Stuck with Mr. Grump

14. Sterling

CHAPTER 14

Sterling

T he morning light filters through my bedroom windows as my eyes slowly open. I run my fingers through my hair, feeling completely and utterly drained after a mostly sleepless night. I’d like nothing more than to lie in here all day but I have to get to work so I rise to my feet, scratching at the stubble on my jaw as I head in to the bathroom.

I strip before climbing into the shower, and almost immediately the memory of yesterday’s kiss with Emilia assaults me. It’s been replaying in my head on repeat. The feel of her lips on mine, the sight of them swollen and raw after the kiss. The way I felt with her body in my hands. I imagine the feel of her soft ass and groan softly, feeling my cock grow even harder.

I slowly fist my length, my mind chasing after the image of her eyes filled with lust. I imagine her slowly lowering herself beneath me, her lips tentatively touching my cock before closing around me, her tongue laving at the head. Her blue eyes on me as she takes me in deeper. I let out a soft groan as the image in my head becomes even clearer.

I imagine lifting her up and taking her on all fours, my cock sliding into that perfect ass, thrusting inside of her over and over again until she’s screaming my name. My lips fall open in a gasp as my release coats the floor of the shower. I lean against the wall, watching as the evidence of my arousal is washed away.

This is so fucked.

After spending more time than I usually would getting ready, I make my way to perform the other tasks on my routine before leaving for work. Wake Sean up, have some breakfast. I’m a little distracted as I go through the motions. I ask Callum to drive me in, and once we arrive I feel a rush of trepidation at the thought of how to handle this delicate situation I’m in with Emilia.

She’s already at work. She’s seated at her desk, but she stands up at the sight of me. Her face lights up with a cheerful smile that confuses the fuck out of me. She’s dressed in a tailored navy skirt suit today. Just like yesterday, the outfit accentuates her figure, paired with a soft pink blouse that adds a touch of warmth.

She walks toward me and I notice she really is in flat shoes today. They look cute.

“Good morning, Mr. Harrington,” she says brightly, extending a cup of coffee toward me. “Just the way you like it.”

I take the cup, momentarily thrown off by her causal demeanor.

“Morning, Emilia. Thank you.”

I search her eyes for any hint of acknowledgment about yesterday, but she offers none. She moves to her desk, organizing files and preparing for the day as if nothing out of the ordinary has occurred. I feel a sense of emptiness as I walk into my office, taking off my jacket distractedly.

Emilia walks inside just as soon as I’m seated. I clear my throat, deciding it’d be better for me to broach the subject.

“About yesterday?—”

She looks at me, her expression neutral. ‘Yes?”

“Don’t do that,” I grit out. “We need to talk about the kiss.”

A flicker of something, perhaps discomfort, crosses her face but she quickly masks it.

“There’s nothing to talk about, Mr. Harrington. It was a mistake. A temporary lapse in judgment. But we’re both professionals, and I think it’s best we forget it ever happened.”

I would have taken Emilia Cameron to be a lot of things, but I never expected her to be a coward. Her dismissal stings more than I care to admit but I don’t let that show.

“So what, we just go on pretending you didn’t have your tongue in my mouth just last night?” I ask, my tone even.

Her eyes flare, but she’s still smiling, “Exactly. That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

“Emilia,” I growl.

Her mask slips for a second. “Sterling, please. I can’t, okay? We can’t. So let’s just go back to normal because I think I might actually be good at this job and I don’t want to have to quit after one day.”

“No one is asking you to quit,” I mutter.

“Good. So can we please just move on?”

Her blasé tone is really getting on my nerves, but a part of me understands where she’s coming from. I think about all the complications in my life right now and I know the right thing to do would be to block the kiss from my memory and pretend it never happened.

A little hard considering when I look at her all I can think about is how much I want to kiss her again, and so many other things.

“Alright,” I reply, keeping my tone even. “Whatever you say, Ms. Cameron.”

She offers me a tight smile. “Shall we go over today’s agenda?”

I nod, pushing aside my feelings. “Yeah, sure. What do I have scheduled?”

She unlocks the tablet in her hand. “You have a meeting with the development team at eleven to discuss the hiring of contractors, then another meeting with the finance team immediately after. You asked me to set a reminder for one p.m. so you could talk to foreign investors.”

“There’s nothing scheduled before eleven?”

“Actually, I pushed back your meetings because I received a call right before you arrived. Your grandfather’s secretary informed me that he’ll be placing a call to you in about an hour.”

My jaw ticks. “I see. Alright, thanks, Emilia. I’ll let you know when I need you.”

She leaves me alone while I think about the impending call from my grandfather. There’s no predicting what Sebestian Harrington could have to say. He’s pretty much ignored me since I came back to Edenton except for the weekly emails I’ve been sending to update him on what’s been going on here.

I’m distracted as I go through some reports from different departments while also glancing through the company’s main bulletin for any major announcements. Spencer hasn’t been named the new vice-president so that can’t be the reason for grandfather’s call.

