Page 121 of Reputation (Tempt)

I laughed despite myself. “At least he’s supportive of your relationship.”

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. “True. And I know Brooklyn’s ecstatic that you’ll be her bonus mom. She adores you, and I know how much you love her.”

I nodded, thinking of how incredible Brooklyn was. And how lucky I was to have her in my life. “I do. I just wish everyone I love was as supportive of my relationship with Nate.”

“What are you talking about? Papa J and Astrid seem thrilled.”

I hunched my shoulders, curling in on myself. “My dad isn’t.”

She held my hands in hers. “What did he say?”

“He doesn’t approve of Nate. But he’s also pissed because I told him my next race would be my last.”

She blinked a few times. “You’re retiring?”

“It’s long overdue,” I said, still feeling immense relief at the idea.

She smiled. “I’m sure retiring feels very bittersweet, but now you’ll have more time to focus on the wedding and your athleisure line and everything else you’ve always wanted to do but never had time for.”

“Exactly,” I said, relieved that she automatically understood.

“Or you could become a regular Peloton instructor. I took your class,” she said. “It was so much fun!”

“Thanks.” I grinned, knowing that my alter ego had supported me then just as she had today. “I had a blast.”

Kendall laughed. “You sound surprised.”

“Yeah, I mean, I guess I didn’t expect to like it so much.”

“Why not?” Kendall furrowed her brow. “It seems right up your alley. And—” she nudged me “—it broke the record for most people streaming a single live class.”

“Crazy, right?” I still couldn’t quite believe it myself.

“Yes. But so,soawesome. And totally deserved.”

I waved a hand through the air. “I’m sure most people tuned in for Nate.”

“What?” Kendall shook her head. “No way. Em.” She grasped my shoulder, forcing me to stop and look at her. “They tuned in for you. He was just an added bonus.”

I laughed so hard I snorted. “Not sure Nate Crawford would ever be considered anything but a star.”

“Maybe not, but in that class, you shone brighter than anyone. Even—” she leaned in “—him.”

I rolled my eyes. “I love you, but you’re clearly biased.”

She shook her head. “It’s not just me. Knox agrees.”

I sucked in air through my teeth. “Ouch. Don’t let Nate hear that,” I joked.

“I’m serious, Em. Knox was impressed, and that’s no small feat.”

“True,” I said.

“So, do you think you’ll do more of them?”

I knew she was trying to distract me, but I appreciated it all the same. Technically, I never had to work again. Thanks to my endorsements and the ten million from Nate, I was set. But I had yet to touch the money from him. And I still wasn’t sure I would.

It didn’t sit right with me. If anything, keeping the money for myself felt like something Trinity would do. And the last person I ever wanted to be compared to was her, especially if it made Nate question my reasons for being with him.

---