Sterling still has his place, which he escapes to when he gets a little too lost in a story, but he’s getting better at texting back, no matter how deep in his research he is.
Lucky’s busy with his phone, typing rapidly enough that I know he’s in someone’s comment section again.
I pluck the device from his hands, leaving it hovering in the air above his head, out of reach.“Stop power-splaining to right-wing comic fans.You know it pisses them off.”
Last week, it was a whole argument about teleporting and the earth’s rotation, and … well, it’s better not to know.
“But it’s so easy to annoy them.”Lucky grins, having too much fun.
“I’m sure.”I laugh.“But I need to finish your profile forThe Herald, so sit down and answer some questions.”
He falls into the armchair, sprawled hedonistically, oh-so-long legs splayed wide in invitation.I’m ignoring him on purpose.I’ve already tried to interview him twice this week, and both times, he distracted me.
Not today.
Okay, nottwicetoday.
“You’ve got me at your mercy, Miss Finnegan.What do you want to know?”
I cross my legs tightly.“Let’s just start from the beginning, shall we?”
THE END
* * *
start over
“I can get upstairs by myself,” I tell Sterling as I close the passenger door.“I promise I’ll call you if I need anything.”
He doesn’t look appeased.I keep expecting him to throw me over his shoulder and camp out in my living room, where he can keep an eye on me, but eventually, he relents.
The weight of his attention follows me as I walk into the building.Honestly, it’s nice.It’s been a long time since someone doted on me, and I never expected it to be Sterling.
“Hey, neigh—fuck, love, are you all right?”
Standing at the elevator is Lucky, looking gorgeous in black jeans and a leather jacket.
The adrenaline must be wearing off because I stumble before I reach him.Luckily—ha, because of the name—he catches me.
“Whoa, okay.Don’t worry; I’ve got you.Come on.”
He does too.Like Sterling, he’s built of muscle, and he smells amazing, and maybe it’s better to stop acting tough and let someone look after me for a little bit.
One second, I’m closing my eyes and leaning into him, and the next, we’re at my door.
“Are you going to be okay?Do you want me to call someone to stay with you?”
“You’re sweet,” I say before I can stop myself.“Hot and sweet.”
He looks concerned.“I’m not sure I want to leave you like this.”
I push my key into the lock, and if it wasn’t for Sterling, I’d be inviting Lucky in right now.Shame really.If only there was a way to have both.
I really should get inside before I say that out loud.
“It’s fine, I promise.”I’m already a little more awake now that my bed is within reach.“But thank you for walking me home.”
“I’m right down the hall if you need anything, anything at all.”
