was ridiculous. She didn't have all night to spend trying to find the truth, so she did what she did best. She got straight to the point.

"Excuse me, everyone, but I wanted to ask a few questions. About Brick."

The ladies stared at her. Riley tightened her lips. "Aspen has been dating Brick this summer," she explained. "I warned her about him and referred her to this group if she needed help. It seems she's finally seen the light. We're here for you, Aspen. Tell us your story."

Sierra let out a strangled laugh. Riley glared.

"Well, I'm here to learn the truth. I started dating Brick at the beginning of the summer, and we've had a wonderful time. I'd like to ask each of you to tell me what horrible thing Brick did to you. It would help me so much."

"We can do that," Riley said with encouragement. "Lace, you first."

"Okay. Brick and I met at a bar. We talked, and he bought me a drink, then asked me out. I told him I was playing in a volleyball tournament the next day and asked if he wanted to come by and have a beach day. He agreed and showed up to watch. After the game, we ate lunch together."

Aspen waited.

"I was really into him, but he never called again. When I saw him at the bar after that, he was polite, but I could tell he didn't want to see me again, and I felt hurt and rejected."

Silence fell. Aspen cocked her head. "That's it?"

"Yes."

Riley shook her head. "Lace is sensitive to rejection. It was a hard time for her."

Sierra squeaked. A glance confirmed she had mashed her hand over her mouth to keep herself from busting out laughing.

"Okay. Thanks for sharing. Who's next?"

They all took turns telling stories about how Brick Babel had stopped calling, politely refused to continue dating, or told them straight-up he wasn't ready for a relationship. Kate said she'd gone to Brick's house for a sleepover, but her ex-boyfriend called, and she decided she wanted him back, so she left.

"You never slept with him?" Aspen asked.

"With Brick? No. I slept with Max that night, though. Bastard. He used me and cheated again. I should've stayed with Brick, but he didn't want to give me another chance."

Aspen's head was going to explode.

She rubbed her temples, caught between frustration and humor at the so-called devastating things Brick had done to them. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. "Did anyone at this table sleep with him?" she yelled.

The women all looked at each other. Then shook their heads.

"Do you know any of your friends who slept with Brick? Or have you just heard stories about him sleeping around?"

Each of them admitted they didn't know anyone personally but had heard multiple stories.

Sierra uncovered her mouth. "So, the truth is, you just like to get together to drink wine and shoot the shit, and Brick Babel is an excuse to meet. Right?"

Lacey shrugged. "Yeah."

Riley sputtered. "I know what he did to Anastasia—my best friend. No matter how you want to defend him, he's done damage here. People were hurt."

Aspen stood, her temper rising. "All I know is Brick has been taking this shit for far too long. He's done nothing that hundreds of other men in this town haven't also done. And you can believe what you want about your so-called friend , but if you dig into the real truth there, you'll find Anastasia was the one who damaged the relationship—not Brick." She jabbed her finger in the air at Riley. "But I guarantee you'd rather believe the gossip than dig for the truth."

She threw her chair back, and Sierra stood up beside her. "From now on, leave him alone. Get on with your lives and rename this the Thursday Wine Club or the Badass Bitches. Anything without Brick's name in it, okay? Because if you don't, I'm going to have to kick a little ass since he's the man I love."

She tipped her head at the ladies' shocked stares. "It was nice meeting all of you."

Aspen stormed out without a backward glance.

Lacey's voice echoed down the hallway.

"I really like the Badass Bitches name."