Sterling
Holding Courtney’s gaze,I lift my water to my lips.
This is fucking torture.
I knew getting physical with my Cookie would complicate things. That much was obvious. But I hadn’t planned for the way my body would ache to touch her.
Hadn’t considered how much my blood would boil at not being able to announce her as mine.
And we can’t do that.
Not yet.
Possibly not ever.
For both our sakes.
Because I know how guys can be. Even the decent ones. I’ll get a pat on the back forgetting some,while she’ll be viewed as the woman sleeping with her boss.
The only way this can come out is if we’re officially together.
And I can’t do that until I’m certain this is going to last.
The best things never do.
I take another drink of water, those pretty eyes watching me.
She’s young. Talented. Smart.
And I don’t know what she wants with her future, but I won’t be accused of stifling her.
I’ll never force her to stay here.
I lower my water bottle.
And if Courtney is still working for me when she decides she’s done withus,I don’t want everyone else to feel like they need to take sides.
I look away from the beauty across from me.
I won’t stop pursuing her, but I won’t fool myself into thinking this is more than it is.
No matter how much that hurts to admit.
Chapter 86
Courtney
I inchmy foot forward under the table.
Something just happened.
Something…sadjust crossed Sterling’s eyes.
“You in?” Fisher asks from beside me.
I turn my head to face him. “Sorry, what?”
“Bunch of us are going to the Inn for drinks tonight. You wanna come?” His brows are lifted. Hopeful.