Chapter 204
Three minutes later, Willow stood alone outside the building, watching the exhaust fumes from Molly's departing car.
Before leaving, Molly had tossed one last comment over her shoulder: "Actually, Sterling asked me to pick you up! He's waiting upstairs. Go on up! I won't intrude on your sweet time together!"
Willow glanced in the direction Molly had gone, then looked up at Sterling's apartment. She was debating whether to call him when the elevator behind her dinged.
Luke bounded out, elevator card in his mouth, tail wagging enthusiastically. Apparently, Sterling had known the moment they entered the complex.
Willow couldn't help smiling. She ruffled Luke's head. "Sorry, I didn't have time to bring you treats. I'll make it up to you next time."
Luke whined contentedly, wagging his tail as he followed her back into the elevator.
Sterling's apartment door was open, clearly waiting for her arrival. When she entered, Sterling was dressed in a button-down shirt, setting several dishes on the dining table.
"What's all this?" Willow knew he could cook, but the spread before her was unexpectedly lavish.
Sterling's deep voice answered, "I made it. So, will you honor me with your company for lunch today?" His gaze held undisguised affection.
Willow felt her heartbeat stumble. "I only said it wasn't appropriate at the office. Outside of work, of course..." Of course she would.
Sterling smiled at her shyness. "Then wash your hands and come eat. Let's celebrate your newfound freedom."
Willow obediently washed her hands. When she returned, Sterling had already pulled out a chair for her. The dishes on the table were abundant and visually stunning—they could easily have been the work of a five-star chef.
Sterling produced a bottle of red wine from somewhere, his long, elegant fingers wrapped around it as he poured her a glass. The dark bottle against his beautifully shaped hand created a captivating image.
Willow couldn't help staring.
"Like what you see?" Sterling's voice sounded close to her ear.
Willow nodded instinctively.
Sterling's voice took on an amused tone. "The wine, or my hands?"
Willow's ears reddened, but she answered honestly, "Both."
Now it was Sterling's turn to fall silent. When she didn't hear his response, Willow looked up questioningly. The desire in Sterling's eyes was too intense to ignore.
Before she could react, he casually changed the subject. "Try it. How does it taste?"
Willow went along with the shift, taking a few bites. Her eyes widened in delight. "It's delicious."
Sterling smiled with satisfaction, then teased her. "Better than Charles's cooking?"
Willow nearly choked, then joked back, "I had no idea you were so prone to jealousy."
"Charles and I are in the past tense now. Would you like to see our divorce decree?" She made as if to reach for the document to show him.
Sterling's gaze deepened. "It's only with you that I'm like this. This morning I kept thinking, what if I had met you first? How would things have been different?"
His wistful tone made Willow turn serious as well. She considered for a moment, then smiled at him. "Then Charles probably wouldn't have mattered at all."
With Sterling in her life, she doubted she would have even noticed Charles.
Luke, feeling neglected, circled restlessly under the table and barked twice. Willow thought he was begging for food and was about to offer him some.
Sterling's voice drifted over. "I fed him before you arrived."
Willow abandoned the idea and was about to withdraw her hand when she noticed Sterling watching her with an unreadable expression.
After a moment's confusion, Willow realized what he might be thinking. She glanced at him quickly. "What would you like to eat?"
Her utensils hovered over the dishes, unsure what to serve Sterling.
Sterling narrowed his eyes. "Should I thank Luke for putting me on equal footing with him?" Had she thought of Luke first, been stopped by him, and only then considered Sterling?
Willow remained silent. She served him a portion anyway, then reassured him, "What I meant was, next time I could cook for you."
Sterling finally looked satisfied and unhesitatingly listed several dishes. Willow mentally noted them all.
After lunch, Sterling had an online meeting to attend. He excused himself and went into his study.
Since he hadn't suggested she leave, Willow felt awkward about departing on her own. Secretly, she wanted to spend more time with him, though she worried Maria might be concerned.
After some deliberation, she texted Maria that the divorce had gone smoothly and she'd be back later. Fortunately, Maria didn't press for details.
Willow put away her phone. Sterling was still in his study. Luke circled around her feet, so she crouched down to play with him.
Time passed. Eventually, the study door opened, and Sterling emerged. He seemed not to have fully shifted out of work mode—his expression looked somewhat serious.
"Did the meeting not go well?" Willow asked with concern as she stood up.
Having crouched for so long, she felt momentarily dizzy when she rose. She steadied herself where she stood.
Sterling immediately noticed something was wrong. He walked over and took her arm, intending to guide her to the sofa.
"Woof!"
Luke, displeased that Sterling was taking Willow away, followed close behind. As they reached the sofa, he butted his head against Sterling's leg.
Caught off guard, Sterling stumbled and fell back onto the sofa, still carefully holding Willow and pulling her into his lap to protect her.
"Are you okay?" Sterling's first concern was for Willow in his arms.
Seeing the worry in his eyes, something stirred in Willow's heart. With a smile in her eyes, she leaned forward and kissed him.
Sterling's words cut off abruptly. Willow had acted on impulse and tried to pull back after the brief kiss.
Sterling didn't let her escape. One hand secured her waist, holding her in place as he deepened the kiss insistently. Willow hesitated only briefly before melting against him.
Sensing her responsiveness, Sterling's breath caught. His hand on her waist tightened, then relaxed. Sitting on his lap, Willow clearly felt something pressing against her.
They both froze.
"Sterling..." Willow's body was still soft, her voice equally tender. Everything was unfolding naturally. Though she wasn't fully prepared, if Sterling wanted to continue, she was willing.
Sterling restrained himself and released her. "It's getting late. I should take you home. Your grandmother is probably waiting for you for dinner." He casually straightened his clothes as if nothing had happened.
Willow, set aside, hadn't quite processed his unexpected rejection. He had always desired her—that much was clear.
Sterling met her gaze and explained gently, "Your grandmother is waiting for you. You can't stay out all night. Besides, you're not really ready yet, are you?"