Page 56 of Tempt Me

“Oh, great.” Kim throws her hands into the air. “Perfect.”

“Mom.” Bella’s voice is sharp. “Enough.”

“Fine.” Kim tips her chin out and stills. “Explain.”

“We talked about how unhappy I was in school, and by the end of the conversation, I realized I didn’t want to be an accountant. I know we’ve talked about it for years, but I think it was your dream for me and not mine.”

When she trembles, my heart aches for her. I rub my thumb over her shoulder as pride swells inside of me at her willingness to stand up for what she wants. Between choosing me and now deciding she wants to do something different for her future, this has been a difficult couple of days for her.

Her bottom lip quivers so I pull her close to me and rub my hand down her arm. She instantly settles and continues with stronger conviction. “I don’t want to take over the family business when you retire.”

Lee rakes his hand through his hair. “What is your dream?”

She studies him for a couple of seconds. “I’ve applied to go to cosmetology school and was accepted. I’ve spoken to my advisor about my classes, and I’m going to finish this semester. Then, next semester, I’ll take two college classes and a half-load of Cosmo classes so that I can work at the same time. It’ll take me a little longer to complete everything, but that’s what I’m doing.”

“It sounds like you have it all planned out.” Kim’s shoulders relax a fraction of an inch.

“I don’t have everything figured out.” Bella shrugs. Her vulnerability and strength have me falling that much harder for her. If that’s even possible at this point.

I kiss the top of her head, causing her to smile slightly and lay her head against my chest. “I want to get my Cosmo license and eventually own my own salon, so I need that accounting degree to make sure I don’t have to depend upon someone else. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner, but I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me or my decisions.”

Kim sighs and clutches her chest. “Lee, we raised such a smart girl.” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry we made you think we’d be mad at you for doing something besides accounting. That was never our intention.”

“Bullshit.” Sam rolls his eyes. “Bella has always been the favored child, and once again, here she comes out smelling like roses.” He changes his pitch to mimic Bella’s, “Mom and dad, I didn’t want to disappoint you. I love you so much.” He gives her a shitty look. “You’re such a suck-up.”

Bella tenses in front of me. “I’m not trying to suck up.”

“Yes, you are,” Ben pipes up.

“Enough,” Lee bellows, and everyone’s mouths shut up. “That’s enough.” Everyone stops talking again.

“See….” Kim waves her hand around the room. “This is what I’m talking about. All I did was give you all life, fed you, loved you, sacrificed my body and heart for you, only for you all to listen to your dad.”

“Honey, the kids all love and respect you.” He pats his wife’s back. “But let’s focus on one thing at a time. Bella, I’m disappointed, but I appreciate how mature you are in handling the situation.”

“Gag.” Sam rolls his eyes again and marches to the refrigerator, yanking open the door, snatches out a bottle of water, and twists off the lid in one fluid motion.

“Sam.” Kim’s eyes flare with irritation as she chastises him.

“What?” He drops the lid on the counter and chugs the water.

“Tell your sister that you’re sorry and throw that piece of garbage away. You’re not coming in here and treating the house like your own personal trash can.”

“Or your mom like a housecleaner.” Lee points at the offending lid. “Trash, now.”

“I’m so proud of you, baby.” I kiss her temple as they continue to bicker amongst each other. She pulls back so she can face me.

“Thank you. I wasn’t sure how this was going to go, and I’m sorry you walked in at that point.” She frowns and tilts her head sideways. “Although, I should’ve had the time to explain everything before you got here. How fast did you drive?”

“Now….” I kiss the tip of her nose as Sam tosses the lid and now empty bottle into the trash while the boys complain about having to pick up the trash. I’ve loved this family for years. They might grumble–a lot–but they adore each other, and Sam and Ben love their sister despite what they say.

“Dominic….” Her eyes narrow into little slits.

“Don’t worry about that.” I yank her back into my arms. “We’ve got to address the situation with Brock.”

“What’s going on?” Sam spins on his heel, and the room drops to silence.

“He found my phone number again.”

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