Page 27 of Never Kiss Your Brother's Best Friend

"No, you weren't. You were just a bit competitive. It's not a crime to be smart and ambitious, Sterling. That's what makes you who you are. And that's a good thing."

"You're even more incredible now than you were back then, you know that?"

His compliment warms my heart, and I feel myself blushing. "Well, I've always loved coming up with creative concepts. It's part of the job, I guess."

"No, seriously," he insists, "I'm not just saying this. You have a unique perspective, and it's exactly what we need for this fundraiser. I'm lucky to have you as a partner in this."

The sincerity in his words sends a pleasant shiver down my spine. It's more than just a professional acknowledgment; it feels personal, intimate even. I meet his gaze, and we just hang in the moment, neither of us feeling the need to move on too quicky.

I feel a connection with him that I have never felt with anyone else, and I think he feels it too.

Sterling reaches out, covering my hand with his. I stare at our intertwined fingers, my heart pounding in my chest. I feel a surge of anticipation, but I know how dangerous it would be to cross the invisible friend zone line we tiptoed over the other day.

I look up at him, and he smiles, squeezing my hand. Time has done nothing to diminish this guy's boyish charm. His eyes are a deep shade of brown, and his gaze is so intense. I feel it pulling me in like an invisible tether. I’m losing control little by little.

He opens his mouth, and I swear his voice is the sweetest sound in the world. "Emma, I-"

Just then, the phone rings, and the moment is lost. It's an old-fashioned landline, and it's strange to hear the shrill ring echoing throughout the office. Reluctantly, I pull my hand back and Sterling picks up the receiver.

"Dr. Cole," he says.

He listens for a moment, his forehead creasing. "That's no problem at all. I'll be right there."

"Is everything okay?" I ask, setting my notebook aside.

"That was my tech, Sarah. She just got a call from her neighbor about a cat that's been struck by a car. It’s alive but in a pretty bad state. I've got to go check it out."

There isn't an ounce of resentment in his tone at having to work at such an odd hour, and it makes me admire him even more. Sterling loves his job, and he takes it very seriously. He's the best vet around, and I'm not just saying that because he's my friend. He has a passion for helping animals, and he truly cares about his patients.

"Of course, you should go. We'll pick this up later."

There’s a twinkle in his eye, “Yes, we will. Thanks for understanding."

I follow him out and wave good-bye as he gets into his truck and drives off. Once he's gone, I shove my hands in my pockets and sigh, picturing the way his whole body came alive when I told him my ideas.

Sterling is one of those people who is so focused and driven, and when he gets inspired, it's contagious. He's always been like that.

He never gives up, and he has the sort of confidence that's magnetic. And he listens. Truly listens. No matter what the topic. If you're speaking, his full attention is on you. At least it’s always felt that way with me.

I know he can seem prickly at times to other people, but they don’t know him like I do. I’ve wondered many times if there was something more there between us. But he’s never taken any initiative, so I could never be sure.

And I assumed my childhood crush on him was just that, a childhood crush. I used to imagine what it would be like to kiss him. Now that I got a small taste of it, I can't pretend I wouldn't like it to happen again.

I thought he was so cute back then, and I'd daydream about him sweeping me off my feet and whisking me away to some magical place. He'd be all romantic and passionate, and he'd hold me close.

It was a silly little crush, and I'm not even sure when it started. But ever since we became friends, really good friends, there has always been something about him that captured my attention. It’s like he reserves the very best part of himself just for me.

I assumed I would feel nothing when I saw him again. That my crush dissipated years ago. But even the slightest touch from him sets my skin on fire. I can say for certain that never happened with Dean or anyone for that matter.

I can't deny that I have feelings for him. But what do I do with them? Plus, even if Zoe and Mia are right and Sterling does have a thing for me too, I'm not sure I'm ready to face my brother's wrath just yet.

So here I am, lost in the limbo of Sterling Cole.

Chapter twelve

STERLING

Emma and I are meeting at our local coffee shop Perk Up & Pour because she wants to show me the final version of the flyers we’re handing out. This is the perfect place for me today. I’ve been called out late after hours three nights in a row now.

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