Chapter 21 Sierra
TWENTY-ONE
SIERRA
It’s fairly late when we get home. Crane follows me in, and I can’t help but find the darkness appealing.
I’m glad no one is up because the sight of us soaked to the core and me wearing Crane’s hoodie would raise suspicion.
Crane closes the door behind us, and my heart skips a thousand beats when his eyes lock onto mine.
This isn’t a relationship, Sierra.
I’m never like this.
But Crane Michaels has me twisted.
Fighting the urge to kiss him, I force a smile.
“Night then,” I whisper, his eyes finding mine in the darkness.
“Night, Sierra.”
Taking the stairs two at a time, I make it into my bedroom before the tears come.
Why the fuck am I crying?!
Crane’s scent wraps around me, so I tug the hoodie off, throwing it onto my bed like it’s on fire. Peeling my damp clothes off is a task all by itself, but I’m soon naked.
Shower.
Deciding I prefer the dark, I flick the switch on the shower, stepping under the water as it washes away my sins.
The shower muffles everything around me, and I force myself to face my emotions.
So I like Crane.
Maybe that’s because I can’t have him.
But part of me knows it’s never going to happen.
Crane is a closed book, and even though we’ve had sex, I know it doesn’t mean anything. He was all too happy to sign up for “no strings attached sex,” providing there wasn’t anyone else.
Why would he say that if he didn’t want anything more?
Maybe he doesn’t like sharing, after all.
The question doesn’t seem relevant to me either—I’m intrigued by Crane.
So much so that I’m crying in the shower post-fuck.
Get a grip, Sierra.
It’s just sex.
Sighing heavily, I nod to myself.
Just sex.
I can do that. It’s all I’m good for anyway.
The following morning I’m exhausted. It’s nearly noon according to my phone, and I still can’t be bothered to leave the warmth of my bed.
The breeze from the window is chilly, and it only makes me snuggle further into the bed.
My hip stings, reminding me of my new ink. Grinning, I push the duvet down to inspect it, only to find faint bruises to the side of it.
Crane.
Now I’m remembering his fingers digging into my hips, his mouth on mine as we fucked like animals.
I want him right now.
Someone is clattering around in the kitchen below me, and I pray it’s not either of my parents.
Or Kai.
But the chances of it being Crane are pretty slim.
Swinging my legs out of bed, I make my way downstairs to find my mom cleaning the kitchen.
Oh.
“Hey, baby!” Mom grins, nodding at the kitchen table behind her. “Crane’s just made coffee.”
Oh God.
My stomach flutters at the mention of his name, and I try to act casual, helping myself to a mug of coffee without once looking at him.
But then I do, and I’m fucked.
Completely fucked.
He’s showered recently, and he’s wearing a white t-shirt and gray joggers, a deadly combination on a hot guy.
On Crane though, it’s fucking hypnotising.
His gaze sweeps over me from just over the rim of his coffee mug, and I’m pleased I’m wearing a shirt that barely covers my ass.
“Hey,” I drawl, tucking my legs beneath me.
“Good morning, Sierra.”
His voice commands my attention, but when I look at him he’s staring at his phone, a grim expression on his face.
“Are you okay?” I ask lightly, clearing my throat.
He seems too far away.
I need him back here with me.
“Crane?” I glance at Mom who is now sorting through laundry, humming along to the radio.
Crane drops his phone, heaving a sigh.
“Yeah. I’ve gotta go. I’ll see you later.”
What?!
He can’t go, what about a morning rendezvous?!
I open my mouth to protest when he thanks my mom for breakfast, and heads out of the room.
Mom gives me a funny look, arching her brow at my distraught expression.
“Sleep well?”
Yes, because I had great sex with the hottest guy in the world.
“Yes, thanks. You?”
“Your dad couldn’t sleep so that meant I couldn’t. Then Kai lost his key, and I had to let him in at some ridiculous hour.”
“Was he with Lorena again?” I frown, watching the milk swirl around in my coffee.
“I have no idea what your brother does. Or you, anymore.” Mom rolls her eyes and turns to me. “Why the sad face?”
Immediately, I’m forcing a smile, shaking my head with mock confusion.
“Huh?”
My fuck buddy has disappeared.
“Crane left, and you looked like someone stole your favourite toy.”
How accurate.
“He’s nice to look at, that’s all.”
Mom studies me, hooking the basket of laundry under her arm.
“Well, he’s got a lot going on. Don’t add to his shit, honey.”
I’m offended.
“Excuse me? I’m a pleasure to be around!”
“Of course, you are, honey. But Crane doesn’t need anyone messing with his head.”
Her pointed look silences me, and I slump back into my seat.
“You’re beautiful, Sierra, but Crane has college and God knows what else with his family. Don’t add to his stress, is all I’m saying.”
“I’m not.”
Mom nods, heading past me into the garden.
“Good.”
Sometimes I think she forgets that I’m her child, not Crane.
Mom’s always loved him like a son, and I think for that reason she wouldn’t encourage anything between us.
Too late.
Now I’ve had a taste, I want more.
My phone beeps, and I glance down to see a text from Kiki.
KIKI: tell me you tapped that.
Smirking to myself I reply.
SIERRA: Maybe.
KIKI: Fucking YES! And? Are you two still in bed?
SIERRA: I wish. He’s gone out.
I spend the rest of the day puttering around until Kai comes down, concern written all over his face. He’s holding his phone against his ear, his expression solemn.
Something has happened.
“No, I know, but—”
Kai’s words are cut off by whoever is on the other end, and my heart sinks like it knows.
“Let me help you.” Kai argues, shaking his head. “I’ll come with you.”
My mind is all over the place.
I know he’s talking to Crane or Lorena.
Please don’t be Crane.
“Call me when you get there. Alright. Stay safe.”
Kai ends the call, throwing the phone onto the counter between us with a clatter.
“Fuck!”
“Is it Crane? Is he okay?”
Kai looks at me as though seeing me for the first time. He shakes his head, swallowing.
“Yeah, he’s alright. Don’t worry about it.”
Before I can press for more information, Kai leaves the room, slamming the front door behind him.
What’s happened?
Why do I feel deep down that something is wrong?