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Sterling nods, pulls out of the parking spot, and heads to the other side of town to the restaurant. I watch his large hands grip the wheel, the corded veins in his arms. He could have anyone he wanted. He could have spent the day doing anything but this, something he enjoyed, or took time goofing off with one of his brothers, but he did this for me. He knew I would love it, and after the week I’ve had, it was everything I needed. Then again, I think the company did more for my spirit than the bookstore.
“Thank you for this.” I lean over and rest my hand on his arm. “Today has been the best day. Last night, and today, you turned my week around.”
Sterling reaches over and lifts my hand to his lips. “Good.” He rests my palm back on his arm as he navigates into the restaurant parking lot. Just as he always does, he opens the door for me and ushers me into the building with his hand on the small of my back. I look up to thank him and find him already looking at me. He leans down and kisses my temple.
I’m going to finish this perfect weekend with him as my best friend, and then I’m telling him that I’m in love with him. I just pray that I’m interpreting his actions and looks correctly and he loves me too. Not just loves me, but is in love with me.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Sterling
It’s Saturday afternoon, and I’m on my way to Alyssa’s house. She had plans with her friend Kristy last night, a girls’ night, so I didn’t get to see her. I stayed up until I knew she was home safe. When she called, she said she had something she wanted to talk to me about. She sounded serious, and I slept like shit worried about her.
I’m pulling into her driveway when my cell phone rings. Maverick's name flashes across the dash. I don’t answer; instead, I let it go to voice mail. I need to see Alyssa and set eyes on her. Grabbing my phone, I climb out of the truck and make my way to the front door. Alyssa pushes it open and smiles. She seems hesitant, but when she wraps her arms around me and I return her hug, her body relaxes into mine.
“You good?” I ask her, not letting her go just yet.
Tilting her head back, she keeps her arms locked around my waist. “I’m good. How are you? Is something wrong?”
“No. You said you needed to talk to me about something, and I didn’t sleep well. I was worried about you.”
“I’m sorry.” Regret crosses her features. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I just had something I wanted to run by you.” She smiles, and every muscle in my body relaxes seeing that smile.
My phone rings again, and she steps back, letting me check it. “It’s Maverick. He’s called me once already when I pulled in, and I didn’t answer because I needed to see you. I better make sure everything is okay.”
Keeping one arm around her, because I’m not ready to let her go, I tap the Answer button and raise the phone to my ear. “Hey, man.”
“Where are you?”
My body stiffens at his tone of voice. Alyssa senses it and begins to run her hands up and down my back. Her touch instantly calms me so that I can reply to my little brother. “At Alyssa’s. What’s going on?”
“Ryder’s not doing so hot.”
“Explain that, Mav. What do you mean he’s not doing so hot?”
“Jordyn’s gone.”
“Maverick,” I snap. “Details, brother. What the fuck is going on?” Worry for my little brother and his girl wash over me.
“Sorry.” He takes a deep breath. “Ryder went to see Jordyn, and her roommate, Gianna, told him that she was gone. Her flight left early this morning. She’s headed to Paris.”
“He knew she was going to Paris for the internship.”
“He knew she was going. Not when she was going.”
“Oh, shit,” I breathe, pulling Alyssa a little tighter.
“Exactly. He’s breaking down. He called me on his way home. Told me that if I wanted to get trashed tonight, to head to his place.”
“Where are you now?”
“Merrick just got home from work. As soon as he’s out of the shower, we’re heading over.”
“Have you called the others?”
“Archer is on his way there too.”
“I’ll call the others,” I tell him. I look down at Alyssa with apology in my eyes. “I’ll be there.”
