CHAPTER 10
After they finished their late-night meal, Amelia walked up the stairs with Sterling close behind. The usual banter was gone, replaced by a profound silence. He felt the familiar urge to annoy her and get a reaction, but he fought it.
He stayed quiet, wanting to show her that despite his reputation for chasing and teasing her, he could simply be there to listen.
She paused midway up the stairs, and he stopped just behind her. Turning to face him as he looked up at her, she asked, “Why are you being weird?”
Sterling’s small smile didn’t reach his eyes. He remained on the step below, looking up at her as his expression settled into something more serious. “Maybe I am,” he answered quietly, his voice low.
He paused, then added, “You told me I was annoying. You told me you wan
