24. Sterling
CHAPTER 24
Sterling
T he rooftop is bathed in the soft glow of string lights and the fading hues of twilight as I take my seat at the elegantly set table. The city sprawls below me, stretching far and wide. I shift a little, fiddling with the collar of my shirt as I wait for Emilia to arrive.
I wanted to pick her up but she insisted on coming here herself. She finally arrives, a vision in a burgundy top and a short skirt that clings gracefully to her curves, the fabric catching every subtle movement she makes. Her hair, loosely tied at the nape of her neck, frames her face perfectly. I rise to my feet.
“Hey, beautiful,” I greet with a tentative smile, leaning forward to kiss her cheek.
She returns the smile with a warmth that makes my chest tighten. I move to pull her chair back, gesturing for her to have a seat.
“A private rooftop dinner?” she asks, smirking.
“I’m a Harrington, angel. Go big or go home is practically our motto,” I reply before moving to take my seat as well.
The private chef, a consummate professional whose presence seems to elevate the entire ambience, glides silently toward our table. He informs us that he’s prepared a five-course meal that he hopes we’ll enjoy. In the background, soft piano melodies mix with the gentle murmur of the city. For a brief moment, the world narrows to just the two of us, an intimate oasis.
We begin with an appetizer, a delicate amuse-bouche of seared scallops atop a smear of citrus-infused puree, as the chef explained. I watch as Emilia delicately picks one up, her eyes briefly meeting mine as she shoots me a smirk I understand perfectly.
“It’s a little pretentious, isn’t it?” I ask, my tone carrying a teasing lilt.
“A little? This is, like, crazy fancy. I have never eaten anything like this before,” she exclaims.
I chuckle. “Try it. I promise you’ll like it.”
She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear before bringing the food to her rosy lips. Her eyes widen at the first taste.
“Okay, that’s really good.”
“Told you. Only the best for you, angel.”
She laughs, a soft, genuine sound that resonates against the clink of the glassware. I sip my wine, letting the taste of dark cherry and oak mingle on my tongue.
“So, what do you want to talk about first?”
There’s a pause, a heartbeat of silence before she says, “Let’s talk about you.”
I frown. “It feels like we’re always talking about me.”
“That’s because your life is so interesting, Ster. Filled with private chefs and vacations and business meetings around the world. I know you took a trip to China earlier this year, how was it?”
I arch an eyebrow. “You’ve been keeping tabs on me?”
“I was just curious,” she says on a shrug. “I guess I just needed to know you were fine.”
I lean backward, growing thoughtful. “After Marissa passed away, I spent the first few months trying to help Sean through his grief to make sure he was okay. And then I spent some time focusing on myself. Eventually, I got better. I started to put my life back together. My family was actually really helpful. Like you saw, Spencer and I are okay now. And my mother—” I hesitate, thinking back to how things were back then.
“She and Marissa were close. It hit her hard as well. And I guess that helped her to connect to me, in a way. It took losing Marissa for her to realize that her sons were important to her. She’s changed a lot. She’s more open and she’s apologized for the way she’s treated us all this time. We’ve still got a long way to go, but we’re getting there.”
“How about your grandfather?” Emilia asks.
“He’s still mostly the same. He gave me my position back. He said all he’s wanted all along was for me to ‘get rid of my inferiority complex and rise to my full potential.’ Grandfather’s always going to be a hard-ass. I respect him for it, though. And I know he cares in his own way.”
“And things are the company are good, too?”
“Yes, Spencer and I have been working together a lot. I don’t know if you’re aware but developments on the land in Edenton had to be stalled after I left. They’re nearly complete now, though. I’ve been overseeing it from New York.”
“Seems like you’ve got everything on track,” Emilia says warmly.
“Except one thing. There’s this woman I really like. She’s stubborn like a mule, makes me work ten times harder than anyone else. She’s strong and so fucking beautiful. I see her everywhere. Her face plagues my every thought. I’ve been thinking about it a lot and I want her by my side. I want everything she has to give. If she’s willing to give it to me.”
