Page 3 of Why Not Forever?

Spencer shakes his head. I don’t know what he sees in my face, but he knows what I’m thinking.

My father is going to hire Tanner. He’s going to hire the man I slept with instead of me, the man I’m in l— I cut the thought off before it completes in my head.

I hadn’t even known Tanner applied at Sterling. How can I possibly keep seeing him when he has the job that should be mine? Regardless of how much I like him, seeing him again will remind me of my latest failure to gain my father’s approval.

“Tanner is great, Dad,” I say, because even though it hurts, I won’t lie, and I won’t cost Tanner this opportunity. “Listen, I’ve gotta go. I’ll talk to you later.”

I hang up before he can say goodbye, not wanting him to hear the anger I’ve used to cover up the hurt that’s flowing through me right now. I stand, turning toward my bedroom since I don’t want to accidentally direct it at Spencer, but he follows me.

“Don’t do this, Vic. Don’t throw it away because of your dad. You like him. He likes you. I think you’ll be good for each other.”

Normally, that would be a ringing endorsement. Spencer is an excellent judge of character, and I’ve learned to trust his instincts over the years. But there’s all this anger burning me up inside, so I summon all the haughty disdain I can muster.

“It was one night. It didn’t mean anything.”

“You’re lying.”

I pause with my hand on the doorknob to my bedroom and turn to face him. “Maybe. But he stole my job. That position was supposed to be mine.”

“He didn’t steal anything. Your dad could have hired you over him. Fuck, Vic, he could have hired you both.He’sthe one—”

“This is all easy for you to say. You hate your father. When was the last time you spoke to him?”

Spencer flinches, and I regret the words immediately. We’ve known each other practically all our lives and know exactly which buttons to push for maximum damage. Spencer doesn’t hate his father, but hehascut him out of his life.

When he meets my eyes again, it’s with the patience only my oldest and best friend can offer me.

“I’m going to forgive you for that low blow, Vic, and walk away before either of us says something we can’t take back. But I think you’re making a mistake. Tanner is not the one you should be mad at and you know it.”

Then he turns and takes his coffee to his bedroom.

I let myself into mine and lean my back against the door. The thing is, in this situation, Ihaveto hate Tanner. Because if I don’t, that means I have to hate my dad. And I’m not ready to do that right now.

Chapter 1

Tanner

I’vealwaysconsideredmyselfa shrewd man when it comes to business, adapting to the situation as necessary, so when my boss Richard Sterling asks me to join him for dinner, I accept without mentioning the resignation letter I printed out that morning.

Before the invitation, I intended to bring the letter to work tomorrow. I decided to resign a couple months ago and have finally gotten everything sorted so I can start my own business, something I’ve dreamed of doing since I started with Sterling Properties seven and a half years ago. It’s time.

Unless Richard has something to offer me that will make me want to stay. Which, admittedly, he has managed to do the last three times I’ve tried to quit. Before I can give him my notice—before he’s even aware of what I’m planning—he offers me a promotion too good to pass up. Richard is a very perceptive man when it comes to his business, keeping people where he needs them, and getting what he wants.

The last promotion had been two years ago, when he’d made me Chief of Operations, basically second in command. I rose through the ranks quickly, a testament to my skills and my willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure the business succeeds, even if the shine of working for one of the top businesses in British Columbia has worn off over the years.

We chat for a while as we order and before the food arrives. Finally, when it does and we’ve taken the first few bites, Richard gets to the point.

“I suppose you’re wondering why I asked you here tonight.”

I take a sip of water, clearing my mouth of the bite of food I’ve just swallowed. “I am. I was surprised when I got the invite. I’ll be joining you for your family dinner in a couple weeks.”

“Yes, yes. Separate things.” He waves his hand as though to dispel the thought. “Well, I suppose they are connected somewhat. You may have heard rumours around the office that I’m considering retirement. My wife insists.”

“I have. Though I wouldn’t put any stock in them until I heard it from you.”

“It’s true,” he says with a sigh, like he doesn’t really want it to be. “Karen wants to travel and says I have to join her. So I’m thinking retirement is the way to go. Unfortunately, I’m in a bit of a position regarding who to leave in charge. While Liam has matured lately, he has no interest in the business whatsoever. He’s been more interested in his music.”

Liam Sterling is Richard’s youngest child. A couple years ago, he would have been out clubbing most nights, which isn’t entirely surprising given how much younger he is. He only turned twenty-six last year. Since then, he’s started building a career as a sound technician. While Richard clearly doesn’t approve of this avenue, he still pays for everything for Liam, allowing the younger man to take his time and only do the jobs that will move him forward.

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