CHAPTER 15
Harper had tossed the keys to Sterling as they left Big Pines Campground. He caught them in the air.
“You want to drive back?”
Harper didn’t need to ask him twice. He was more than sick of his inability to drive and was thrilled to get behind the wheel again for the second time that day. Her old truck roared to life, and soon they were winding their way back home through the canyon.
It had been a surprising day, one that had filled him with more hope for the future than he had ever expected.
It was still a long road ahead, but it was thrilling to know that he wasn’t traveling it alone. Harper’s hand stayed laced in his all the way back to the ranch, and he marveled at each shift in her grin, or the way her green eyes would widen or narrow as she spoke. She had no poker face, and he found that endearing.
As they pulled up to the ranch, she squeezed his hand and released it as soon as he cut the engine.
The loss of contact was more noticeable than he would have expected and caught him off guard. It was alarming how much he had already fallen for this wild girl, and a slight wariness reminded him to be careful.
Because while he didn’t want to break her heart.
He didn’t want to get his broken either.
And it could happen, so easily.
And as much as he needed to believe he was growing stronger each day, he didn’t think he could bounce back from that kind of injury again.
“Do you want to come in?” He pulled himself from his reflective thoughts and regarded Harper as he closed the cab door.
“I should probably head home. Jasper texted me earlier, so he knows where I am—”
“And who you’re with?” Sterling asked, arching a brow.
“Yup. I’m pretty sure I’ll get another ‘talk’ when I get there. But I don’t mind.”
“You’re pretty patient with your brother.”
“When someone’s heart is in the right place, it’s easy to overlook things.” She shrugged.
Sterling didn’t reply but was pretty certain that Harper was also more understanding than the average person. He hoped that understanding extended to him; he’d probably need it.
“Well then, I guess the question is, when can I see you again?” he asked, tucking his hands in his pockets.
“Tomorrow is Sunday. What do you have planned?”
“Nothing, absolutely nothing. Which makes me sound all sorts of lame, so let me change my answer,” Sterling replied, earning a loud burst of laughter from Harper.
“You want to try that again?” she teased.
“Yes. I’m busy, but I think I can work in an afternoon date. Will that be okay for you?”
“Much smoother.” She winked.
“I try.”
“Hmm. Well, I guess I’ll make that work, since you’re so busy and all.”
“Thanks for understanding my need for flexibility,” he said with mock severity.
“Ass. So, when? One? Two?”
“One, I want you as long as I can get you.”
“Wow, demanding much?”
“Yes. It’s only fair that you know what you’re getting into.” He used her words from earlier at the canyon, watching as her expression softened.
“Good to know.”
“But still worth it?” he asked, taking one step toward her then another till he could wrap his hand around her flannel-clad waist, her warm skin seeping into his palm.
“We’ll see.” She winked then lifted on her tiptoes and initiated a kiss.
Which was a miracle if he’d ever seen one.
Harper, not running away from him.
But to him, even if it was only a few inches.
He playfully nibbled her lower lip, keeping an imaginary boundary in place, knowing full well he needed no encouragement to go from zero to sixty. Even keeping the kiss light wasn’t enough deterrent for his body. Wound tight with desire, he wanted to pull her close against him. He needed to feel the soft curves of her body against his—but he stopped the thought, forcing himself to gentle the kiss before slowly stepping back when what he wanted was to take her inside...map her body with his fingertips...make her forget her own name....
“So, tomorrow?” Harper asked, her expression hopeful and still slightly insecure.
“Can’t get here soon enough.” Sterling appreciated that her words brought him away from his thoughts.
Her face dimpled into a grin, releasing his hand as she backed away slowly.
Sterling gave a wave and turned toward the house, his leg starting to protest the movement. He frowned as the pain made itself known, especially as he took the stairs to the door. But he didn’t want to limp if Harper watched him walk into the house, so he fought against the discomfort.
Because it was always easier to believe in safety with someone who was strong.
And if there was one thing Harper needed, it was to feel safe.
He could deal with that pain if that’s what it took.
The pain medication was wearing off, but he didn’t want to take another dose. That night before bed, he kept the medicine cabinet shut and limped to bed.
It’ll be fine. He’d convinced himself.
That night at two a.m., Sterling’s leg throbbed along with his head as his earlier determination started to burn to ashes. Knowing he needed to wean himself from the painkillers was different than actually doing it.
So close.