Emilia’s blue eyes turn glassy. “That’s so romantic,” she says softly. “Who is this woman? She sounds amazing.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m being serious, Emilia. I want you.”
Her expression sobers. “I want you, too. It’s just… hard.”
“What’s so hard? Just be with me, angel. All you have to do is be with me.”
She doesn’t reply, looking down at her plate. I can tell she’s holding something back. But Emilia’s always done that. It’s hard getting her to open up, but I’ll do whatever it takes to get her to do so.
“Alright, your turn. Tell me how you’ve been the past two years. Where do you work?”
She beams. “I work for an interior design company. I’m a part of a design team there. I also work as a liaison between clients and the team, ensuring all their needs are met and projects run smoothly. It’s pretty small. I never would have thought interior design would be my path, but Carson mentioned one time how I’ve always had a knack for decorating.”
I nod in agreement. “I remember thinking Emilia’s Café had a really nice charm.”
“Exactly,” she says brightly. “I did that. And it was really good. Plus, I’m patient when it comes to handling clients. I help them navigate their wants, guiding them into making the right decisions. It’s pretty fun, to be honest. I never would have expected a career path like this, but my journey has been smooth sailing so far.”
She seems genuinely content and I’m so fucking glad that she’s found this.
“So, what’s the plan? Are you planning on staying with the company?”
She shakes her head. “No. Eventually, I plan to start my own company. I’ve been trying to gather resources. I already have an idea in my head and although it still needs fleshing out, I’m sure it’ll work out. I even already have my first employee,” she says proudly.
“Really?” I ask, surprised.
“Remember Paige?”
I nod. “The teenage girl that was in the accident? How is she now?”
“She’s great. She’s in college right now and I don’t know if it’s fate but she’s majoring in fashion and design. When I talked to her and told her about establishing my company, she said she wanted to be my first hire.”
I’m sure Paige simply wants to pay her kindness back. A kindness Emilia probably doesn’t think much of anymore. Back then, she left me in awe by how simple her decision was to save that girl. But that’s who she is. Bright and so selfless it worries me at times. But she’s also strong and tough as rocks. I know she’ll succeed in whatever she sets her heart on.
“That’s amazing, angel. You look excited.”
“I am. I mean, it’ll be a while before I actually get to achieve it all, but at least I have a future to look forward to now. One I can be proud of.”
“You’ll achieve every single thing your heart desires. I know it,” I assure her, raising my glass toward her for a toast.
Our main course is brought out, delicately prepared lamb and roast that tastes almost divine. We eat silently for a bit until I grow curious about something else.
“So why did you leave Edenton? You love that town. You once told me it was the first place you ever felt safe.”
She smiles softly. “You remember I told you how freeing it was to let my café go. I think Edenton felt like the café to me as well. I realized I needed to stop holding on to sentimentality instead of just moving on and living the life I wanted. Leaving Edenton wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have found my current job or my dreams for the future.”
“Sounds… philosophical,” I say teasingly.
“Shut up,” she retorts with a smile. “But seriously, I’m good now too, really good.”
“And how are things with your family?”
“Things are better,” she says in a low tone. “I’m not going to lie and say I told them every single detail about my past. It would be too painful for them to handle. But I did tell Dad and Carson that my mom died. They seemed sad for me, but I know they don’t really understand why it’s so hard for me to talk about her.”
“Do you think you’ll ever get to a point where it’ll be easy?”
She pauses, thinking about that. “Maybe. I guess I’m waiting for something. Maybe closure? Or peace. I still have so many unresolved feelings when it comes to her. I’m just scared no one will understand them. It doesn’t even make sense to me at times. My mother wasn’t a good person, but it breaks my heart that she’s gone.”
“Promise me something?” I ask. “Whenever you’re ready, whenever you’ve found that inner peace, promise you’ll talk to me about it? Everything. I want to know all of you, angel. Even the bad parts, the things that are hard to say. I’ll understand.”
