Page 86

Emilia
I’ve been feeling so many mixed emotions all day, ranging from anxiety to relief to downright fear. Carson only told me about Sterling’s return this morning to fuck with me, and it worked perfectly. I couldn’t stop thinking about him and what his return may bring.
I almost cancelled my date but I couldn’t because I know he deserves better than that. Plus I’d been putting it off for so long. I thought I’d stay for a little while, have a nice meal, and try to enjoy my time with him. What I hadn’t been expecting was for Sterling Harrington to show up with his brother in tow.
The first thing I felt when I saw him standing at the entrance to the restaurant was relief. Well, actually, it was shock first and then relief. Because deep down, even if I don’t want to admit it, I’ve missed him a lot and I needed him. And now that he’s here, I have no clue how to act or what I’m even supposed to say.
Especially since I’m on a date with another man.
“What are you doing here, Sterling?” I ask again. “How did you even know where to find me?”
He’s being way too chill right now, although I can see in his eyes that he’s pissed. I don’t know why. I told him I wasn’t going to wait for him. It’s been two years, I’m free to do whatever Iwant and to date whoever I want, and he doesn’t get to make me feel guilty about that.
Although I do feel guilty. A little.
“Your brother told me,” he replies, his jaw clenched.
Carson, you fucking manipulative asshole!
I run a hand through my hair. “You need to leave, Sterling.”
He scoffs. “Like hell I do. This is the first time I’m seeing you in two years, angel. And you’re on a date with some guy.”
“He’s not just some guy. His name is Ian,” I say on a sigh.
Sterling’s green eyes narrow as he stares at something behind me. “Why does Ian look so familiar?”
I whirl around and sure enough Ian’s turned around to look at us. We’ve drawn the attention of other people in the restaurant as well. I grit my teeth as I look back at Sterling.
“That’s because he was a regular customer at Emilia’s Café,” I say in reply to his question. “Now, can you please leave? This isn’t the time or place for this conversation. I’ll get in touch with you later.”
“That’s not happening, angel,” Sterling says on a smirk. “I’m not leaving here unless it’s with you.”
“Are you fucking serious right now?” I question, unimpressed.
“As a heart attack.”
I know he won’t budge. This is Sterling Harrington we’re talking about. He’s almost as stubborn as me. I glare up at him.
“You’re being rude, Sterling. At least respect the fact that I’m with someone else.”
He shifts closer and his scent surrounds me, reminding me of every single memory, every feeling I’ve tried hard to bury in the past two years. My heart speeds up. Sterling has always been the only person to instill that effect on me.
“If you can tell me right now that he matters more to you than me, then I’ll walk out that door right now,” he prompts.
My hands tighten into fists. “You don’t fight fair.”
“I know.” He grins.
I melt at the sight of the smile. It’s easy, light. Now that I’m really looking at him, something’s different. He doesn’t look like the same man from two years ago, the man with the weight of the world seemingly on his shoulders. He’s lighter and I’m so glad.
“You’re a jerk, Sterling Harrington,” I mutter.
He doesn’t stop me when I turn around, heading back to my table where Ian is seated. I chew on my bottom lip, feeling guilty as I stare at the man with kind blue eyes and a warm smile. Ian’s helped me a lot in the past two years. I first met him when he used to live in Edenton, but we never really spoke.
And then I came to Greenville and started working at my current company, only to realize Ian was acting manager there. He helped me a lot, showed me the ropes. And I knew he liked me. I tried hard to ignore it, though, because I wasn’t over Sterling and I already had a lot on my plate.
The date today was me trying to give him a chance because I know he’s waited for a long time.