The medicine cabinet was only a few feet away in the bathroom; it would be so easy.
But he only had five pills left.
And no refills.
Not that he wanted one. No, he wouldn’t be a statistic. He wouldn’t fail. He would not get hooked into that addiction.
Never had he realized just how easy it would be to give in and how hard it was to resist.
The pain in his leg was a dull ache that simply wouldn’t subside, but what was worse was the feeling that he wasn’t in control. That emotional high from earlier was now the sensation of circling the drain, being pulled downward, and he wasn’t sure how to stop it.
He refused to think about what he was doing as he rose from the bed. Gritting his teeth, he limped slightly to the bathroom and opened the medicine cabinet. He removed two pills and swallowed them greedily, eagerly anticipating when the world would right itself, and he’d no longer hurt.
Inside or out.
Twenty minutes later, he was lying in bed, his leg still throbbing as if he’d only taken a half dose of medication. Groaning, he pushed himself off the bed and made his way back to the bathroom. Flicking on the light, he studied the orange bottle, reading the dosage.
Two to three capsules by mouth.
He’d only taken two, so he twisted the top off and took another, then walked back to his bed, sinking down into the mattress and waiting, focusing on anything but the suffocating sensation of what if, ignoring the pain.
He woke up five hours later, his body protesting from the fact that he hadn’t moved since shortly after two. Yawning, he rolled over and blinked at his phone.
Damn, that extra little pill had done its job.
It was alarming how he’d needed one extra dose last night, but he refused to dwell on it.
He’d been on his feet most of the day yesterday.
Today, he’d probably be wiser to take it easy.
A nagging thought flashed across his mind as he walked to the bathroom. Should I talk to Laken?
As much as he hated to admit it, last night bothered him.
Indecision warred in Sterling’s mind as he studied himself in the mirror. As he took out his toothbrush and brushed his teeth, he decided to dismiss the idea.
It had just been too much yesterday.
For his leg—and for his heart.
One messed-up evening didn’t mean he was building a tolerance...or that he was addicted.
It just meant he needed to back the hell off on his leg and give it time.
Time. When he considered the word, a smile tugged at his lips as he tried to keep them closed while he finished brushing. When he was done, he pulled on some clean jeans and pulled a clean T-shirt from his drawer. The light blue fabric was fitted, and he tugged it down over his abs. Flexing, he decided he needed to concentrate on the muscle groups that didn’t need therapy.
Easing to the floor, he pounded out fifty push-ups, tucking his weaker leg behind his good leg. Feeling the blood pound through him, the world was brighter, the uncertainty that haunted him at night all but forgotten.
He swiped his phone from the nightstand and checked the time.
Seven thirty.
Was that too early to text Harper on a Sunday morning?
His finger hovered over the messaging app, then he clicked off his phone and tucked it back in his pocket. He could wait an hour.
The aroma of bacon and eggs floated down the hall as he opened his bedroom door, and his stomach rumbled in anticipation. “Good morning!” he called out as he walked into the kitchen.
Laken waved from her seat on the countertop, her face rosy with a blush as she cast a furtive glance at Cyler, who was whistling a happy tune not a foot away as he stirred something on the stove.
“I don’t want to know.” Sterling held up his hands, as was the usual response when he suspected his little sister was engaging with her all-too-willing husband.
“Nope, you don’t. It will ruin your breakfast.” Cyler turned and wagged his eyebrows over his shoulder.
“Dude. Seriously.” Sterling gave a slight shiver of revulsion as he cast a questioning glance to the eggs Cyler stirred.
Laken burst into giggles. “Told you.” She directed her comment to her husband.
“I didn’t disagree!” He defended himself, casting an entertained smile at Sterling.
“What gives?” Sterling asked as he took a mug down from the overhead cabinet and poured himself a healthy serving of coffee.
Laken shrugged. “All we have to do is pretend that we’re messing around, and you freak out. It’s fun.”
“Evil, both of you.”
“Pretty much,” Cyler replied, acting utterly pleased with himself.
“Speaking of fun...” Laken hopped down from the counter.
Sterling paused as the calculating glint entered his sister’s expression. “What...?” he asked, instantly suspicious.
“Word is...you and Harper...” She arched her brows, grinning like an idiot.
“Whose word?” Sterling made air quotes to mock his sister.
Cyler answered. “Kessed, through Jasper, because apparently she didn’t respond adequately to her texts and got the fifth degree—Kessed’s words—when she got home. And it kills me that I know all this, but honestly, your sister hasn’t shut up about it.”
