Page 64 of Dirty Temptation

“It’s okay. I know it’s hard for people to understand that despite havinglotsof money, someone could still have career goals.”

I consider that.

I have more money in my bank than I’ve ever had. It did make me think differently. Like Atlas, although substantially less, it put me in a mindset of what I’dlike, not what Ineed.

Mine is temporary, unless I can make it work.

Despite what Mom said, I don’t want to fail. The thought of wasting Grandpa’s money makes me feel physically ill.

“I’m sure not everyone who has great wealth does, but I respect that you do.” I tell him honestly.

“Not everyone who doesn’t does either. Perhaps it’s a personal thing rather than money thing?” Atlas challenges.

He makes a point.

“Maybe. I was only able to start my business because Grandpa left me a small amount. I never could’ve done it otherwise.”

Atlas presses on my back and stops us.

“Don’t underestimate yourself. You would’ve found a way if you really wanted to become a business owner, baby,” he says and the affectionate term he’s used a couple of times now rolls through me. “Maybe not this year but in five or ten years.”

That he has so much faith in me takes me aback.

I shake my head. “You don’t know me, Atlas. You don’t know if that’s true.”

He tilts his head and brushes the strands of hair that are whipping in the breeze behind my ear. “I know you. I can see the determination in your eyes when you try to resist me.”

“Which I suck at.”

Atlas laughs. “I’m impossible to resist.”

“You’re incorrigible. That’s what you are.”

He cups my face and like always, all my plans to stay away from this man vanish. His lips softly press against mine and I lean into him.

He stops too soon, and I want to beg for more.

“My good points aside, I think you underestimate yourself.” He tugs me so we keep walking.

Now I just want him to kiss me.

“Money has its pros and cons. The expectations on someone like me are huge. I cannot fail.”

Interesting. That’s the last thing I expected to hear from him.

Now he has my full attention again.

“I can’t fail either. It feels like my only chance.”

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. Maybe we create our chances in life, so they are unlimited?” he says as we stop again.

This man.

Who is he and where did Atlas the party boy go?

“I never figured you for the Dalia Lama type.” I place my hand on his chest.

My favorite place.

---