Chapter 21
TWENTY-ONE
STERLING
Glancing at my reflection in the mirror, I straighten my tie and do up the buttons on my suit jacket, smoothing down the lapel. The last thing I want to do right now is go to Dalton and Daisy’s engagement party. But I promised I’d be there, so that’s where I’m headed as I stride across my studio and grab the keys to my car from the coffee table.
Having arrived back at Adaga Hall an hour ago, I decided not to seek out Harlow knowing that there wouldn’t be a chance in hell I’d end up at the engagement party if I did. It’s felt like forever since we shared a kiss in the kitchen, and whilst the time apart has been fucking torturous for me, I just need to make it through the next couple of hours before I can finally have a conversation with her. That doesn’t stop me from feeling guilty about the fact I’m not taking her as my plus one. I feel like a fucking arsehole for not insisting she come, but I’m also acutely aware that if she did, there’s no way I’d be able to hide my attraction for her, or keep my hands off her for that matter. Especially not when I’m so fucking wound up I can barely breathe.
“One step at a time,” I tell myself as I climb into my car and start the engine.
Twenty minutes later I pull up outside the entrance to Highwood Manor Estate, and hand my keys to the valet. After taking a glass of champagne from one of the staff members, I head into the ballroom in search of Ben, finding him talking with Lia and her kid, Toby, a couple of minutes later.
“Sterling, didn’t think you’d show. Where the hell have you been?” Ben asks, as Lia greets me with a kiss to the cheek, and I ruffle Toby’s hair.
“Just a work thing,” I reply vaguely, not sure how much, if at all, Lia knows about my situation with Harlow. Though, if I know Drix like I think I do, he would’ve kept our conversations private.
Ben nods, understanding that I’m not in a position right now to tell him the truth. “Well, I’m glad you’re here,” he replies, squeezing my shoulder good-naturedly.
“I can see Carl’s invited most of the private members club,” I remark, glancing around the ballroom.
“Everyone looks really lovely,” Lia says, her eyes lighting up in awe at the men and women sweeping past in ballgowns and tuxedos.
“Not lovelier than you, Lia. You look beautiful,” I say, admiring her long sleeved, black ballgown that hugs her figure. She’s a beautiful woman, both in looks and personality, and I can totally see why Drix is so enamoured with her. It makes me think of Harlow back at home alone, and guilt climbs up my throat once again.
Her cheeks blush pink. “Thank you.”
“They might look lovely, but I can promise you most of the people here are far from it. Present company excluded, of course,” Ben adds, adjusting his cufflinks as he scans the crowd. “Trust me, they’re all about status and how many zeros are in their bank accounts.”
Lia raises an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a playful grin. “Well, I’m glad I’m here with you both then.”
“And Drix,” Toby points out, hopping from one foot to the other.
“ Especially Drix,” she agrees, her smile softening.
“Speaking of which, where is the handsome bastard–?”
Toby gasps, pointing at Ben with his chubby little finger. “You swore. Mama, he swore!”
Ben pulls a face. “Apologies.”
Lia waves his apology away with a laugh. “Don’t worry, I’ll add a pound coin to the swear jar on your behalf. Toby already has quite a tidy sum from all the swearing Drix does.”
“Is that so? Pretty good way to clear out Drix’s bank account,” Ben muses, winking at Toby who grins. “So where is he? I’m surprised he’s not glued to your side like he usually is.”
“He went in search of Daisy. She hasn’t arrived yet,” Lia explains.
“And Dalton?” I ask.
“Mingling with the crowd, piling on the charm, you know the drill,” Ben explains.
“Oh wait, I think I see them. Dalton’s with Daisy and Drix now, ” Lia says, her gaze darting over my shoulder. “Should we go and join them?”
“Absolutely,” I say, stepping to the side so that she and Toby can guide the way.
“Lia, Toby!” Daisy exclaims as we approach. She steps out of Dalton’s hold and throws her arms around Lia in a hug before crouching down and wrapping her arms around Toby.