“It’s not always easy to understand other people’s actions,” she says hesitantly.
“I would never judge you, Emilia.”
“You say that now, but…” She sucks in a breath. “I’m scared, Sterling. That you have this idea of me in your head that I can’t live up to. I’ve made mistakes as well. I’m like, the furthest thing from perfect.”
I frown. “I don’t think you’re perfect, Emilia. I see every imperfections, they just don’t matter to me. I want you regardless of your faults.”
Her lips part and then she sniffs. “Damn, Harrington. Calm down before my heart bursts out of my chest or something. I prefer it when you’re a jerk, makes it easier not to fall for you.”
My lips tilt up in a wild smile. “That sounds like a yes to being my girlfriend.”
“When and where was that question posed? Because I have no memory of it happening.” She laughs.
“Right now, right here, angel.”
I call for the staff to bring out dessert with a small flick of my fingers. It’s a small chocolate cake, her favorite, with the words ‘will you be my girlfriend’ written on the edge of the plate. Emilia gasps softly when it’s placed in front of her.
Her eyes shine with affection as she looks at me.
“You really pulled out all the stops, didn’t you?” she asks.
“So, what do you say?”
She bites down on her bottom lip, the look in her eyes suddenly fearful. My brows furrow.
“I’m going to say yes, Sterling. Because I want to. I want to say yes to everything with you. I just can’t say it yet.”
“Why not?”
“I’ll tell you in the morning. And you’re probably going to be angry at me. But I can’t hold it off any longer.”
I cock my head to the side, confused. “Tell me now.”
“No. Tonight has been so perfect. I don’t want to ruin it. Please, Sterling.”
Conflict simmers within me but the pleading look she throws my way dulls the edge. At least she didn’t reject me. I have no idea what she could have possibly done to make me angry, but I guess I’ll find out in the morning.
“Alright, angel. Do you want to dance?”
She nods eagerly, her smile returning. We both stand and I extend my hand toward her without a word. She slips her delicate fingers into mine. The contact is electric, igniting a spark that spreads warmth from my hand to my entire being.
We step away from the table, finding a small open space where the soft music from a distant speaker plays. As we begin to sway, I can’t help but notice how perfectly she fits against me. Her head tilts slightly as she listens to the rhythm, her eyes closed in quiet reverie.
I’m acutely aware of every detail, the rise and fall of her chest, the soft pressure of her hand on my arm. Time slows, leaving us in a delicate bubble that I’m hoping never shatters. I guide her through the dance, each step measured and tender. My thoughts swirl with the memories of all our past encounters, I think about how hard we tried to fight something that seems so easy and right.
When her eyes flutter open, they meet mine with a vulnerability that takes my breath away. Because I never imagined Emilia Cameron would let herself be vulnerable around anyone. I lean in closer, our foreheads almost touching, and for a moment the world falls away entirely. Every breath, every heartbeat seems amplified, echoing a silent promise of a future together.
My hand finds its way to the small of her back, pulling her closer. The kiss is slow at first, tentative, a question posed in the language of desire. It deepens slowly, evolving into something more insistent, more passionate, a fusion of all the longing and restrained affection that’s built up between us.
I taste the familiar sweetness of her, my heart racing in my chest. I sink my fingers into her hair, my thumb digging into her cheek as I claim her lips. I kiss her with unbounded hunger, like I’ve never kissed anyone before.
My heart pounds with need as I desperately hold on to her. To the way she melts into my arms. She whimpers when I tug on her lips. Our tongues engage in an erotic dance, and I can feel Emilia’s hand trembling against my chest. My mouth devours hers for all the time I couldn’t.
The moment I wrench my lips from hers, she releases a sound, a disappointed breath that has me smiling. I peck her lips again, soft and quick.
“What do you say about going down to my room in the hotel?”
Her big green eyes are bright, filled with fierce adoration.
“Let’s go,” she breathes.
