Page 128 of Reputation (Tempt)

I hated feeling like this—so…out of control.

I sighed and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t go.Please. I love you, and I’m worried about you.”

“Then saythat.” She pulled back to peer up at me. “Instead of trying to tell me what to do. And trust me to know what’s best for me. To decide what’s best for me, even when you may not agree. Because I want a partner, not another parent.”

I nodded, hating that I’d made her feel that way. “I want to be the kind of partner you deserve. And of course, I’ll be there. Supporting you. Cheering you on.” And not because she was my fake fiancée or because it was part of our contract, but because I loved her.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

“Tell me what you need from me,” Nate said after Brooklyn had gone to bed.

We’d spent a quiet evening in our suite, opting for room service. There were too many paparazzi lurking around. Too many fans desperate for a glimpse of Nate or our family. Nate was determined not to let his presence at my side interfere with my performance tomorrow.

I draped my arms around his neck. “All I need is you.”

I appreciated his support, especially considering his earlier concern. Deep down, I knew he loved me and was there for me. He’d shown me that again and again. And while I didn’t like what he’d said, I respected him for sharing his concerns with me.

Nate wrapped his arms around me. “You have me, Em.”

I leaned into his touch. “I’m not sure I ever thanked you for suggesting the idea of an alter ego to me.”

“Yeah?” He kissed the end of my nose.

“Yeah. Whenever I start to feel out of control, my alter ego helps me calm down more quickly. And I’ve been channeling her in practice.”

“That’s great, Em.” He smiled. “I’m so glad you’ve found it useful.”

He kissed me. But when he tried to pull back, I held on, dragging us deeper into the kiss. Into his touch. Our mouths and tongues and hands eager and seeking. But when I tugged on his waistline, he placed his hand over mine. I frowned, but he shook his head.

“You need your rest,” he said, bringing our joined hands to his heart. “And I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize your success.”

I considered pushing him, but he was right. I did need my rest. There would be time for sex after the competition, even if it might take the edge off now.

“I’m going to check my stuff again for tomorrow and get ready for bed.” That usually helped calm me the night before a competition and put me in the right frame of mind.

I verified our timing for the morning with Jackson and my dad. Nate had insisted that I take Jackson with us, and my dad had agreed. I double-checked my backpack. Laid out my outfit for the race. Took a shower and did some light yoga. And by the time I’d washed my face and brushed my teeth, I still wasn’t tired.

Even so, I told myself to lie down. To get in bed and stick to the routine. Nate kissed me goodnight and then turned off the light.

“I’m glad you stayed,” Nate said in the darkness, his body wrapped around mine.

“Me too,” I said, snuggling into his arms. I couldn’t imagine sleeping alone tonight, even if I had been upset earlier. “I’m sorry if I overreacted earlier. I’m just…” I blew out a breath. “Stressed.”

“I know, Em.” He kissed my neck. “But you’ve got this. You’ve trained for this. And no matter what happens tomorrow, you should be proud of yourself.”

The bridge of my nose stung. I hadn’t realized how much I’d needed to hear that. I appreciated Nate’s words of encouragement more than he could ever know.

I sniffled at his kindness, his support, the sound magnified in the darkness.

“Hey.” His voice was gentle. Reassuring. “What’s wrong?”

“I just really appreciate you.” I sniffled again, warm, fat tears falling down my cheeks as everything caught up to me. “I can’t believe this is my last race.”

He handed me a tissue then stroked his hand up and down my arm. He didn’t say anything, just waited. Giving me the space to sort through my feelings.

I dried my eyes. “I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time, and now that it’s here…”

I trailed off, not even sure what to say. I felt too much. And I hadn’t realized how hard it would hit me to say goodbye to the sport I’d dedicated so many years to.

---