Page 82 of Reckless Temptation

I had yet to announce to the interview panel that I’d drop out of the running for that spot on the Lorsen & Spengler team.

And Nick had to confront what remained of his family.

We decided to start with my parents since we were here.

“I don’t know what to count on from my mom or George,” he admitted as we left my studio space.

I held his hand and smiled. “Well, I know what to expect from my family.”

He huffed. “Your dad wanting to beat me for taking your virginity and your mom hating me for bullying you?”

“Nope. They’ll just want to feed you and get to know you.” They trusted me, and they would stand by me.

Joining them for breakfast was interesting. Mom smiled, surprised, but Dad seemed shy and flustered, looking for another chair for the table.

After we all sat down, I explained how Nick and I ended up together. Still, like the other conversation I had with them just a couple of days ago, I left out the sordid, hot details. No parent needed a play-by-play account of that.

And just like I anticipated, they were all smiles and eagerly embraced Nick.

I let them talk some more as I ate, enjoying how they treated him with respect, not antagonism. My heart would explode with all the joy I felt.

“Nick, another word?” my dad said after we were done eating. He tipped his head to the side for Nick to follow him to the living room.

Nick smiled at me then kissed the top of my head before he left.

Mom grinned at me as she stayed in the kitchen with me over coffee.

“You’re determined to drop out—for him?”

I smirked. “I’m not dropping out of anything. Well, the internship, yes. But I’ll be better off and prouder of myself ifI focus on what I really want to do, where my passion and interests really lay. Nick is just…” I smiled and lowered my gaze.

“Oh, Sabrina.” She sighed happily. “I’m so glad you found him. That you stayed strong to accept a man who makes you smile likethat.”

And I bet I always will.

“What do you think Dad’s talking to him about?” I asked, not worried but curious.

Mom giggled. “Maybe he’s putting him on the spot and asking if he’s going to marry you.”

I laughed. “Mom. It’s way too soon. We’ve only known each other for a couple of months!”

She winked. “Your dad proposed to me a week after we met.”

I laughed, familiar with their love story. “I don’t think we’ll be that impatient.”

She raised her brows. “Bah. Never say never, darling. It might seem reckless to go so fast, but when the heart is tempted and you know… you just know.”

And I did.

Nick was the one for me, and nothing would ever change that.

30

NICK

Istayed at Sabrina’s house for the rest of the weekend. I did so not only because I wanted space from the hell at “home” but also because being here with her and her parents felt more like “home” than that mansion ever did.

Worry about my mom stayed present in my mind. But I had faith that she’d fight her own battles just fine with the way George seemed to care about her and the idea that she could’ve ever thought he was cheating on her.

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