Sweetest Temptation

iggest jerk i

green dress she purchased with my money. Perhaps she wants me to feel guilty for rejecting her, but all I can think about is how she needs to visit her colorist. Dark roots c

ly glances at our table while picking it up. These patrons might be wealthy enough to enjoy a fancy restaurant with a menu that doesn't l

e adds in a somewhat calmer vo

oolish decision. I'm calm and logical as long as I'm not pressed too hard. However, when I reach my limit, I blow up. Most p

money at your impulsiv

business

egy or financi

ing you an opportunity to invest early. It's jus

e hasn't declared bankruptcy only because her hedge fund manager's father is cove

"Your new car is wo

ar for myself, and I'm certainly not giving that kind of

repa

re you could earn enough to repay the

selfish?" she demands. "I've

your dad." My phone buzzes. I "look at the sc

in town? If so, can

What'

hday, and she's pretty drunk.

t, who just turned twenty-one today. Everyone she's o

ng to walk over to Jerry's. But Milla probably wants

rse. I help

time with Frey. Otherwise, I would'v

one else. Maybe Leo. I think he sai

'm going to trust a tipsy

there. Tell F

. I knew I cou

seriously. Milla because she's my stepsister and Frey... Well, because she's simply special. The smile on her face when we first met struck me like Cupid's

me in. It's hard to articulate, but she makes me fe

hing I said?" Nika demands. The redness

ur waiter's eye and hand him the v

wealthy or well-connected. I probably shouldn't have gone out with her, even though she does make decent arm candy. But I was attempting to forget my fee

shouting, "I said if you're going to be so stingy abou

turn in ou

lthough he calls them "fun," and naturally, everyone in his circle concurs. You don't disagree with Lance Vinz, the Hollywood icon who's produced nothing bu

ou can't

tan

!" She slams the table hard enou

start mo

chair scrapes the floor with a

strides are longer, I have a le

e cash and the fob. I s

here! I'm your gir

passenger side about two inches. "I thought we were do

ve down I-5 to

andard college bar. Bright lights and a lot of neon text on shin

hem exclaims, "Wow." A few guys openly gawk at the car, but I ignore them and ro

manner, regardless of your location... or your emotions. It doesn't shine as aggressively or

ace is dimly lit, and terrible music blares in the background. The lyrics consist mainly of curse words. Her friends

ed, and she has a tight expression as some guy next to her speaks. Frey is next to M

ce a hand on Frey'

ing and beams at me with a bright smile, but her gre

r?" I also sent her what Milla calls "book money" so I don't come o

laughs. "Are you her

at's a wise idea. I'm h

er head. "Oh he

shifts to the g

introduces. "Jerry, meet

Frey has someone to walk with. I don't care what college officials say about the safety of the ar

. "It's time to

to drive me b

m your chauffeur," I say

my side, and I feel a dryness in my mouth. She's a bit sweaty and has the scent of al

feelings coursing through my body. Milla would never have asked me to take he

es. They all seem to want hugs and confused goodbyes as she departs. They likel

e form pressed against my side. Quietly reciting the Lord's Prayer-which isn't distracting me-

her fingers along the leather seats and dash

rn sharpens my voice. "Do you

les. "No.

ever forget that incident in college when a grou

now where

lable to help. At first, she was quite apologetic but then expressed her gratitude profusely. She treated me and Milla to a quick chicken and veggie stir-fry for dinner. I

ches. "I thought ma

ries build up. Each one stands apart,

ft sound and c

nwell," I say, navigating the c

hrow up in your car. I

about the car. I'm

ed to feel different turning twenty-one, b

were you hop

? With a clear understanding

t?" Maybe I can

again. "I wish

y washes over me-Frey lost her

sh I had someone who loves me as I am,"

efeat in her tone. Normally bright, Frey would never

r voice conv

ep

Aren't you suppo

hy is

you for money and things? So you're just n

hat's keeping her steady. I recall how flustered she felt when I gifted her a modest garnet anklet for her birthday t

r you to be wealthy," she says, trying

ant my money a

never be that superficial. I'm

me, but her drunken laug

r. "They radiate kindness." Her gentle voice is sincere. "You possess

el valued. She regards me as though I'm flawless merely for being myself, not for my wealth or my father's status. She has neve

a shiver through my heart, then leans

ntil I carry her i