The Sterling Boys (The Sterling Shore Series #3)

by C. M. Owens

  Then she went home after kissing me just on the corner of my lips, making me want more. The next day, she left—as planned—and I waited by the phone to hear from her.

  Nothing.

  Then Kode came into my room while he was on the phone with her. She called him first. And not just him—she called all of them and never me. I waited until the next day, and still hadn't heard anything, so I sent a text asking how New York was.

  I received fine. Fucking fine.

  So I text again, and she kept every answer just as clipped as that. It was obvious then, especially when I called her and our conversations were nothing more than awkward silence. Painful as it was, it was crystal clear what had happened.

  I was the one she trusted with her body, but not her heart. I was the one she gave herself to because I was the one she could let go. It didn't make sense, but I got over it... sort of. I'm getting over it. I think.

  If I had known our friendship would be destroyed, I would have never slept with her—if that's even what brought on this fucked-up shift. She went from ultra hot to Arctic cold.

  Now... it's been six years, and I still can't see the girl. I dread the first time we run into each other.

  Sleek golden hair that brushes the middle of a sexy, slender back draws my attention. A girl standing at the bar is wearing a dress that is illegal in certain parts of the world. That ass... hell yes. I just found something to distract me.

  It's been too long, and maybe something like this will keep my mind off Rain.

  Just as I near my prey, a large arm slides over her shoulders, making her turn to face the familiar jerk who has joined the mutiny and abandoned me. Maverick. Horror washes over me when I see the face of the girl I almost approached. Rain Noles. Of all the damn luck.

  Fuck!

  I break out into a cold sweat and veer a hard right to head to the back. Why in the hell did they bring her here? Have they lost their damn minds? I'll beat the shit out of them for this.

  I realize they have no clue what happened between us, and apparently Rain doesn't want to fill them in either, but they knew better. Can't say I blame her for not wanting to divulge all the dark secrets, since it makes her look like a cold bitch.

  My teeth grind together as I lean against the side of the wall. This is my club. My club, damn it. I shouldn't be hiding. She shouldn't have the fucking nerve to walk into my club with my fucking family. She wouldn't have even known them if it hadn't been for me.

  How can she do this? Why torture me?

  No. I refuse to cower in my own club. If this is the game she wants to play, then fine. I'm not a lovesick eighteen-year-old anymore. I'm a full-grown, successful, damn good looking son of a bitch with a list a mile long of women who would love an ounce of the attention I used to pay Rain. I can do this. It's time to man up.

  I walk out just as Maverick pulls her onto the dance floor. That jerk never could keep his hands to himself when it came to her. Obviously she enjoys it. It wasn't him who got booted.

  Kode walks in, spotting me immediately, and mouths, "Sorry," on his way to the large, curved booth in the far back that I never let anyone else sit in. I need to take that booth off reserve. They don't deserve it after this.

  Dale seems amused as he gives me a playful wink, and Corbin shoots me a you-can't-hide-all-night grin. Bastards. This was intentional. They set me up. That's fine. They'll regret it.

  She broke me once. I won't let her do it again. I'll let her see how perfectly fine I've been without her, even if that's not completely true. But I won't spend time hiding because of her.

  Traveling through wormholes is impossible; digging to China is impossible; curing world hunger is impossible; but facing Rain Noles is not impossible. I can do this. All I need first is the nerve to speak to her and the ability to stand within a hundred feet of her without feeling like a fucking kid again. What is she doing to me?

  I decide I need a strong shot of liquid courage, because I sure as hell can't do this alone. After raiding the bar, I settle on my old and faithful friend.

  Tequila.

  ***

  RAIN

  These heels are torturing my feet right now. Kode is doing well to hold me up. I've danced with all the boys now, so I feel as though I've been fair, and now I deserve a break.

  "Let's go to the booth," I yell over the music, gripping Kode's arms and pulling him toward my lips so he can hear the words.

  "You sure?" he asks, seeming hesitant to free me from the terrible ache in my feet.

  "I've been dancing for over thirty minutes. I'm positive."

