Ridiculous.I’m a grown woman; how dare he treat me like a child in my own home?In front of my future husband as well.
I spin on my heel.“What are you expecting will occur?Do you truly believe me so far gone in my feelings that I cannot uphold my propriety for a single stroll?I should think I’ve given you, of all people, enough evidence that is not true.”
It’s more than I should have said.To admit the existence of feelings where they are both concerned is highly improper, but I’m oddly thrilled at having laid it bare finally.
However, despite the working of his jaw, Sterling is not dissuaded from joining us.
“And you should know by now that I will always put you first.”
Lucky curls his fingers in mine, covering the join with his other hand.“Come.If your man is determined to join us, let him command the rear.”He raises a brow in challenge.“Am I right in guessing that’s the position you favor?”
Sterling growls in response.
I tug Lucky along.I have no time for petty games, especially between two of the most important people in my life.“Please, I’d like us to be friendly.”
To my surprise, Sterling drops eye contact first, bowing his head and taking a step back, but keeping close as we start down the hall.
* * *
When dinnertime arrives, I fear my body is more nerves than bone.Nothing fits right, but I’ve gone through every dress I own, and it’s clear that the issue is me.
Two quick raps sound at my door—Sterling.
“Come in.”
I smooth my hands down the front of my dress.Fix the collar.Pull at the sleeves.I’m suspiciously damp under my arms.Maybe I should change back to the black.
“You look lovely,” Sterling says, appearing behind me in the mirror.
Sweet of him to reassure me, but he always says that.
I need Lucky to think it too.
He brings his hands up to my shoulders, turning me to face him.Usually, his unshakable reserve steadies me.I’m the one prone to whimsy and dramatics, quick to act once I’m decided on something.Not Sterling.I’ve never once seen him lose control.
“You have nothing to worry about.”
Gosh, this dress is so tight.Has it always been this tight?Maybe I should change.
“We don’t know that.”
Lucky is a good man, the kind who would follow through on a proposal because it was the right thing to do.It doesn’t mean he feels the way I do.
“Mia.”
I look up into Sterling’s unwavering gaze.
“You didn’t see how he looked at you.”
Warmth sparks in my belly.“How did he look at me?”
“Like the stars hang in your eyes.”
Does he really think so?
“Perhaps it was a trick of the light.”
“No,” he says, resolute, a storm brewing within the blue of his eyes.“I recognize the signs of a man in love.Trust me on that.”
