Page 52 of Tangled in Temptation

“You love him,” she stated.

I sighed, a mixture of frustration and resignation. “Maybe you’re right. But it doesn’t matter. It’s over. I effectively ended it. I made it very clear I’m not going to chase after him. I’m not going to compete for him. I shouldn’t have to.”

Amber tilted her head, studying me. “You don’t have to compete for him. That’s not what love is about.”

“But that’s what it feels like with Regina always looming in the background,” I said, my voice cracking slightly. “I feel like I’m in a race I didn’t sign up for.”

“Races have finish lines,” Amber said softly. “This isn’t about racing or competing or coming first or last. This is about Timothy and you. And how you feel about each other.”

“I just...” I hesitated, my gaze drawn to the window. “She’s like the prize horse. Everyone is betting on her to win. I’m the mutt with a shitty jockey.”

“She’s not the prize horse,” Amber cut me off, leaning forward in her chair. Her tone was soft, but there was an intensity in her gaze that held mine. “She might have grown up with a silver spoon in her mouth, but that doesn’t make her any better or worse than you. And Timothy isn’t some prize to be won. He’s a person, with real feelings and emotions.”

“I know,” I murmured, picking at the edge of the table. “It just feels like, well, you know.”

“Like you’re not enough?” she finished for me.

I snapped my head up and locked eyes with her. Even though I hadn’t said the words myself, hearing them aloud was like a punch to my gut. “Yeah,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know how to live in his world. When I went to that hotel room, I was certain they were going to kick me out. I expected the concierge to see right through me and ban me from the place.”

Amber reached across the table and took my hands in hers. Her eyes were soft, filled with understanding. “Honey, that’s not fair to you. You are more than enough. You’re smart, kind, and hardworking, and you deserve someone who sees that. I think you might be projecting your insecurities, though. Just because you feel all those things doesn’t mean that’s what he’s thinking.”

“What if he’s the only one I want?” I asked. “That guy, Luke. My dad is pushing us together. And Luke isn’t a bad guy. He should be the man I want to be with. He’s more my speed.”

She laughed. “Like I said before, the heart wants what it wants.”

“My heart is broken,” I muttered. “In more ways than one.”

Amber studied me for a moment before speaking. “Are you still going to the gala?”

I shook my head. “No. I figured the invitation was rescinded after all our fights. It would be ridiculous to show up there.”

Amber raised an eyebrow. “Maybe you should clear the air with Timothy. Lay everything out on the table. Tell him how you feel.”

I scoffed. “And what? Beg for another chance? I can’t do that. I won’t. I told you, I’m not interested in begging anyone.”

Amber’s expression softened. “Catherine, it’s not about begging. It’s about being honest with yourself and with him. Maybe he doesn’t even know how deeply you feel.”

I sighed, feeling the weight of her words sinking in. “I just don’t know if I can.”

Amber leaned in, her voice gentle. “You have to try. You owe it to yourself, and you owe it to Timothy.”

I nodded, grateful for her support. “You’re right. Maybe I should talk to him. He does keep asking if I’m serious about him.”

“That’s because he wants to know if he should fight for you,” she said.

“I can’t answer that for him. If he wants to fight, he’ll fight. And he’s the only one that can fight.” I said.

“Good. And you know what? Maybe he’s not my favorite person right now, but I can see you’re in love with him. Don’t let pride get in the way of what could be something beautiful.”

“You’re so sure of it, aren’t you?” I asked.

“I’ve seen the way you talk about him, Catherine,” she replied. “I’m not saying that it’s easy. I’m just saying that love is worth the leap.”

“I’m afraid I’ll crash if I leap,” I admitted in a low voice.

“You won’t know till you try,” she said simply. “And if he hurts you again, we’ll sic Luke and Tristan on him.”

I laughed. “I’m not sure that’s the right way to go about it.”