  He gives me a sideways grin before kissing my forehead, and then he wraps an arm around me to lead me to the large, leather booth. There are several of these, but somehow the boys managed to get the best one. Not that I'm complaining.

  The high back of the rounded booth offers an excellent sense of privacy, and the corner it's in gives you a view of the dance floor, the bar, the band, and the women in lingerie on the stage. Not sure I'm crazy about that portion of the club, but the rest is incredible. I can't believe this gem is in Sterling Shore.

  Maverick is pouting when Kode helps me into the booth. He usually only pouts when someone has wounded his ego or hurt his feelings.

  "Who shot you down this time?" Kode asks, grinning as his arm wraps around my shoulders.

  I lean against him as Maverick shoots him a death glare.

  "Julie Randall. She's still holding a grudge about the last time we were together."

  I chuckle lightly with the others at poor Maverick's expense. I'm sure he'd like to do more than just scowl at us right now. As much as I'd love to mock him, I don't like it when girls shoot any of them down.

  "Which one is she?" I ask, leaning over to him.

  His face lights up as a devilish grin spreads. "You're going to play wing woman for me?"

  He's almost salivating, which forces a small chuckle free from me.

  "Yes. Now, which one?"

  "Hell yes. Red dress, big tits, platinum blonde at the bar."

  "You're really doing this?" Kode asks, raising an eyebrow as his adorable smile spreads.

  "Of course I am. It's Maverick."

  Maverick bounces a little in his seat as the anticipation rises. He doesn't get turned down unless he's been with the girl before. Serves him right, considering he's a total jerk if you don't know him, but I do know him. You have to peel back a few layers to get close. They can't get close if they don't accept his invitations.

  Kode lets me out, shakes his head, and snatches his seat back up once I begin my grueling journey. Well, maybe grueling isn't the right word. Never mind—I'm about to talk to a girl Maverick has apparently pissed off. Grueling is the appropriate word.

  I sidle up next to her as I raise my hand to the bartender, who quickly comes to take my order. After I request my vodka martini, he scampers off while I wait beside the big-chest girl who really doesn't deserve Mav.

  "Aren't you Julie Randall?" I ask, pretending as if I know the girl.

  She turns to me, and her eyes glance back toward our booth as a small smile creeps up. Damn. She's smarter than I gave her credit for being.

  "He sent you?" she asks knowingly. "He's getting desperate," she adds in a singsong voice, laughing, and pissing me off a little.

  "Excuse me?" I ask, barely reining in my temper.

  There's a list of things I'd like to say right now, some of which could possibly prompt her to claw my eyes out. I'd risk it if I my feet didn't hurt. It's hard to fight back if I can barely stand. Stupid stilettos.

  She turns to me and lets her eyes go back to our booth once more before dedicating her full attention to me.

  "You must be new in town. Don't let Maverick play you like this, doll. There's so much you need to know about the Sterlings. Kode's pretty, but he's unobtainable. He's also a cruel son of a bitch if you cross him. Maverick is just plain cold after he gets what he wants. Corbin is fun, but he's only fun in bed. Dale's already taken. He's a
good one. If you're lucky enough to get Dane Sterling, then I'll worship at your feet. Distance yourself before the bad seeds ruin you."

  I frown as I glance up at my boys. In six years they've apparently managed to really fuck themselves over with the women populous. I turn back to her while inwardly cursing the four Sterlings waiting on me. Well, three of the four. Dale is obviously exempt from a tongue lashing since he's a good one.

  "I'm not new. I'm Rain Noles. I grew up with the—"

  "OhmyGod," she squeals, almost falling out of her seat, letting her eyes bug out in shock and realization. Oh boy. I've seen this before. "You're really Rain Noles! I love the Poor Hearts and Rich Dreams series!"

  In seconds flat, she's gone from condescending and composed to total fan girl. I don't need this right now.

  "I can't believe you're here! In Sterling Shore! I've always wanted to meet you, but everyone says you never come home."

  I sigh, preparing to be interrupted at least a dozen more times.

