“First of all,” Mason said, “I want to thank you, Sierra, for being understanding and a good sport as Cole, at my insistence, basically screwed you over.”

Again, a round of laughter, Sierra’s included, though inside, Cole cringed. He put his hand on her thigh, wishing he could soothe away the inconveniences he’d caused her in the past week plus.

Sobering, Mason continued, still addressing Sierra, “Sincerely, though, we found ourselves in a tricky situation, and Cole was the answer to our needs, but unfortunately, that put a burden on you, and for that I apologize. I know he’s been out more than in work for his last two weeks, and if it were me in your position, I’d be ready to lose my shit.”

What he said was a hundred percent true. Cole had missed days, had squeezed in some half days, and had been there for maybe two full days since giving his notice. He hated it, even though Sierra insisted it was okay.

“I lost it long ago,” Sierra said with a good-natured laugh. “I know what an opportunity this is for you,” she said directly to Cole, sincerity in her eyes. “It’s all good.”

“We owe you,” Gabe said to Sierra, “so we got you a little something as a token of North Brothers Sports’ appreciation.” He stepped to the couch and handed Sierra one of two envelopes he was holding. “That’s a gift card to Selma’s, enough for two people and then some to get some high-end grub. Whether you choose to take this guy or not is your problem.” He gestured to Cole and garnered another laugh.

“Wow. This is completely unnecessary, but thank you,” Sierra said. “We’ll see if he can work me in for a date night.” She gazed up at him with a flirty look, and hell yes, he’d work her in for a date night and more.

“It’s worth noting,” Mason said, “that our middle brother has never—not once—brought a girl home, for dinner or anything else, before tonight. So it seems he’s turning over a new leaf or two.”

“I’ve turned over so many damn leaves I think I have a different tree altogether,” Cole said, shoving down the uneasiness that truth stirred up, entwining his fingers with Sierra’s without thought, and then, belatedly, realizing what he’d done—and liking it.