Page 2 of Unpredictable

“Yeah, I saw my next lay while you guys were doing your thing, and I lost her in the crowd,” he mumbles.

“Of course you did.” Keaton slaps him on the back. “Let’s go find her, shall we? Meet you guys at casa Brooks?”

“Sounds good,” we say in unison before laughing.

Tinsley comes and wraps her arm through mine, speaking to Reed, “See you at home?”

“Sounds good,” he tells her while tucking Sage into his side.

Before Sage, he would have made Tinsley go with him. He was overbearing and protective as hell. He’s learned to loosen the reins a bit, especially when she’s with Sage and me. The asshole Reed from before is still there, but not with us anymore, only the outside world.

“And I will see you guys at my place. I have a couple calls to make,” Sterling tells us before heading towards the parking lot without looking back.

Look back. Please look back.

I know he won’t. That’s Sterling Brooks for you. Cold and distant.

“Let’s go!” Tinsley says enthusiastically, breaking my gaze.

“Okay. Let’s go, Tin Tin.”

???

I’m standing at the island in Sterling’s kitchen watching him hang out outside, surrounded by people as they sit at the outdoor fireplace. I can’t help but wish he would be mine and only mine.

Don’t go there.

He’s made his stance on relationships clear since day one. We may be exclusive, but we’re far from dating.

It’s enough. For now.

I feel someone brush up against me and look over my shoulder to find a decent-looking guy.

“Well, hello, gorgeous.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes and turn back around.

“No need to be like that,” he teases.

“Does that line really work?” I ask dryly, taking a sip of my warm vodka and cola.

“On occasion.” His voice holds humor.

“Those poor women,” I mumble under my breath.

“Oh, come on, at least I want your attention,” he says sarcastically.

I turn to face him. “Excuse me?”

“You’ve been staring at that guy for far too long.” He points towards Sterling.

I set my drink down and cross my arms while leaning against the counter. “And what makes you think I’m staring at someone out there?”

“It’s obvious. Everyone here can see it.” There’s a challenge in his voice for me to deny it.

“Sorry to disappoint, but I wasn’t staring at anyone. This party is so boring that I zoned out.”

“You say that now, but he’s coming this way. Maybe a little kiss would really get his attention.”

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