  "Yeah. I've actually moved back recently because—"

  "When's your next book coming out?" she gushes.

  "I actually haven't started—"

  "I can't believe you're really standing here. In front of me. I've got all your books. Can you sign them? I can have them back here in less than thirty minutes."

  "Well, I actually—"

  "Oh! And my friend Ember would want hers signed, too, if—"

  "Look," I interrupt, barely keeping the irritation out of my voice. "I just wanted to come clear something up about my friend... Maverick."

  Her mouth drops. "Maverick is seriously your friend?" Her tone is incredulous, and that just bothers me that much more.

  "Of course he is. He has a rough exterior, but if you're lucky enough to see the real Mav, well, then it's something to behold."

  I tell the story that always leaves the girls falling in Maverick's lap. Prom night. Leaving out the personal details, I explain what an incredible person it takes to give up your prom when your friend needs you. There's nothing Maverick can do that can't be redeemed by that story.

  Tears bubble up in her eyes, her lip trembles, and she holds her hand over her mouth as she gasps at the end. Got her. Maverick owes me one for this. He owes me several.

  "Is that true?" she asks in a hoarse whisper.

  "Of course it is. Maverick sat on my floor all night—eating pizza, watching movies, and being there for me when I needed him."

  She uses the damp drink napkin to dab the tears from her eyes as she looks up to Maverick, staring at him without that cold judgment she had earlier, and dissolving right in front of me. I almost feel like dusting my hands off. I'm just too damn giving.

  "I... I'll talk to you later," she utters in a near whisper, her fan eyes gone as a dreamy haze settles over her. She doesn't even wait on me to respond before she walks in a trance-like state toward the devil in the booth. I just watch, putting my back to the bar and leaning against it, satisfied with my performance.

  "You shouldn't be telling that story to help Maverick get laid," a velvety, familiar, and damn near heartbreaking voice says from behind me.

  I swallow against the instant knot in my throat, doing all I can to stay vertical, but it's hard. Very hard. With a boundless amount of dread, I warily turn to face the man who has starred in all my fantasies since I was thirteen.

  I was really hoping he would be at least a little bit less attractive—an ugly version would be perfect. I've avoided seeing pictures of him for years, and now I regret that. I would have been a little more prepared for the breathtaking man that certainly doesn't look like an eighteen-year-old boy anymore.

  I thought he was gorgeous then. Now... Crap. His shoulders have broadened, his eyes are just as mystically green, and his shorter, sexier hair is messily tossed around his head to complete a bedroom-messy style I can't resist. This is bad. So very bad.

  And those lips... hypnotically full and curved into a cheeky grin.

  Stupid, sexy, arrogant... Okay, Rain. Take a deep breath and show him that you've grown up, too. Time to be a big girl.

  "I didn't tell her the story to get him laid. I told the story because I meant it. He's a great guy. If you can get past the outer-coating."

  My voice is so smooth that even I'm shocked. I mentally pat myself on the back for the feat.

  Most people say hello after not seeing each other in six years. That would have been a simpler intro. I wish my life was simple.

  His wry smile comes to rest over his perfectly chiseled face as he leans over the bar to slide a martini in front of me. Is Dane helping the bartender? Does he work here? Surely not.

  The last I heard, he owns several resorts along the shore. He also owns the country club that everyone with even a little money goes to. He can't be mixing drinks. So why is he behind the bar? VIP rights, perhaps?

  "Is that so?" he asks, seeming collectively calm and completely in control of this intense standoff.

  This is weird. I haven't seen or spoken to him since we were teenagers. I can't possibly sit here and pretend as though having a conversation about anything is normal. I certainly don't feel like talking about Maverick.

  "It's my story to tell, Dane," I mumble, ignoring how good and awful his name feels on my tongue.

  His jaw clenches as though I've said something wrong. I can't imagine what, though.

  "Dane!" a girl squeals, making me jump a little. I turn just in time to see bright red, large curls bouncing before arms are thrown around him. That's the escape I need.

  I creep away as he talks to the girl, a smile growing bigger on his face as he animatedly shares in whatever she's saying. She looks too young for him. Who is she? Why the hell do I care?