Laken smacked his arm. “Seriously?”
“I believe it. So, Jasper hounded her, huh?” Sterling asked, wincing.
“Well, Kessed said he asked a lot of questions, not hounding, per se,” Laken hedged.
“Hounded.” Cyler cast a wry grin to Sterling.
“I was afraid of that. Do you think...?” He turned his full attention to Cyler, needing a man’s opinion. “...do you think I need to talk with Jasper? I mean, I get his angle, and I’d be pissed as hell if he didn’t protect Harper this way...but he needs to know that I’m not going to intentionally hurt her.”
“I knew it!” Laken started jumping up and down, clapping.
“Simmer, sis. Really.” Sterling rolled his eyes then turned back to Cyler.
“Yes!” Laken fist-pumped. “I knew it!”
“Are you done yet?” Cyler asked with a gentle tone as he wrapped an arm around his wife’s middle and hugged her close.
“Nope.”
“Then at least be quiet so I can answer your brother’s question.” He kissed her mouth softly.
“Guys...” Sterling closed his eyes and drew out the word.
“Yes. You need to talk with Jasper,” Cyler replied, and Sterling opened his eyes.
“Today?”
“Probably would be wise. You gotta realize Jasper is already going to have a few strikes against you for trying to steal Kessed, then you jump ship and go after Harper? Probably didn’t settle well. You guys need to work it out, or else Harper won’t be comfortable with the situation, and you’re screwed before you even have a shot,” Cyler explained.
“What he said.” Laken kissed his cheek and walked out of the hug.
“Just lay it out, man to man, and you’ll be fine. Jasper’s a good guy, and if this works out with you and Harper, he’ll be your brother. Think ahead, man, and do things the right way,” Cyler added.
“Yes. I get that. I’ll text him and see if maybe we can talk before I pick up Harper.”
“When is that?” Laken asked, her grin back in full force.
“About one,” Sterling answered.
“You’ve got plenty of time then.” Laken pulled down several plates while Cyler put the eggs on the table along with a stack of buttered toast and a plate of bacon.
Sterling studied the food. “Guys, thank you. I really appreciate all that you’ve done for me. Not just the food and keeping me busy...” He directed the comment to Cyler, who nodded in response. He turned to Laken next. “...but also for giving me a home. It’s something I haven’t had in a really long time, and I—I honestly forgot what it felt like. Thanks for reminding me.”
Laken’s eyes were shimmering as she looked down, biting her lip. After a breath, she turned back to Sterling. “Honey, we love you. This is your home. But thank you, it’s...it’s really great to hear that you’re happy here. I was really worried you’d hate it.” She shrugged, a tear trailing down her face.
Sterling was horrified. “Why in the devil would I hate it?”
“You’ve had a hard year, the most difficult part walking away from the marines. You loved being deployed, you loved traveling...this is pretty much the opposite.” She shrugged a shoulder as Cyler reached across the table and grasped her hand.
“As a man, I get how you need purpose, something to aim for and strive to achieve. You had that, and then it was taken away. It’s hard to find your footing, but you’re getting there. And your sister and I...we care.” As Cyler spoke, his baritone conveyed his sincerity.
Sterling was humbled, nodding to Cyler then offering his sister a small smile. “Thank you. I appreciate every moment. And don’t worry about me, Lake. I might not be a cowboy, but I’m tough like one.”
Laken chuckled. “You are.” She wiped a tear away. “Gah, I’m so freaking emotional it’s killing me.” She sniffed delicately and wiped her eyes again.
“It’s all good. Your tears don’t freak me out.” Sterling gave her a lopsided grin.
“Now that we’ve had our eggs properly salted...” Cyler winked at Laken, earning a glare in return.
Sterling chuckled but covered his mouth with his hand as Cyler continued.
“...let’s dig in.”
Sterling took care of the dishes after breakfast, and as he was finishing up, his text alert went off.
He unlocked the screen and read the message from Laken with Jasper’s contact information.
Now was as good a time as any.
He tapped in the number and frowned at his phone, trying to gather his thoughts.
Hey Jasper, would you be able to talk with me later today?
After he sent it, he groaned in frustration, realizing Jasper wouldn’t have a clue who had sent the text. He fired off another quick one.
This is Sterling.
The message bubble appeared, signaling a reply, and he waited impatiently.
