Just a Little Crush (A Sterling Family Crossover #1)

Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

Stevie

“C ome on, Val,” I called out to my sister, who was still in the bathroom getting ready, or maybe even stalling. “I don’t want to be late, considering this is a surprise birthday party for Raven.” I’d met Raven, who was one of my closest friends in the city, through my waitressing job at The Back Door in Manhattan.

A few minutes later, Valerie finally emerged. While she looked beautiful in a modest black dress, and her makeup and blonde bobbed hair were on point for the occasion, her face showed the emotional toll the past weeks had taken. The depression she’d fallen into after leaving her abusive ex wasn’t hard for me to miss, and I hated that my sister’s normal vibrant personality had been dimmed by Mark Branson, aka the entitled asshole.

My sister was all I had in the world and I wasn’t about to lose her the same way we’d lost our mother when our father had choked her to death during one of his drunken rages. Which was why, when Mark had been out golfing the Saturday after I’d seen a bruise on Val’s cheek, I’d packed up her things and had moved her into my place.

It didn’t matter that I lived in a very miniscule one-bedroom apartment in Elmhurst, Queens, which was all I could afford on my earnings as a waitress and intern at Dare PR two days a week. There was no denying it was cramped having Valerie live here with me, but I didn’t care. The only thing that mattered to me was knowing she was safe and out of Mark’s clutches.

Not that Mark hadn’t continued harassing Valerie after the breakup. He’d basically stalked her, physically and through texts, and even though I’d convinced Valerie to get a restraining order against him, the whole situation had caused my sister to become more withdrawn and she’d isolated herself in my apartment.

Which was the main reason why I’d insisted Valerie accompany me to tonight’s party. To give her some normalcy and get her out in public again so she didn’t become a complete shut-in. I wanted to see that spark back in her eyes, along with the confidence she’d had before Mark had systematically broken her down.

“You look amazing,” I told her, trying to boost her morale. “And you’re going to have a great time tonight. Knowing Remy, he went all out with the food, and the entertainment will be top-notch. The guy doesn’t do things halfway, not when it comes to Raven.”

Valerie didn’t look convinced about joining me. “I’m sure you’d have a much better time at the party without me tagging along.”

“Not true,” I argued with a smile as I slipped into a pair of heels. “I need a dance partner, and you’ll do just fine.”

She scoffed. “I’m so not in the mood to dance and party.”

“Too bad. I’ve already told Remy that you’re my plus-one,” I said, not allowing her any excuses to try and get out of tonight’s festivities. “And I want to introduce you to Samantha Dare, my boss at Dare PR, who you haven’t met yet.” With any luck, I’d be able to help Valerie land herself a job at the marketing firm I worked at.

“Why would she be there?” Valerie asked curiously.

“She’s engaged to Remy’s brother, Dex.” With over fifty invited guests, I was certain the entire Sterling family was going to be there, along with close friends and coworkers from the bar.

“I hate that you’re going to be essentially babysitting me,” she said, then a glimmer of a smile touched her lips. “What you should be doing is putting the moves on Caleb,” she said of Raven’s brother, who Valerie had met in passing at The Back Door. “You look gorgeous in that sexy little pink dress.”

“What, this old thing?” I spun around playfully, causing the ruffled skirt to flare out around my knees. But truthfully, the dress really was a few years old and bought at a secondhand store, where I did most of my shopping to save money.

“You make old look very new and chic,” Valerie complimented, then tipped her head inquisitively. “I’m assuming Caleb is going to be there tonight?”

I shrugged as if I didn’t care one way or another, which was a lie. The thought of seeing Caleb outside of him stopping into the bar to see Raven, or being at a get-together because of our mutual connection to Raven, did make butterflies flutter in my stomach. “Probably, since I doubt he’d miss his sister’s surprise birthday party.”

“Well, he’s going to take one look at you and his jaw is going to drop.” That familiar humor of Valerie’s was apparent in her tone. “He might even drool.”

I grinned at the image she’d created as I pulled up my rideshare app and summoned a car for the drive into the city. Since I didn’t live in the greatest neighborhood, and I still didn’t trust that Mark wasn’t lurking about, Valerie and I would wait until the car arrived before heading downstairs to the curb.

“Yeah, well, I’m not going to the party to see Caleb,” I said, glancing back at Valerie with a smile. “It’s all about Raven tonight, and you and I having a good time together.”

“It could be all about you and Caleb having a good time together, and he would be far better company than me.” Valerie picked up her own purse. “I’ve been in the bar and I’ve seen the way he looks at you when you’re working. Like he’s hungry…and not for the food.”

I shivered, because I’d seen that look, too—not that Caleb had ever acted on the attraction between us. Then again, according to Raven he’d been through the wringer with his ex-wife who was still trying to gain full custody of their six-year-old son, Owen, and hooking up with me was undoubtedly the lowest priority on his list.