But I wouldn’t hold my breath on that. It could be that he wants to inform me first before sweeping the carpet from under me and handing my rightful position to my undeserving older brother.

The call comes exactly an hour after. A video call.

Wonderful , I think drily as I press the button on my keypad to answer.

I clear my throat as his face comes into view. Like me, he seems to be seated in his office, wearing a crisp tailored suit with not a hair out of place. His piercing brown eyes immediately latch on to mine as he leans back in his chair.

“Grandfather,” I greet with a small nod.

“Sterling,” he says in a similar tone. “I trust you’ve been well?”

“Yes. And you?”

“Good,” he grunts. “How’s Sean?”

“Fine.”

Now that we’ve got the meaningless greetings out of the way, he’ll be jumping straight to business.

“Why do you think I’ve called you today, Sterling?” he questions, causing me to raise an eyebrow.

“I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

He hums disapprovingly. “You have your suspicious, of course,” he prompts.

I shrug. “It could be anything ranging from a discussion about a potentially big movement within the company to news about my summary dismissal,” I state, deciding to cut right into the thick of it.

Sebestian smirks. “Do you really believe that?”

“That there’s a potential movement within the company I’m unaware of? Of course.”

“Enough with the blithe comments. Tell me how you’re really feeling.”

“I’m not feeling anything ,” I grit out.

“Oh really? Not even a little angry about being banished to Edenton?”

“Actually, no. Believe it or not, I’m enjoying my time here and I’ve been spending it doing something worthwhile. It’s less immersive than the New York branch. I’ve had some time to myself and Sean as well,” I tell him honestly.

“Sounds like you’re having a nice time,” he states. “Would you rather stay there, then? Permanently.”

My hand forms a fist but I keep my expression blank as I stare straight ahead.

“Does that mean you’re asking me to stay?”

Because I don’t want that. Losing my position at the company would mean that all my work the past few years has been for nothing, and I refuse to let that happen. I worked my way up to that position. It was harder for me than most normal people because my grandfather wanted to teach me a lesson. He’s always teaching me lessons and I fear I may never stop learning from him.

But the worst lesson would be him tossing me aside. The only thing I would gain from that is the confirmation that I really am useless and undeserving of my last name.

“I’m not going to stop you from returning to the company, Sterling,” Sebestian says after a short silence. “Ask yourself if you deserve to return.”

A muscle ticks in my jaw. “Of course I deserve to return.”

“Really?” he questions, arching an eyebrow. “You might not be aware of it, Sterling, but you’ve always had an inferiority complex. I’ve watched you struggle with your position as a Harrington. You worked ten times harder than everyone else—why?”

“What?” I grit out.

He sighs. “I’m sure you’ll find the answers to these questions on your own. When you do, come and find me and then we’ll talk.”

“Wait, how’s Spencer doing?”

My grandfather chuckles at that. He’s always had a soft spot for my brother, the old sap. It’s always been blatantly obvious considering the amount of shit that Spencer’s pulled in the past couple of years and how he’s never been kicked out or disowned.

“He’s doing his best,” he finally replies.

But Spencer’s best is never enough. He knows it, Grandfather knows it, the entire fucking world knows it.

“Your parents are back. I’m sure they’re on their way to Edenton as we speak,” he informs me.

My lips thin and I feel my heart speed up at that, “Great,” I say unenthusiastically. “Goodbye, Grandfather.”

He nods once and then the screen grows blank. Once it does, I sigh, rubbing my hands over my face. It seems I’m in for a very long day. After several boring meetings and a lot of paperwork to begin work on the site, I finally clock out of work.

Emilia practically raced out the door as soon as I said she was free to go. It’s pretty obvious she’s avoiding a situation where I’d offer her a ride. The two of us being in close quarters is a bad idea, so it’s good that she’s doing her best to avoid me. Hell, I wouldn’t want to be in close quarters with myself right now.

The drive home is shorter than I would have liked. Because I already know what I’m going to find once I arrive at the mansion.

I hear my father’s voice before I see him. A couple of steps lead me to the living room. He’s on his knee in front of Sean, laughing heartily as he listens to what my son is saying.

“And I want a train set and Lego blocks and the third Harry Potter book,” Sean lists.

My dad chuckles, while my eyebrows lift.

“That’s a lot of requests for a tiny man,” I state, announcing my presence as I walk into the room.

Sean’s eyes widen and he avoids eye contact as I lower myself into the couch behind him and my dad.

“Hey, son,” my dad greets.

I offer him a small smile before turning to my son. “I thought we agreed you would stop demanding gifts, bud. You have enough toys and books,” I say firmly to the little boy who now has a sheepish expression on his face.

He and I have had a conversation about this before. But he knows my dad’s a big softie who will immediately get him whatever he asks for.

“Relax, Ster,” Dad says on a laugh. “He’s allowed to ask for more toys.”

“He has enough,” I repeat. “You’re excused, Sean. Go to your room. I’ll come in a bit to tuck you in.”