Ten am?
Sterling expelled his pent-up breath and tapped a quick reply.
Sure. Where do you want to meet?
Jasper replied almost immediately.
I’ll come to your place.
Sterling nodded, then tapped his agreement into the message box and sent it.
He had two hours, and that was a lot of time to think, damn it.
Opening up another message window, he started a message to Harper.
Still on for one?
When a bubble didn’t pop up, he tucked the phone in his pocket and strode out to the barn. Cyler had mentioned that he’d welcome some help out there after breakfast, and Sterling wasn’t one to dodge work.
If anything, today was the day for manual labor. Work out the stress and anticipation. Nothing sounded more welcome.
“Hey, can you give me a hand?” Cyler asked as Sterling walked into the barn.
“Sure thing.” Sterling strode over to Cyler.
“Hold it right here. I got it level, but once I start hammering in the nail, it will probably try to move on you.”
Sterling leaned against the pine two-by-four, holding it in place, keeping an eye on the bubble to make sure it stayed level. Cyler pounded in the galvanized nails with the practiced ease of a construction worker, and soon Sterling’s job was rendered unnecessary as the nails held the board in place.
“Next one.” Cyler nodded to a board leaning against the wall of the barn.
“Got it.” Sterling picked it up and carefully swung it around so that it would fit beside the other beam.
Cyler set the level then tapped the board Sterling was holding with his hammer, making slight adjustments till the bubble hovered perfectly in the middle.
As Cyler was finishing up nailing the second board in place, he addressed Sterling. “So, your sister doesn’t know, but I have something planned for the next two days. I’m going to need you to hold down the fort for me.” He dusted off his hands and regarded Sterling. “Mostly, everything is taken care of, but you’ll have to ride out and check on the herd, make sure none of the gates blow closed, and feed Margaret.”
Sterling nodded. “Not a problem. So, where are you taking Laken?”
Cyler grinned. “We’re going to Salish Lodge up by Snoqualmie Falls. They have wood-burning fireplaces in each room. She’s going to love it.”
Sterling chuckled. “Romantic.”
“That’s the plan,” Cyler answered with a wink.
“Great, well, when do you leave?” Sterling picked up a pitchfork and headed toward Margaret’s stall.
“We need to check in by four, but I’m hoping to be out of here by noon. It’s not that far of a drive, but it would be fun to hike around the falls first,” Cyler answered as Sterling tossed Margaret a flake of alfalfa. The green dust settled around her as the mare lowered her head to sniff at her breakfast.
Sterling opened the stall door and patted Margaret’s large frame as he walked to the back of the enclosure to clean up the manure and lay down fresh hay.
“Here’s the wagon.” Cyler followed him in and set the wagon close.
“Thanks.”
Cyler patted Margaret’s rump as he left the stall. “I’m going to tell Laken. That way she has time to pack. Lord knows, that woman takes forever to accomplish that task.”
“I had a childhood that was dictated by Laken’s inability to pack clothes. Don’t even start with me, man,” Sterling teased as Cyler walked out of the barn.
Cyler gave Sterling a commiserating grin over his shoulder as he walked out into the sunlight.
“Well, looks like it’s just you and me for a while, old girl.” Sterling watched Margaret out of the corner of his eye as he completed his task. He’d come to a place where he wasn’t totally scared shitless of the huge animal, but that didn’t mean he trusted her.
Not by a long shot.
As he wheeled the wagon out of the stall, he patted Margaret’s hindquarters, making sure she knew he was there so she wouldn’t kick.
Not that he’d ever seen her kick.
But there was always a first time for everything, and he didn’t want it to be him.
As Sterling slid the barn door closed, his phone buzzed. After pulling it out of his pocket, he saw that Harper had replied to his earlier message.
One, it is. Of course, you have to brave my big bad brother before that. You do realize he’s cleaning his gun right now...
Sterling chuckled. As if that intimidated him. Guns were merely an extension of himself in combat. Hell, he half wanted to drive down to Harper’s house and help Jasper do it correctly.
Grinning, he replied.
Does he need help? Guns don’t intimidate me... Give me a horse and that’s a different story.
The bubble popped up.
Damn, should have seen that one. Okay, he’s not cleaning his gun. He’s planning on taking you for a trail ride around a steep cliff.
Just thinking about the confrontation had Sterling breaking into a cold sweat.
Mission accomplished. I’m scared shitless. Happy now?
