‘Different how?’
Sterling’s known for doing what he wants, when he wants, with whomever he wants – professionally and personally. Ruthless, rich, ridiculously good-looking, Italian blood running through the dark hair, olive skin, warm brown eyes, and effortless charm.
The kind of man who’s never had to bleed to earn it.
No wonder Theo’s twitchy. That, and the fact I poured salt straight into the wound last night with my teasing about the age gap.
Nice one, Stone.
Axel’s voice slides into my head now, and dammit, he was right.
I should’ve shut it.
‘It just is,’ he says eventually.
‘You don’t want to jeopardise your working relationship with Theo?’
His jaw tightens, gaze snapping back to me.
‘I don’t want to jeopardise anyone’s relationship. Period.’
‘And if he tells you to go to hell?’
‘I’m hoping it won’t come to that.’
‘But if it does?’
‘Then I have to hope Anna will see things my way.’
‘Which is?’
‘Some things are worth rocking the boat for.’
I cock a brow. ‘Pun intended?’
‘Maybe.’ He grins. ‘But even you have to admit, life’s the adventure you make it.’
I choke on my drink. ‘You never struck me as the kind to spout whimsical nonsense either.’
He shrugs, gaze drifting back to Anna. ‘I wasn’t. Then I met her and… something changed. I can’t explain it better than that. I just know I’m not ready to have her walk away. I want to see where this goes. Maybe even find out if this is what I’ve been missing all along.’
A smile tugs at my lips, a warmth unfurling deep within. Maybe that’s what we’re all chasing: the missing piece that makes the rest make sense.
For Sterling, it’s Anna.
For me… it’s the baby.Justthe baby.
Not the man who agreed to make it possible.
Not at all. Because that would be crazy and not what we agreed. And not on the cards. Not ever.
‘Don’t get me wrong,’ Sterling adds quickly, flashing another grin. ‘I’m not looking for permission to date his mother; she’s more than capable of making up her own mind. But…’
‘But you’d like it all the same.’
‘Of course.’
I lean closer, placing my hand over his arm. ‘I get it, and I’ll see what I can do. I can’t promise anything, though. Theo can be a stubborn sod, especially when it comes to protecting the people he loves. But I’m warning you… hurt his mother, and he’ll make it his life’s mission to hurtyou. We all will.’