“The man is way out of my league,” I said, which was the truth considering how obscenely wealthy Caleb was—from family money, and his rise as a real estate mogul—and that our social circle beyond Raven did not overlap. “Yes, there’s an attraction, and we’ve flirted, but we’ve known each other for over a year and it’s not like he’s taken the initiative to ask me out or anything.”

Valerie tipped her head thoughtfully, causing her bobbed hair to slide across her jawline. “Maybe he just needs a little incentive, and you being a little more forward. When was the last time you got laid?”

“Way too long,” I admitted with a sigh. I’d casually dated since moving to New York a few years ago, but I was selective about who I slept with and no one had appealed to me on a physical and sexual level, which meant my vibrator got quite the workout. “Besides, Caleb is my best friend’s brother, and as much as I’d love for him to end my dry spell, that’s not going to happen.”

“Too bad,” Valerie said as a mischievous look shimmered in her eyes. “It’s hard not to notice that he’s got that whole big dick energy thing going on. All that quiet confidence, those power suits he wears, and that dominant, alpha edge.”

I laughed, though I was enjoying this playful conversation with my sister, after weeks of her more morose, depressed demeanor. It felt like she was turning a corner back to her old self and I was grateful.

“Big dick energy,” I mused, then giggled. “Hmm. I’d love to know if that BDE extends to what’s beneath those power suits.”

“There’s only one way to find out,” Valerie said meaningfully, just as my phone pinged, announcing our ride was at the curb.

“Stop being such an instigator.” I narrowed my eyes at her, but I was smiling.

“Who, me?” Valerie batted her lashes my way.

“Yes, you .” I grabbed the wrapped gift for Raven off the small dining table, then hooked my arm through Valerie’s as we headed toward the door. “Behave yourself tonight.”

“I make no promises,” she said.

I was secretly glad to see this feisty side to Valerie reemerging, and by the time we arrived at our destination—Hotel Hendricks in Midtown—it was clear that her mood had lifted exponentially, as if getting out of the apartment was just what my sister needed. We made our way up to the twenty-ninth floor to Daintree, a rooftop lounge that had been reserved for Raven’s private party for the night.

It was a beautiful September evening, just cool and breezy enough to be comfortable, though the well-placed heat lamps helped keep any chill at bay. Outdoor mood lighting set the tone for casual elegance, and the spacious terrace had been transformed to accommodate over fifty people, with an area for dinner, various sitting areas with firepits, and even a dance floor with a DJ who was currently playing background music.

Guests milled about, enjoying the full-service bar and the trays of hors d’oeuvres being offered by the waitstaff. Since there was still about twenty minutes before Remy arrived with Raven, Valerie and I selected one of the fruity cocktails making the rounds, crafted specifically for Raven’s party.

“Here’s to a fun evening,” I said, and clinked my glass to Valerie’s.

We both took a sip of the delicious concoction, my gaze scanning the area for a familiar face…and found one when my eyes connected with Caleb’s across the way. He looked breathtakingly gorgeous in a dark gray suit and all that BDE on display.

Instantaneous flutters rose in my stomach, and I would have been okay with that reaction if my damn nipples hadn’t followed suit, tightening in pure sexual awareness against the silky fabric of my dress. And between my thighs? Well, that tingling sensation made me shift restlessly in my heels in an effort to chase away the ache settling there.

He was standing with Dex Sterling and Max Corbin, the other two men conversing while a sexy smile curved Caleb’s lips as he subtly raised his own drink at me and inclined his head in a silent greeting. There was no missing the slow, appreciative perusal of his gaze as it traversed the length of my figure, wreaking havoc once again with my body and making me feel all sorts of ways.

Dex said something, diverting Caleb’s attention, much to my relief.

“See.” Valerie elbowed me gently in the side so I didn’t spill my drink. “He’s already eating you up.”

There was no denying what had been so apparent, even if I knew it would lead to nothing between Caleb and me. “Stop,” I said, giving my sister a mock-stern look.

She took another sip of her drink, clearly enjoying herself at my expense. “Maybe he’s too shy to make the first move.”

I almost choked on the drink I was taking of my cocktail, because a man like Caleb, with such a commanding presence, was the opposite of shy. “Maybe he’s just fine with us being friends,” I said, because we were at least that.

I’d known Caleb over a year now, and there had been many gatherings because of our connection to Raven that put us in close proximity. We’d had plenty of casual, friendly conversations, some even a bit flirty, so I wasn’t about to read anything more into our interactions.

Valerie shrugged, looking unconvinced. “Okay, if you say so.”