I don’t miss the small wink my dad shoots Sean’s way, right before he runs out of the room. And then I’m left alone with my father. He rises to his feet, standing tall in front of me. He’s about six foot two, and when I was younger that used to make me feel like he was a giant.

He felt like that at times. A giant that was desperately trying to protect me from everyone who tried to make my life harder. And I know he did his best with regard to that, but sometimes there was nothing to do. Because he didn’t have any power.

“Don’t buy him any of the toys, Dad,” I reiterate once Sean’s gone.

He sighs before taking a seat beside me. He’s wearing frayed jeans and a t-shirt. An extremely simply attire. Anyone looking at him would have a hard time believing he’s the first son of a business tycoon. His dark hair is longer than I remember, almost to his shoulders. Wild and free, just like my father.

“Alright fine, sergeant. But you can at least allow me to buy him his Harry Potter book?” he questions. “Or are you against reading as well?”

“Where’s Mother?” I ask, ignoring the question.

He knows it’s an affirmation without me having to say it. His brown eyes grow softer.

“In your room, waiting for you,” he replies tightly.

I nod, rising to my feet immediately. There’s no time for formalities when the fate of my future hangs in the balance. I thought my parents would talk to me about the truth together but it seems my mother, who is at the core of it all, has been chosen to be the spokesperson. I prefer it like that. Elana Harrington won’t sugarcoat shit.

“Ster,” my dad calls right before I walk through the threshold. “Whatever she says doesn’t matter, alright? This has no effect on our relationship.”

A muscle tightens in my jaw. But it does. Whatever she has to say changes everything.

After making sure Sean’s ready for bed and tucking him in, I head over to my bedroom. The door is wide open and I get a glimpse of my mother sitting with her legs crossed on the edge of my bed. After inhaling softly, I walk in, unknotting my tie and sliding it off as I do.

She arches one delicate dark eyebrow as I enter.

“Mother,” I greet, inclining my head respectfully. “You look nice.”

She stands and I step forward to give her two air kisses on the cheek. It’s what’s expected whenever you’re in the presence of the great Elana Harrington. She thrives on compliments. And despite the fact that she’s basically demanding them, they’re never empty.

“Thank you, Sterling,” she says stiffly. “The trip to Mykonos did me well.”

My parents couldn’t be more different. My mom’s a typical rich heiress with her manicured nails, expensive vacations, and Birkin bags. She thrives in the spotlight, while my dad has tried all his life to shy away from it. It’s a wonder they’ve lasted this long. But after over thirty years of marriage, it’s pretty clear that they’re a match made in heaven or hell. Dad tempers my mom’s character and she helps him to get more out of life. It works well and I’d say it’s true love, if the recent rumors didn’t spark doubts and the possibility of a betrayal.

“Would you like to speak in my office?” I ask, gesturing to the door with my hand.

She walks to the door without another word. I take off my jacket and undo a few buttons on my shirt before following her in. She’s taken a seat in my chair behind the desk, leaving me to take the one opposite. I inwardly roll my eyes.

She and my grandfather get along well because they have similar ideologies. Everything’s a power play and everyone’s a bug that can be crushed beneath their shoe. My mother hasn’t smiled at me once since I entered the room. I’m not sure she’s actually ever offered me a warm smile before. Elana’s always been cold, distant. She’s made it quite obvious that she never wanted to have kids.

Spencer and I were raised by nannies in place of our mother. All Elana really found joy in was traveling the world, throwing expensive parties. Anything that didn’t have to do with her two children. She’s the least motherly person I know. I made my peace with that a long time ago, although I can’t say the same for my brother. Spencer’s a mama’s boy for a mama that’s never really there. In his defense, though, she’s always treated him a little better than she did me.

“I assume you have questions with regard to the recent news?” she starts.

Her hands are clasped together atop the table, her brown eyes meeting mine straight on. She makes a formidable picture seated at the head, olive skin smooth and glowing. We look a lot like her, Spencer and I. My dad always used to joke about how sad he was that we both inherited all of our mother’s traits.

“The news you tried so hard to avoid until you couldn’t?” I retort.

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t get smart with me, Sterling.”

My eyes narrow. “I want an explanation, Mother. The truth.”

The room is silent for a couple of seconds until she finally begins.

“You’ve always been very smart, Sterling,” she says on a sigh. “Too smart, at times. By the age of five, I could tell you were already noticing how dissimilar you were from your father and your older brother. When you were ten, Spencer collapsed because of a peanut allergy, the same allergy your father has. It made you sad when you realized you didn’t have it. There were always little things you noticed that made you question if you were really Steven’s son. Deep down, a part of you has always known you weren’t.”

My heart feels like it’s been serrated by her words. I never realized I was a person capable of being in denial until now. A part of me wanted all of this to be a lie, just a dumb rumor. But now that the truth’s looking me in the eye, there’s nowhere to run anymore.

“Who’s my father?”