Page 33 of Reputation (Tempt)

She focused on her guitar and took a deep breath, and I started recording on my phone. Then she launched into the song. It was upbeat yet slow, hopeful without being trite. And the lyrics. My god.

I’d heard her practice. And yet, seeing her perform it for Nate and watching him react to the words she said about him and their relationship… Well, it had me swiping away a tear.

He really was an amazing man and a wonderful father. Even if it had taken me some time to realize it. To peel past his controlling bullshit and get to the real Nate. Because that’s who it felt like I got to see when it was just the three of us.

I wasn’t falling for Nate Crawford, celebrity billionaire. I was falling for Nate, a man who happened to be famous and rich.

Falling for…My eyes widened. No. No. Not happening.

Brooklyn finished playing the last chord and looked to Nate. His expression was full of awe and adoration.

He stood and pulled her in for a hug while I was still processing my bombshell. “That was amazing.”

“I can’t take all the credit,” Brooklyn said. “Emmy helped with some of the lyrics and made my costume. She said it was good practice for her athleisure line.”

“Those lyrics were all you, B.”

“You want to design a clothing line?” he asked, while Brooklyn returned her guitar to her room.

“Someday, yes.” It felt like such a pipe dream at this point, it was laughable.

He hesitated then said, “I know someone who could help you with that.”

I appreciated the offer more than he could know. It was nice to know that he saw potential in my idea. “Thanks, but I want to do this on my own.”

He lifted his chin, and I got the impression my answer surprised him. Before he could say more, Brooklyn skipped back into the room.

“I loved your song,” Nate said, hugging her close. “Thank you.”

Brooklyn busted out her new temporary tattoo markers now that we’d finished opening presents. “Okay. We’re doing matching tattoos.”

“Awesome!” I held out my arm. They’d given me so much, and I couldn’t believe how thoughtful and personal all the gifts were. “Me first.”

Brooklyn grinned. “Okay, but no peeking.” She started drawing on my arm, and it tickled. “Stay still.” She held my arm more firmly, and I tried not to laugh—both at her expression and the way the marker felt on my skin.

“Come on, Dad.” She waved him over. “Help me.”

“You’re doing just fine,” he said, and I was both relieved and disappointed.

“Please?” Brooklyn added, turning up the charm.

It was so predictable, I nearly laughed. As expected, Nate sighed and stood, coming over to where we were sitting. “What do you want me to do?”

“Can you color this in?” she asked him just as her phone rang. The design was a surprise since I’d told her to do whatever she wanted. I figured it’d wash off in a few days anyway. “Oh! Sophia’s calling.”

“Go. Go,” he said, and she ran toward the stairs that led to her room.

Nate took her place, picking up where she’d left off. The marker tickled my skin, and I tried not to focus on how close he was sitting to me. Or how amazing he smelled.

“Thank you for the gifts,” he said, setting down the first marker and picking up another. What was he doing? Whatever it was, I didn’t want him to stop. Especially not when his thumb caressed the inside of my forearm, swiping back and forth over the sensitive skin. “I hope you’re not missing your family too much.”

I smiled, appreciating his concern. Trying to focus on his words instead of the way his proximity made me feel. “I chatted with them a bit last night. But honestly, I think this time apart was a good thing.”

“Yeah?”

“I love my family, but my dad has been pushing me hard about my next competition.”

“Is that unusual?” he asked, lifting his head to meet my gaze.

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