He could almost hear her laughter in his mind as the bubble popped up.
Yes. But he actually is cleaning his gun, weird coincidence. I’ll tell him you want to help.
Damn, Harper! Sterling wiped his hand down his face and closed his eyes. She wouldn’t really, would she?
She continued the message.
He says you should head over here if you want to impress him with your...uh...‘ability to handle your weapon.’ I don’t even want to know...
Sterling chuckled, recognizing the veiled threat and implication, respecting it as well.
Be there soon.
Good response. He’s reading over my shoulder. Ass.
Sterling rolled his eyes as he walked to the ranch house. Well, at least he was dealing on a level he was comfortable with: weapons.
As he opened the side door, he heard his sister’s voice. “Check the weather for me, baby.”
Sure enough, Laken was in full-on packing mode. Sterling gave an amused grin to Cyler who dutifully pulled out his phone to check the app.
“Warm enough.”
“Meaning what exactly?” Laken asked from down the hall in the master bedroom.
“Meaning, if you pack a sweatshirt, it would be a smart idea, but not entirely necessary.” Cyler bit back a grin, and Sterling saluted his efforts at torturing Laken.
“Gah, you know what I mean,” Laken ground out.
“Actually, I—”
“Numbers, Cyler!”
Sterling chuckled, giving Cyler a high five as he passed and went into his bedroom to grab his wallet.
Frowning, he realized he was without transportation to Harper’s home. That was something he’d have to fix, but he didn’t have enough time today. Thankfully he’d always saved the majority of his income from the marines, not needing much of it since he’d been mostly overseas. Having a nest egg available was one of the only bright spots of the past year.
With a sigh, he walked back in the hall, watching as Cyler brought a suitcase out of her room.
“She’s done?” Sterling asked, surprise in his tone.
“More or less.”
“Cyler Myer, I can’t believe you just grabbed a load of unfolded laundry and tossed it in—”
Cyler interrupted her tirade by letting go of the luggage handle and kissing his wife into silence.
Sterling glanced away but grinned at his brother-in-law’s effective measures.
“Let’s go. You don’t really need clothes anyway,” Cyler added when he released Laken from the kiss.
“Didn’t need to hear that part.” Sterling groaned. “Lake, can I borrow your car while you’re gone?”
“Sure, the keys are hanging up. You feel comfortable driving?”
Sterling nodded. “Yeah, I won’t be going far. Jasper wants to have a man to man.”
Cyler slapped his back. “May God have mercy on your soul.”
“Whatever. You’re fine. Yes, take the car, have fun, and if you need anything, just text me.”
“Laken, Sterling can take care of himself.” Cyler tugged on her hand, leading her toward the door.
Sterling waved as they disappeared to the outside. As the sound of the pickup driving down the gravel road slowly dissipated, he soaked up the silence.
As much as he loved being with Laken and Cyler, it was pleasant to have a moment to himself.
He glanced to his phone.
Damn. He had to get a move on if he was to get to Harper and Jasper’s home anytime soon.
He crossed to the front door, glorying in the fact that his leg didn’t hurt at all, almost felt strong. It was an empowering feeling, one that made him almost seem whole.
Unbroken.
In control.
He snagged Laken’s keys from the hook by the front door, made sure to lock up, then headed to her little sedan. As he drove to Harper’s house, he tried to play out different scenarios in his mind of possible interactions with Jasper. Like he was preparing a raid, he imagined all the entrances and exits for the conversation, the danger zones, the difficult topics, and the areas that could prove problematic.
The trip passed quickly, and he soon was driving up the dirt road that led to Spartan’s barn and Jasper’s house.
He turned off the engine and tucked the keys in his pocket. As he strode to the house, he breathed in a calming breath.
The door swung open, and immediately all his tension melted like snow in the sunshine. “Hey, you.” Harper leaned her shoulder against the door. Her hair was swept up into a high ponytail with the purple ends framing her face. Her open-neck sweatshirt slung low, exposing her sun-kissed shoulder.
“Hey.” Sterling’s gaze roamed her beautiful face. Her skin glowed, and he realized she wasn’t wearing any makeup. “Damn, you look beautiful in the morning,” he murmured softly as he stepped up onto the porch.
Her green eyes flashed with amusement before her cheeks colored slightly. “Thanks. I’m sporting the all-natural look today.”
“I like it.” Sterling’s lips widened into a welcoming smile as he reached out and grasped her hand.