Electricity buzzes beneath my skin as I unlock the door into my suite. As soon as it clicks shut behind us, I’m grabbing Emilia. My entire body hums with need. For her. I push her back against the closed door, swooping in to taste her perfect lips. I kiss her so hard and for so long. Nothing else matters but us and this moment.
“This brings back memories, doesn’t it, angel?” I ask against her lips.
“Shut up,” she whispers back, sliding her tongue against mine.
All the blood inside of me rushes to my cock. I drag my teeth down the side of her throat, fueled by her moans. I lift her and she immediately wraps her legs around my waist. Her hips rock toward me, her fingers in the back of my hair.
“I want to taste you, Emilia,” I murmur.
When I pull back, she looks unsteady and a lot desperate. I love this look on her.
“Okay,” she says softly.
I carry her across the hotel room with long, sure strides tossing her onto the bed. We pause for a second, her splayed out across the bed, while I stand entranced between her knees.
“You’re sure you want me to, angel?” I ask, undoing the first few buttons of my shirt, and taking off my jacket.
“I wouldn’t have said yes if I wasn’t,” she replies, eyes wide with desire.
She spreads her legs open, giving me a peek at her panties, wedged high, showing the outline of her pussy. I groan softly. Stepping closer so my knees bump against the mattress, I grip her knees and spread her legs wider. As I do, her panties slide, exposing one of her bare lips.
“You have no idea how fucking gorgeous you look right now,” I breathe.
She whimpers, hands moving to her breasts, sliding under her shirt to roll a nipple between her thumb and forefinger. I groan and reach forward, running my thumb over the seam of her wet pussy, feeling her pulse and clench against me. I want to make her so much pleasure. I want to drive her wild, to ruin her the way I’m terrified she’s ruined me forever.
Nudging the fabric aside, I push a finger into her, reveling in the feeling of her, smooth, slick, and drenched.
“Fuck,” I grit out.
Her cheek flush pink as she moans. I growl, dropping to one knee, slinging her leg over my shoulder and tugging her ass to the bed. I slowly start press little kisses up her thigh, enjoying the way her body writhes beneath me. When I tug at the material of her panties, it rips with barely any effort.
She gasps. “Sterling!”
“I’ll buy you more,” I murmur, holding her wide open before dropping my head to feast.
Emilia cries out as I lick her pussy, mounting pressure and adding in just the right amount of teeth to enhance her pleasure. I slide my tongue right into her and she squirms so hard I have to reach upward to keep her in please.
“Sterling,” she moans. “I’m going to come.”
“Go on, come for me, angel,” I prompt.
Soon after the warning, she explodes. I lap up her juices as they coat my tongue, holding her down as the pleasure racks through her body. I don’t stop until the spasms stop, until her moans quiet. Once that happens, I start kissing my way up her thighs, lifting her skirt as I press soft kisses against her hip. I push up the top she’s wearing, revealing her bare stomach.
I pause when I notice something, though, my brows furrowing.
“What’s this, angel?” I question, staring at the thin, pale scar that bisects her stomach. “Did you have surgery?”
When I look at her, all the blood has drained from her face. Her reaction worries me. It feels like all the air in the room has been sucked away.
I’ve seen her naked before. My lips turn down in a frown.
“The scar wasn’t there two years ago. What the hell happened to you?” I question worriedly.
“It’s from a Caesarean section,” Emilia stammers.
That more than anything has my eyes widening. She never stutters or stammers. She’s always so confident, but right now she looks terrified and I have no clue why. I’m just so fucking confused. She’s not making any sense.
Still, I slowly try to piece it all together, my brain working hard to understand.
“You were pregnant?” I realize, my heart speeding up.
She sits up, pulling her top down and running a shaky hair through her hair.
“Sterling, just calm down, okay? I-I can explain.”
“Then explain,” I order in a low tone.
Her eyes well up with tears. “This isn’t how I wanted to tell you.”
“You’re scaring me, angel. What happened?”
“I was pregnant. I found out the day before you left Edenton. I was pregnant with your baby,” she states.
I feel a ringing in my ears as she says those words. Words that effectively throw my world off-kilter.