“Your dress is so pretty!” Toby exclaims as she draws upright, his small hands touching the delicate fabric of her dress.
I can’t help but notice that she’s not adhered to the black and white colour theme, and I smile at that. Her dress is a stunning royal blue with a stone encrusted bodice that catches the light and sends colour sprawling over everyone around her. This dress is most definitely a fuck-you to stuck-up arseholes who’re staring at her with varying levels of disdain, and I admire her for it.
“Thank you, Toby. You look very handsome too,” Daisy replies, beaming.
I can’t help but notice how Dalton flicks a look her way, a muscle in his jaw feathering. Fuck, he’s tense.
“We’ve missed you,” Lia says.
Daisy’s smile softens. “I’ve missed you too.”
“How about we get together soon?” Lia asks as Toby glances between the pair, grinning widely.
“Can I come? I promise I’ll be good,” he says, hopping on his feet. He’s such a cute fucking kid, and so happy. I can’t ever remember smiling as much as he does. He’s a credit to Lia.
“Of course! Maybe a play date at the park, followed by some food at Daphne’s cafe in town?” Daisy suggests, ruffling Toby’s hair.
“Yes, please,” he agrees, as Lia takes his hand in hers and glances at Drix. They exchange a loving look, and it only serves to remind me of what I’m missing in my own life.
“We’ll organise it soon. I imagine we have lots to catch up on.”
“We do,” Daisy agrees, and I can’t help but notice the pointed look she gives Lia. I sure as fuck hope Dalton has been treating her well. Though knowing my friend he’s probably already fucked up again.
“Daisy, you look good enough to eat,” Ben says, interrupting my thoughts as he steps forward.
Daisy’s cheeks heat as he leans in and kisses her in greeting. “Thanks, Ben.”
“Careful, Ben,” I interject with a smirk as Dalton mutters something under his breath. “You know how Dalton gets.”
“Not with my sister, he won’t,” Drix grumbles.
I smother a smile, then drop a kiss against Daisy’s cheek. “You scrub up well.”
“Thanks, Sterling. How are things with your family? Your stepmother and stepsister seem lovely,” she says.
“They’re settling in,” I reply, not elaborating.
“Are you sticking around for a while?” she asks softly.
I’ve always liked Daisy, she’s sweet and kind, and I know the hopefulness in her gaze is genuine. She needs as many friends at her upcoming wedding as she can get and even if I wasn’t staying for Harlow, I would’ve made sure to attend their wedding regardless.
“Of course, I wouldn’t dream of missing your wedding,” I reply, cutting a look at Dalton, who clears his throat.
“I hate to steal Daisy away, but there are other guests we need to greet. We’ll catch up soon, yes?” he says to Drix, before looking between me and Ben.
Drix doesn’t reply, but Ben nods. “Actually, Harlow has agreed to sing at Bandits Bar, you should all come, might make her feel more at ease if there are some familiar faces in the crowd.”
I stiffen, my head snapping around to glare at Ben. What the fuck? Since fucking when?
“She has? When was this arranged?” I ask, trying and failing to hide my surprise given the shit-eating grin Ben throws my way.
“Few days ago. She’s performing next weekend, in fact,” he replies. “I asked her to fill in whilst the guys are doing some gigs in London.”
I clench my teeth so fucking hard I almost break a tooth.
“Princetown Bandits are gigging in London?” Drix asks, surprise in his voice.
“Yeah, a record label is very interested in them. I’m going to meet with the label and the guys when they return,” Ben explains. “It’s been a long time coming.”
“That’s amazing, they’re really good,” Lia adds.
“If you don’t mind me coming too, I’d love to hear Harlow sing again. Her voice is stunning,” Daisy says.
Lia’s smile broadens “Oh me too. She gave me chills when she sang at the wedding.”