  I huff and groan inwardly while doing a pretty damn good job at staying unaffected on the outside. Julie is curled up in Maverick's lap when I rejoin the table, and their lips are locked in a kiss that will forever scar my mind.

  "Way to go," Kode scolds, scooting over for me to join him in the booth.

  "Sorry. I couldn't let her think the worst of him. Come to find out, it's not just him she thinks poorly of."

  I eye him expectantly, waiting on him to explain. Julie is too busy shoving her tongue down Maverick's throat to even try to hear over the music, but Kode's eyes narrow questioningly.

  "What do you mean?"

  "She thinks all of you are major jerks—except for Dane and Dale. What's been going on while I've been gone?"

  I cut my eyes toward Corbin who quickly averts my gaze.

  "We're guys. We're jerks sometimes," Kode says with a shrug while tossing his arm over my shoulders. "It's about time you came back to slap us upside the head when we do something stupid."

  His dazzling smile infects me, and I lean into him. I'll deal with their issues later. I need to enjoy my drink. Oh shit. I never paid—

  "Dane," Maverick says in delight when he tears himself away from the torrid kiss.

  My heart thuds loudly in my chest as I peek out from under my golden locks to see Dane not looking at me.

  Thank God.

  "Thought I'd come by and bring these. I'm sure you're all celebrating," he says, motioning to a girl carrying a tray of shots.

  No tequila. Please don't be tequila.

  A whiff of the liquor graces my nose, and it takes all my strength not to snarl. Tequila. Damn it.

  "Hell yeah," Corbin gushes, leaning forward to grab one of the numerous shot glasses littering the tray.

  The pretty girl dressed in too-short shorts scurries off, and Dane turns to leave as well. "Hey no, man. Chill with us," Maverick whimpers, and I stiffen.

  Kode traces an invisible pattern on my arm, and I lean against him more for support. He'll make Dane go away. Surely he knows I can't handle him. I should have explained why, but it's just too damn scarring and embarrassing.

  "Please, dude. It's been so damn long," Corbin adds.

  "It'd be nice to have us all at one table again," Dale chimes in, joining in
on the betrayal.

  Dane looks somewhat bored as he shrugs, and then he slides in to be directly across from me.

  "Hell yeah! Definitely need some more shots now. Honey, I'll call you later," Maverick says to his blonde bombshell. She frowns, but nods before kissing him softly one last time.

  Kode and I move out of the booth to allow her a way out, but my heels don't feel like supporting me. With the wrong twist on the wrong crack in the floor, I twist and start to fall.

  Warm hands rush my sides, slip around my waist, and draw me back as my breath catches in my throat. I don't have to see his face to know the feel of his breath, the burn of his touch, or the taste of his scent. Without thinking, I put my hands over his as he draws me back toward the booth, and I tremble against him. It's been so long.

  He releases me quickly, leaving me bereft, and returns to his place beside Corbin as I shakily clamber back in. Kode's hand grazes my back as he guides me, and the whole table sits there under a thick, silent veil of absolute awkwardness.

  Maverick finally breaks the uncomfortable silence with a ridiculous and perverted joke, something my distracted mind doesn't fully follow, and all the guys join in. From there, I just sit quietly, listening and letting them chat about things I've been left out of.

  It slowly sinks in how long six years has been. I'm not in on all the inside jokes, the funny stories, or the hottest new gossip. Dane is just as perfectly comfortable as he always was. He never had a problem fitting in, and right now, I feel like we're a divorced couple and he's been raising the kids.

  They're not my boys anymore. They're full grown men with fun and new stories to tell, and I'm not a part of those stories anymore. I was able to live in my bubble in New York, believing things were the same as they were in high school. But they're not. Not at all.

  Absently, I scan the room, looking for anything at all to help me out of this terrible net. A familiar face catches my eye, and I use the playboy millionaire as a means of including myself in the conversation.

  "Tag Masters just Tagged a girl for the night," I mumble, pointing toward the gorgeous creature and the girl he's mauling.