Page 77 of Master of My Life

“Martin will understand if you’re not feeling well.”

Sabrina shook her head. “I’m better, and I don’t want to let him down.”

Chase beamed down at her. “I’m so proud of you.”

“For what?”

“For being strong. For not cowering from your experiences.” He kissed her temple. “I love you.”

Warmth spread through her body. “I love you, too,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck

and hugging him. She wanted to kiss him, but since she’d just vomited, it probably wasn’t a good

idea.

“Are you okay if I go back out, or do you want me to stay?”

“I always want you to stay.”

He chuckled and pushed her to her feet. She grabbed her towel as it threatened to fall and Chase

grinned. “I do, too, but temptation is not a good thing right now.”

“I’ll be okay.” She looked over at Ethan who sat on the couch, watching them. “Ethan will tell you

if something happens.”

Ethan nodded, and she looked back at Chase. He kissed her on the cheek. “I know he will,” he

said as he straightened. “I’ll see you out there.”

He gave her a last smile and disappeared through the doorway, closing it softly behind him. She

rinsed her mouth out in the sink and sat down at the vanity. “I’m sorry if I scared you,” she said to

Ethan, brushing her half-dry hair.

“I’m glad I could be there for you.” He grinned. “Plus, I got to see you naked.”

She giggled and turned to her reflection in the mirror. She quickly twisted her hair into a low,

loose bun and then applied light makeup before sliding behind the changing curtain and pulling on the

fitted, black satin dress that she’d bought for the Gala.

She pushed aside the threat of the haunting memory. It was in the past. This was her present, and

she didn’t want to be anywhere else.

“Can you zip me up?” Sabrina emerged from behind the curtain holding her dress in place.

“Sure.” He stood. “Feeling better?” he asked as he zipped the dress smoothly in place.

Sabrina nodded. “Thanks,” she said. When she turned, she saw his shirt was still wet. “Do you

need a towel?”

He shrugged. “I dried off as best as I could. Though, it’s gonna be hot out there with all those

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