“Hey, you don’t need to score any points with me. It’s the guy inside. You ready for this?” Harper nodded her head once, motioning behind her, daring him with a sassy grin.
“I think you’re more nervous than I,” Sterling challenged.
Harper’s answer rang in her amused laughter. “Whatever you need to tell yourself, Captain.” She swung the door open wide for him.
“Oh, Jasper, you’ve got company!” she called out before Sterling could greet her brother himself. She led him to the kitchen.
“Hey.” Jasper turned off the kitchen faucet and dried his hands on the nearby towel.
“Hey.” Sterling waited for Jasper to make the first move, to direct the conversation. This was on his timeline, and Sterling was happy to let him lead.
“I’ll, uh, just be back by about noon.” Harper took a step toward the door, distracting Sterling.
He gave her a questioning glance.
She gave a quick smile to her brother before turning to Sterling. “I’m checking out a potential second racer. Her name is Audrey. She’s a younger mare, but her bloodline is amazing. Fate’s Fancy is her sire, and her dame is Calendar Girl’s March—both award winners in the barrel-racing world. She’s kind of a pill to ride, so she’s been difficult to sell. I’m hoping that we hit it off.” Harper winked at Sterling.
“Text when you get there and when you’re done. Uncle Vince said it’s legit, but that doesn’t mean I blindly trust these people,” Jasper warned.
“It’s fine.” Harper rolled her eyes. “But don’t worry, I’ll text. Okay? You actually have your phone with you?”
Sterling turned to Jasper and tried to get a read on his reaction. “Yup. Ever since you gave me that stupid little tile square, I can’t lose the damn gadget.”
“And that’s bad?” Kessed asked as she walked into the room. She placed a kiss on Jasper’s cheek and then gave a small wave to Sterling. “Aw, so you’re not just brave on the front lines, huh? Way to show some balls today, Sterling.” She poked Jasper’s ribs. “Go easy on him.”
“Why are you all picking on me?” Jasper growled. “Just let me know, okay?”
“Fine,” Harper replied. Her gaze flickered between the men.
Sterling wondered what was going on behind those green eyes. She seemed indecisive about something.
She took a tentative step forward then straightened her shoulders, her resolve strengthening in her gaze as she focused on Sterling. It happened in just a moment, but she closed the distance between them and stretched to kiss his cheek, her scent of lemon lingering longer than she, as she spun on her heel and disappeared out the door.
Kessed’s giggle had him turning to question her amusement.
“Have fun, Jas.”
Jasper sighed but apparently wasn’t about to let Kessed walk away yet. He snagged her around the waist and kissed her full on the mouth, creating an awkward silence in the room as Sterling diverted his eyes.
“See you later.” Kessed’s voice told him the coast was clear, and he glanced back to the parting couple. Kessed gave a small wave as she left through the front door.
Leaving them alone.
And there wasn’t even a damn gun on the table to mess around with and clean up.
“So...why does this feel redundant?” Jasper asked as he strode around the table and pulled out a chair, motioning for Sterling to sit as well.
“Something does feel familiar.” Sterling tested the waters by following Jasper’s lead into the amusing aspect of their situation.
“I was led to believe you didn’t have an interest in my little sister.” Jasper drove his statement home as he speared Sterling with a hard gaze.
Sterling took a seat, pressing his forearms against the table and sitting forward. “I said she deserved better than me. Which is still the truth. And honestly, I was trying to talk myself out of any attraction I had because I know that she’s been hurt, broken, and bruised in ways that no one should ever have to withstand. So, I laid it all out for her—no guessing, no playing around. She knows where I stand, understanding that I’m broken too. What do you need to know?”
Jasper tapped the table with his thumb, his gaze narrowing as he studied Sterling. “She comes home crying because you’re an ass, or you break her heart...” He let the threat linger.
“You can take me out. I’ll give you my own gun to do the job.”
“I’m not going to prison over you. You’ll be doing the honors yourself. Understood?” Jasper asked.
Sterling bit back an amused grin. Damn it all, Jasper was the kind of guy he could actually be friends with. “Deal.”
Jasper reached across the table, offering his hand, and Sterling took it, firmly shaking once.
“Now that we have an understanding, let me tell you a little about my irritating little sister. If you’re going to have a snowball’s chance in hell, you need to listen up.”
And Sterling listened as if his life depended on it.
Because he wasn’t so sure he’d survive a broken heart.