Isabelle
"Thank you." My voice shook as I stood up from the table.
Carson, the man I had agreed to a date with, left immediately after Sterling's threat. When I had agreed to this date Carson had been nothing but charming. It was when he realized he wasn't getting anything from me that he showed the real slime ball he was.
"Are you okay?" The concern was clear in Sterling's expression.
"I'm fine." I nodded. "I think I'd like to get home and just forget this night even happened."
"I can give you a ride." Sterling suggested in a gentle tone.
"No, the orphanage isn't that far from here. I'm fine walking." I turned and headed for the door before he could protest.
When Sterling and I were alone one of us seemed to crack and give in to the other. I was feeling a little more vulnerable right now which would only make it easier for me to lose all my will power. I meant what I said in his office and I needed to stand my ground.
I heard footsteps following behind me and I turned to look at who it was. Of course Sterling felt the need to follow me. "You don't think I'm going to just let you walk home alone do you?" He asked as we got into the elevator.
"I'll be fine." I reassured him in a flat tone.
"I don't doubt that." He glanced over at me and then turned his attention to the elevator doors. "But on the off chance that something happens I could never forgive myself. Besides, it's the gentleman's thing to do."
"Fine." I sighed.
I just wanted to get home and get into bed. The more time I spent battling him on this then the longer I would be out. Sterling could be pretty stubborn sometimes and he was very adamant about walking me. In the end he was probably going anyway so I might as well just let him.
"But keep your distance." I added. I may be allowing him to walk me home but he wasn't going to get anything out of it.
"Of course." He nodded in agreement.
The elevator dinged and we stepped out into the building's lobby. I started walking for the doors and Sterling walked beside me. As requested he kept his distance.
We were both silent as we walked the Nashville streets. This time it was slightly different. Instead of feeling awkward towards each other I for once felt comfortable in his presence. It was probably just because he had come to my rescue but I missed this version of us.
We walked by the empty bakery that I had been checking out when I ran into Kaydence and Scarlett. I stopped to take another look at it. It still made me feel disappointed that it was gone now.
I turned my attention to Sterling. "What happened to this place?" His father practically ran this city, Sterling had to know something.
Sterling stepped closer to me as he looked over the bakery. "The owner passed away. None of her children wanted to take it on. So they closed the business and put the building up for sale."
"Oh." My disappointment managed to grow.
I had been hoping that maybe they had just moved. At least then I could track them down again. Unfortunately that wasn't an option. It seemed the place was going to be gone forever. It was a damn shame.
We started walking towards the orphanage again. Sterling still kept a little bit of distance but stood closer to me. He had his hands shoved into his pockets as he looked down to the ground. "I remember going there with you a couple times. You loved that place. I'm sorry you didn't get the chance to properly say goodbye to it." He spoke as we walked.
"It's okay." I shrugged.
He glanced up at me and his eyes met mine. "Thanksgiving made it clear you're still into baking. I'm glad you haven't given it up. It would be horrible if you didn't share such a gift with others."
"Thanks." I let out a small chuckle. "You really make it sound like something special. Tons of people can bake Sterling."
"Not as well as you." He responded. "Trust me. I don't eat a shit ton of sweets to keep myself in shape but I'd buy a box of your cupcakes or cookies and eat them in one sitting without a second thought."
"Oh whatever." I rolled my eyes.
"It's true." He flashed me his gorgeous smile.
"Sterling, can I ask you something?" My tone became more serious.
"Sure." He nodded.
"I saw you at the restaurant with Elise. I thought you left when she did." I did look for him to help me on the off chance that he was still around, I just wanted to know how I managed to luck out.
"When she left I didn't want to distract you or anything." I knew by his tone he was being honest. "So I asked to be moved as I wasn't ready to leave yet."
I nodded as it made sense and I appreciated the honesty from him. "Well, thank you."
"No problem. I'd do it again if I had to." He responded.
We went silent for a moment as we continued the walk. We were starting to get close to the orphanage. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. I could tell he was thinking about something.
"Something on your mind?" I couldn't help being curious.
"Nothing important." He answered. "Just thinking back to some of the good times that we had."
"Oh." I wasn't sure what else to say.
The orphanage came into view and Sterling walked me to the steps. His eyes were glued to the building. I could tell he had some memories coming back to him. I noticed him trying to fight off the emotions this place managed to bring back.
He let out a sigh and then turned back to me. "Here you are. Now I can sleep easy tonight knowing you made it safe."
"Thanks." I gave him a polite smile before I headed up the stairs.
"Isabelle." He called out my name to get me to turn around. He continued to speak when he had my attention. "I miss you."
"You better get going." I responded and headed inside.
Truthfully, I missed him too. But I wasn't about to admit it to him.