“I do, so behave,” I reminded her beneath my breath, just as I caught sight of Samantha Dare, my direct boss where I was interning at Dare PR while finishing up my marketing degree online. I hoped to stay on with the firm once I earned my degree in the next few months. That would mean a nice salary to compensate what I made at the bar, and it would enable me to move to a nicer apartment and better neighborhood.

“There’s my boss, who I want you to meet.” I grabbed Valerie’s elbow and guided her in that direction, discarding our empty cocktail glasses on the way.

Samantha was chatting with her best friend, Brandy, who was also her office manager at the PR firm. They both smiled at me as we approached.

“Hi, Samantha, Brandy,” I acknowledged each of them. “I’d like you to meet my sister, Valerie.”

“It’s a pleasure,” Samantha said amicably, shaking Valerie’s hand.

“Likewise,” my sister said, before exchanging the same greeting with Brandy.

We made small talk for a while and when the time was right, I returned my attention back to Brandy. “I know this isn’t the best place to do this but I know you’re looking for a new assistant, and Valerie is experienced and looking for a new job.”

Brandy’s eyebrows raised, perked up in interest.

“I just wanted the two of you to meet face to face before she sent in her résumé.” I didn’t explain that Valerie was currently unemployed, or that her ex, a junior advisor and the son of the CEO at the financial firm where she’d worked as a secretary, had gotten her fired in retribution for her not going back to him. That was my sister’s story to tell, if she chose to.

“Wonderful. It’s always so much easier when someone comes recommended,” Brandy said, genuinely enthusiastic as she withdrew a business card from her purse and handed it to Valerie. “Send your résumé directly to me at that email address, and we’ll go from there.”

“Thank you,” Valerie said, her eyes wide with surprise. “I appreciate that.”

“Of course. We love having Stevie in the office. If you’re as hardworking as she is, then we’d be lucky to have you on board.”

Samantha glanced at something, or someone, over my shoulder and smirked as she nudged Brandy. “I think our men are getting restless.” She looked back at me. “They’re waving us over, so excuse us for now.”

“Of course.” I looked in the direction where Dex and Max had been conversing with Caleb, but he was no longer with them.

“Wow. Brandy didn’t have to do that,” Valerie said, staring at the business card in awe. “I would have gone through the regular channels of applying for the job.”

“Well, now you don’t have to. At least not completely. You’ll still have to get through an interview and prove yourself.”

She bit her bottom lip, and I could see her insecurities surfacing. “And what about explaining getting fired from my previous job?”

I touched Valerie’s arm reassuringly. “Technically, you weren’t fired. You were let go. And trust me when I say that these women are very understanding.” I lowered my voice so only Valerie could hear me. “Samantha had a crazy ex, so both she and Brandy are going to be more sympathetic to your situation than you realize. So be honest and tell them what happened with Mark and his petty revenge.”

She nodded and exhaled a deep breath. “You’re right. And this is very exciting. I mean, Dare PR is one of the most highly respected firms in the city.”

I loved seeing that enthusiasm in Valerie’s eyes. That sense of purpose that had been missing for weeks now. “Yes, I know. And how fun would it be to work together at the same place?”

Valerie tucked the card into her purse and grinned. “Very.”

A member of the waitstaff walked up to us, a silver tray in hand that he extended our way. “Would either of you care for an oyster on the half shell with a simple mignonette?” he offered.

I tried not to gag at the gross-looking mollusk. I knew that this particular hors d’oeuvre was a high-end delicacy, of course, and Remy had spared no expense for this lavish affair for his wife, but I wasn’t about to indulge.

“No, thank you,” I said as politely as I could manage.

Valerie shrugged. “Sure, I’ll try one.”

I watched as my sister brought the shell to her lips, tipped it up, and the grayish blob of meat slid into her mouth. She chewed a couple of times, then swallowed, giving a thoughtful “Hmm” as she returned the now empty shell to a discard dish on the tray.

I shuddered and grimaced through the whole process, and as soon as the waiter walked away, I said, “Oh my God, that looked disgusting.”

“It really wasn’t that bad.”

A low, masculine chuckle sounded from beside me. Startled, I glanced to my left and found Caleb standing there. My pulse ricochetted in shock, and pleasure.

“Sorry,” he said, flashing one of those charming grins of his. “I came over to say hello and couldn’t help but overhear your amusing conversation.”

“There is nothing amusing about a raw oyster,” I insisted, trying not to let my little crush on this man show.

He pushed his hands into the front pockets of his slacks, which pulled his suit jacket a little tighter across his solid chest. “You should have tried one. They’re an aphrodisiac, you know.”

I laughed and shook my head. “Nope. Something that slimy has no business being an aphrodisiac.”

“Fair enough.” Mirth danced in his stunning blue eyes as they held mine, making my heart race a bit faster. “I suppose chocolate and pomegranates are more to your liking?”

