Iwelcomeit.
Because it’s him.
And he’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.
21
STERLING
I’m gettingeggs out of the refrigerator to make Hallie breakfast when the intercom buzzes.
“Mr. Beaufort?” the building’s concierge greets after I answer it. “There’s a guest here to see you.”
I study the image on the screen.
“Okay. Send them up, please.”
“Certainly, Sir.”
I walk back into the living area as Hallie appears from my bedroom, rubbing the back of her tousled hair. She yawns and gives me a shy smile.
“Is this okay?” She gestures up and down her body with a finger.
I take in her long slender legs and her mid-thigh, where the edge of my shirt is hanging.
“Is it okay?” I chuckle and walk to her, wrapping her in my arms and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “It’s more than okay. All of my shirts now belong to you. They look much better like this.”
She slides her arms around my waist, placing her cheek to my chest. “I just saw it and wanted to wear it. I should go and shower, though.”
My eyes slide across the room toward the hallway that leads to the front door.
“No. Stay as you are.”
She hums contentedly as I stroke her back before there’s a knock at the door.
“Just a minute.”
The man on the other side of the door when I open it is at least three inches shorter than I expected.
“Is Halliday here?”
I lean against the doorframe in no rush. “Depends on who’s asking.”
His upper lip curls in an unimpressed sneer. “Tell her Rory’s here to see her.”
I hold my hand out, giving him a smooth smile. “Sterling Beaufort. Why don’t you come in and tell her yourself?”
He looks at my hand before placing his in it and squeezing like he’s trying to crush my fingers. I bite back a smile. Molly could teach him a thing or two. She has a better grip on her baby dolls if you try and extract one from her arms to get her in her car seat.
His nostrils flare before he lets go.
“Please.” I stand back, opening the door wide to allow him entry.
He strides in, not bothering to wipe his feet, his gaze fixed forward but his eyes darting side to side to scrutinize the artwork I acquired at a generous price at auction.
I follow him into the living area and stand to one side. His gaze falls on Hallie with her back to us, making herself a coffee at the counter.
His cocky footsteps grind to a halt as he registers what she’s wearing.