“Pretty sure she gave a few of us more than chills,” Ben comments with a smirk, and I almost reach out and punch him in the face. “Anyway, of course you all should come. It’ll be a great night.”
“Well, I guess we better head off. I’ll hopefully see you all soon then?” Daisy asks.
“You bet, Daise,” Drix replies as Dalton leads Daisy into the crowd. We all watch them walk away as Drix says, “Drink, anyone? Because I could sure fucking use one.”
“Drix!” Toby exclaims before throwing his hand over his mouth and giggling.
“Sorry, bud,” he replies, wincing, before casting us both a look. “You coming?”
I shake my head. “We’ll catch up with you in a moment, okay?”
“Sure thing.” Drix nods then guides Lia and Toby to the corner of the room.
“I’d like a word, Ben. In private ,” I snap before he can even open his mouth and put his foot in it one more time.
“Oh fucking hell, Sterling. Don’t lose your shit. It’s just a gig,” Ben retorts, but he follows me anyway.
As soon as we step outside, I round on him. “What the actual fuck, Ben?!”
“It’s no big deal–” he begins, but I cut him off with a shake of my head.
“No big deal? You know what it does to me when she sings.”
“Then don’t come to the gig,” he offers with a shrug.
“There’s no fucking way I’m letting her go to Bandits Bar alone,” I counter darkly.
He rolls his eyes and I almost reach out and throttle him. “She won’t be alone.”
Exactly! She’s far too beautiful, and way too talented not to get any unwanted attention.
“Regardless, I’m coming!”
“Okay, great. Now are you going to chill out?”
“No. I’m pissed off that you’re having conversations with Harlow behind my fucking back!”
“Lower your damn voice,” Ben warns, nodding to a couple of guests who’ve just arrived. He waits for them to enter before he continues. “It’s innocent okay. I bumped into her a couple of days ago in The Cosy Chord , we got talking and I explained the band are gigging in London, and that I needed a stand-in. She agreed. That’s all there is to it.”
“She was at The Cosy Chord? Was Blake there?” I ask, knowing what a flirtatious bastard he can be. The kid has got a reputation, and I don’t like the fact she was alone with the little shit.
“She is allowed to leave the fucking mansion, Sterling,” he points out. “And, yes, of course Blake was there.”
“Fuck sake,” I mutter, feeling more than a little agitated.
“Actually, they were playing together when I walked in. Harlow was singing, and she was fucking incredible, Sterling. Did you know she could play the piano?”
No, I fucking didn’t.
“They were playing together? She was singing ?” I ask instead, my voice rising in agitation as jealousy thunders through my veins. I’m both jealous of the fact that Harlow felt relaxed enough to sing and play the piano with Blake-fucking- Black, but also so damn proud that she could. I know how hard it is for her to reveal that side of her. The two warring emotions make my stomach churn.
“Listen. I get it, okay,” Ben sighs, giving me a sympathetic look. “I know how you feel about her–”
“No, you don’t get it, Ben,” I say, pinching the bridge of my nose momentarily. “I can’t fucking breathe when I’m around her. I’ve spent the last four days trying to sort my head out, and the only reason I didn’t bring her tonight was because I knew what would happen if I did. That doesn’t stop me from feeling like a complete fucking shit for leaving her behind though.”
Ben rests his hands on my shoulders, squeezing gently. “You need to think about what would happen if you pursued this and your dad found out.”
“Of course, I have,” I hiss.
“And have you figured out what you’re going to do yet?”
We lock gazes and my nostrils flare.
“I’m going to stay away,” I eventually say, blowing out a shuddering breath.
“That’s tough,” he replies, but despite his sympathy, I see how his shoulders relax and I know he thinks it’s the right thing to do. Which is bullshit given his recent actions offering to pay for time with another man’s wife.
“Yeah,” I agree, knowing that it’s a lie. Knowing that as soon as I can slip away I’m going to go back home and finally claim Harlow as mine.