“If seduction is the goal, then yes,” I said, the words leaving my mouth before I could censor them. Not that I really cared when it was the truth.

He arched a dark brow, looking intrigued. “Duly noted.”

We stared at one another, as if nothing and no one else existed around us. It was times like this, when the chemistry between us was so palpable, when the flirtations were rife with innuendos, that I wanted to throw caution to the wind and do something wild and reckless. Like press myself against his hard body, or kiss him, just to see if that restraint of his crumbled and BDE took over.

My sister cleared her throat, shattering the moment between us, and Caleb glanced at her, a friendly smile easing across his lips. “Valerie, right?” he asked, acknowledging her when I’d forgotten she even existed.

Valerie smiled back. “Correct. It’s nice to see you, Caleb. And I promise, my sister is far more adventurous than her discriminating attitude toward those oysters shows.”

I gaped at her, and she gave me a too innocent wide-eyed look, while Caleb’s low chuckle roused all my senses and slid down my spine like a warm, masculine caress.

Someone dinged a piece of silverware against a crystal glass, the loud sound cutting through the buzz of conversation out on the terrace. “Everyone, gather around. Remy is on his way up with Raven, so get ready to yell surprise when she walks through those doors.”

The guests huddled closer together, and as we did so, we got separated from Caleb, who ended up standing on the other side of the group with his younger sister, Cara. He should have been looking at the entrance to the restaurant for Raven’s arrival, but instead his eyes remained on me, that slight, sexy smile wreaking havoc with my entire body.

“That man is going to feed you chocolates and pomegranates the first chance he gets,” Valerie teased.

I finally glanced away from Caleb’s arousing stare to roll my eyes at my sister. “Trust me. The two of us are all flirt and no action.” It wasn’t the first time we’d indulged in playful, sexy banter, and it never went further than that—much to my disappointment.

Less than a minute later, Remy escorted Raven out onto the terrace. We all shouted “Surprise,” startling the shit out of my best friend, who stared at everyone in shock, then smacked her husband on the chest for pulling off such a stunt. Remy took it all in stride and merely pulled Raven into his arms. She went willingly, thanking him with a kiss and a beaming smile.

I sighed as I watched them with an undeniable amount of envy. I couldn’t help it. These two were so perfect together. Remy, normally so unflappable as a boss, was complete mush for his wife, and I couldn’t have been happier for Raven who’d been through so much and had finally found her person.

The festivities commenced. The cocktail hour was wrapped up, followed by a delicious three-course dinner by a Michelin chef, then the dance floor opened up as the DJ played upbeat tunes. I coaxed Valerie to join me as my dance partner, along with the women who couldn’t convince their husbands or better halves to let loose. After a while I could tell she was starting to get fatigued, probably hitting her limit of socializing for the evening.

Between songs, as we took a break to grab a glass of water, she gave me a tired smile. “I’ve really had a great time tonight, and I’m glad I came, but I think I’m going to head home.”

I understood. Considering how depressed she’d been lately, this was more stimulation than she was used to. “Okay. Just let me say my goodbyes and we’ll head out.”

She shook her head, her expression adamant. “No, you stay and enjoy yourself. I don’t want you leaving because of me, and before you argue,” she went on, just as I opened my mouth to do that. “I’m a big girl and I’ll be fine. And, I have that pepper spray in my purse,” she said, which I’d bought for her after Mark’s stalking and threats. “I’ll keep it in my hand at all times, and I promise I’ll text you when I get home and I’m locked in the apartment.”

Despite all her assurances, I still wanted to protest, but I knew that Valerie wasn’t going to back down. I also knew that I couldn’t smother her and needed to respect her wishes. “Fine.” I gave her a hug. “But I’ll be checking my phone obsessively until I know you’re safe and locked in the apartment.”

“Fair enough.” She summoned an Uber, and by the time I walked with her back down to the front of the hotel, her ride was there.

After another promise to let me know when she arrived home, she was gone. I headed back up to the terrace, stopping to use the bathroom and touch up my makeup and fluff my wavy blonde hair, while texting back and forth with Valerie during her ride. A half an hour later, when she assured me she was locked in for the night, only then did I allow myself to rejoin the girls out on the dance floor.

I hadn’t talked to Caleb since that initial conversation before Raven’s arrival to the party, but I was very aware of his presence as the night went on. Currently, he was sitting at a table with his sister Cara, but when the DJ played “Macarena” she couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. Us girls laughed as we attempted the specific choreography, and the few times I glanced Caleb’s way his eyes were on me as I swayed to the beat, gyrated my hips along with everyone else, and shook my ass when applicable.

I figured if I couldn’t have Caleb, I could at least show him what he was missing out on.