Page 75 of Reckless Temptation

I lay back and closed my eyes, warmer and calmer when she nestled closer and lay with her head on my shoulder, her handon my chest. Even though contact with her soothed me, I had to make sense of the chaos in my head.

WhatcouldI do now?

What was there to do?

“Or…” she said quietly as she rubbed my chest lightly, “I could drop out.”

I opened my eyes and scowled at her. “What? No.”

She nodded, brushing her hair on my skin. “Yes.”

“Sabrina. No. You can’t?—”

“I can do whatever I want,” she sassed back.

“Nope. I won’t let you,” I argued. “Tiffany can’t win. Not like this. Not at all.”

“But it wouldn’t be her winning if I didn’t really want it anymore.”

I scoffed. “You do.”

“Idid,” she replied. “I never set out to beat anyone. Law school is a competition, but it’s not a contest against each other. I just want to do as well as I can so I can become the best lawyer possible to help as many people as I can.”

I kissed her, falling in love with her a little more.

“And after seeing how Lorsen & Spengler operate…” She shrugged before she lay back down. “It’s not what I want. It’s not who I am. Like my friend Elise warned, I don’t want to sell myself short or compromise my integrity. I’m not suited to be a cold-blooded corporate lawyer like that.”

“No, you’re not,” I agreed. “You’re too fucking sweet and good.”

I felt her cheek lift in a smile against my chest.

Stroking my hand over her back, I relaxed with her at my side. All that we’d talked about and learned today would require more time for it to sink in. Neither of us spoke for such a long time that I knew she’d be close to dozing off as we lay together.

For now, I could rest easy with the knowledge that I would have her with me. I would have her to help me navigate this situation.

But not this minute.

“We’ll talk about it in the morning,” I said quietly before kissing her temple.

She didn’t reply, already fast asleep.

27

SABRINA

Ifelt silly to sneak out of Nick’s bed in the middle of the night, but I needed some space to think away from him.

We had to figure out a solution to this predicament. Even though Nick and I hadn’t come right out and said that we’d plan a long-term relationship, I felt ninety-nine percent confident that we were on the same page. That he’d want to pursue something lasting with me after all the trouble we’d endured to get to this moment now.

I drove home and found my parents in the kitchen, having an early breakfast.

Even though I’d never stayed out all night without giving them an indication of where I’d be, they didn’t seem too worried. Only curious.

Dad raised his brow. Mom pursed her lips as if she were holding in so many questions.

Neither judged. They wouldn’t. But I knew they’d listen and offer me the best advice that they could. I got that trait from them.

So, I sat and I told them most of the details. I didn’t get into the intimate parts. I doubted any parent wanted to hear about their children’s sex life in too much technicolor, but I laid out the situation that was weighing me down. All throughout the conversation and breakfast, they listened and didn’t judge.

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