Page 23 of Grip Me Tight
“What idea?” My shoulders tighten. I’ve got a bad feeling about the way Emma is smiling. Down the table, Sterling turns towards Don and I hate not being able to see her expression.
Noah points his fork at Sterling. “Sterling can be the social media coordinator for the tour.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Don says, frowning.
Emma cuts in. “I didn’t like the idea at first, but she’s really great at it and it would be fantastic experience for her.”
“Mom.” Sterling’s voice is a little exasperated. Her gaze meets mine before skittering away. “Dad, you know I wanted to get into something like this. I’ve been managing Gordon’s social media and running my own as well, and they’re doing well. Plus, I was handling social media for a couple of businesses and their events.”
Don folds his arms over his chest. “I’m not certain ‘influencer’ or ‘creator’ or whatever the term is, is really a viable long-term option. What about law school?”
Sterling wrinkles her nose. “I don’t want to go to law school. I have a business degree with a background in psychology and marketing. I want to expand upon my business.” She waves her fork back at Noah. “Plus, I didn’t hear you use the word ‘viable’ when Noah wanted to put off university to move to L.A. to be in a band.”
“Hey, Kingmaker ended up doing okay,” Noah says, completely deadpan.
She tosses him a withering stare. “Right, but no one knew whether you guys would make it and Dad was all over helping with that.” She turns back to Don. “At least I have a proven record of online success right now. What did these guys have? Smolder?”
“Talent, Sterling. We had talent.” Noah rolls his eyes at me.
“So maybe you can give this try from home? If it’s online, you can do it from anywhere, yes?” Don’s voice definitely has a lawyer-knows-best tone to it.
Sterling sits up straighter. “Dad, I love you and I know you want what is best for me, but I’m an adult. I can take care of myself and I’ve been proving it for a couple of years now.”
Don softens. “Honey, I know that. But a tour schedule is hectic and there’s all kinds of, ah, unhealthy habits by people in the business.”
“Dad.” Noah lifts his head from inhaling pancakes. “Yes, it can get crazy, but Sterling will be working, not partying.” He waves a hand in my direction. “She can hang out with the old man, here. He keeps us on the straight and narrow.”
I would bristle at being called an old man, but he’s not wrong.
Don steeples his chin on his hands while he meets my gaze. “Tanner, do you think this is a good idea?”
No. No, I think this is a terrible idea. Having Sterling on tour will absolutely mess with my headspace. Seeing her every day. Having to endure her flirting with Ajax, Slade and Blaine. If one of those guys tries to pull her into a hard party scene, I will kill them.
But before I can speak up, Sterling cuts in. “I don’t need a babysitter. You were like this before I went away to college. And trust me, there are lots of ‘unhealthy habits’ there too.” She flicks her fingers in air quotes. “What you’re failing to see is that I take my health pretty seriously. I can’t mix alcohol with my medication; I have to exercise and keep up with a decent nutrition plan or I get sick. Do you think I’d throw away my second chance at a normal life just because the people around me might hand me a drink?”
“I know how responsible you are,” Don says, frowning.
“And yet, you still treat me like a baby. I’m pretty sure lawyers are under lots of stress and turn to drugs and drinking too. Not to mention, being up all night preparing for a hearing or just working to finish something for a client.” She folds her arms under her chest. “I’ve seen you do with clients in a different time zone. I really wish you would trust me a little bit.”
“You’re right, and I’m sorry for making you feel like I don’t.” Don rubs a hand over his face. “But I’d still like Tanner’s opinion.”
Sterling turns to me, her eyes pleading. I know I can end it right now by saying I don’t want her on the tour. I don’t care how good she is, or how many followers Gordon has because of her, I don’t want to be that close to her for three whole months. I’d rather sit in my room, wherever we are, with my tablet and watch her laugh, put on makeup, talk about her lifestyle as a transplant recipient and interview others on their second chances for the millionth time. Watching her from afar, seeing her smile on the screen is as close as I can be. It will be pure torture seeing her every day. Especially now, when I know the sound of her husky laugh against my neck, the feel of her curves in my hands and the way she tastes as she melts under my tongue.
“Tanner?”
Emma’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and heat fills my cheeks. Thank god no one can read my mind. I look up and everyone is staring at me. I clear my throat, just as a phone buzzes. Sterling covers the phone with her hand, switching it off. Immediately, the phone in the kitchen starts to ring. Emma frowns and pushes her chair back.
“Mom!” Sterling is on her feet. “I’ll get it.”
And I know instantly it’s the Jerk. The ringing stops and Sterling’s phone goes off again. What is with this asshole?
“Is someone trying to reach you, Sterling?” Emma asks.
“No, it’s, uh. Jake.” The ringing stops again and starts.
Noah leans back in his seat. “Does he not know how to use a phone properly?”
