Page 65 of Golden Rule

But then, the air of suspicion he carried a second ago starts to fall away as he takes in Lexi’s emotional state, sees her tears. Something flickers in his gaze. I can’t say for sure what it is, but what Idoknow is that there was a time in the not-so-distant past when he would’ve moved heaven and earth to fix anything that threatened this girl’s happiness. But now, as they’re forcedto maintain a safe distance from one another, I swear I still feeltheir magnetism.

Him, feeling drawn in, like the protector he’s always been, wanting to bring her close.

Her, wanting to let him.

The exact moment I think those words, Lexi’s gaze lowers, and it feels like all the air’s just been sucked out of the room.

“I should go,” I say, mostly because it feels like I’m intruding on a private moment, but Lexi places a hand on my arm.

“No. Stay. I don’t need any drama if someone walks in and it’s just the two of us.”

And bysomeone,I think we all know she means Tiffany.

Despite not wanting to bear witness to such a personal conversation, I stay put.

“I was just telling Blue that my sister might need a place to stay. They’re letting her out soon, but Mom and Benny aren’t willing to open their home to her.”

Sterling’s quiet, letting that sink in. He, of course, knows the entire sordid history of Amelia’s past, so he doesn’t need a rundown of what her living under Lexi’s roof implies.

“So… I’d like to know your thoughts,” she forces out. When she stiffens her chin, I get the feeling she hates this, essentially asking Sterling’s permission.

She’s a tough girl by default. Always has been. And the only person I’ve ever really seen her completely vulnerable with was Sterling. But now that they’re over, I can’t imagine it’s easy to find balance again.

Sterling takes a breath, holding Lexi’s gaze when he speaks. “I mean, it’s not ideal, but?—”

“Well, I think we both knowthatmuch,” Lex cuts in, an air of irritation bleeding through her tone. However, to my surprise, Sterling doesn’t seem rattled.

He knows her, knows she gets defensive when she feels backed into a corner. So, instead of matching her negative energy, he meets her with patience.

“Right, but… I was just going to add that I trust your judgement.”

Those words hang heavy in the air, and I don’t think Lexi was expecting to hear them either.

“I’m assuming you’ll set some rules for her?” Sterling adds, prompting Lexi to nod.

“I.. yeah,” she stammers. “She’ll have to attend weekly AA meetings, and no shady shit around Jaxon. One slipup, and she’s done. No questions asked.”

Sterling doesn’t even bat an eye, making it even more apparent that his words were true.

Hedoestrust Lexi.

“You’re a good mom,” he says, but then breaks eye contact. “If there’s one thing I know will always be consistent about you, it’s that you’ll put our son first, protect him with everything in you, and… that’s all I care about.”

Hearing the ease of this conversation is like a breath of fresh air. They didn’t have this open line of communication in the beginning of the breakup, so I see this as proof that they’ve both evolved.

Quite a bit, actually.

“I appreciate your trust. Means a lot,” Lex says. “I’ll keep you in the loop on whatever I decide.”

Sterling nods, then hits Lexi with a half-smile that reminds me of West. Knowing what that look does tomewhen my husband gives it,I can only imagine what it does tohercoming from Sterling. So, when she averts her eyes, choosing to stare at the floor instead of him, I know the exact moment he’s gotten to her.

Now,I’mthe one smiling, because that look will definitely be keeping her awake tonight.

Sterling’s steps are calm and measured as he heads to the fridge. He has this blatant,‘I’m the shit’air about him that has Lexi pretending not to stare in my peripheral vision. But she’s not kidding anyone.

Sterling takes a bottle of water from the top shelf of the fridge, and I’m guessing that’s what brought him to the kitchen in the first place. But as he heads back toward the living room to join the others outside, he can’t help himself. Like I predicted, he shoots another charged glance toward Lexi, and she’s already staring, sending the tension between them through the roof. But, unfortunately, I’m no longer the only one who witnesses it.

Standing in the doorway, Tiffany looks like a deer caught in headlights. Does she feel it, too? That charge in the air? I’m not sure what she’s thinking, but Idoknow what she’s seen.

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