Sasha: The Awakening (The Wallflower Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

of one on one time together.”
    As he took a seat, she asked, “What is it exactly that you’re expected to do there?”
    Carter grimaced slightly, “Well, if I am to be frank: kissing ass. I am required by my company to be there and…try to befriend the head marketing manager for future business opportunities and a potential partnership.”
    Sasha frowned at that slightly. “I’m sorry to hear that. But, you seem to be a very approachable and friendly individual. I’m sure you’ll have no problem getting and keeping their attention.”
    “Most definitely. Especially with you as my date. I’ll grab all their attention.” He flirted.
    Laughing self-consciously, Sasha deemed it best to change the subject. Despite her previous doubts, their date continued in good spirits. Conversation easily flowed between them, a continuation from their previous encounter.
    “You mentioned on our last date that you were worried about your friend…Diana wasn’t it?”
    “Dina.” Sasha corrected.
    “Did you hear from her yet?”
    Touched by his concern, Sasha smiled warmly. “No, unfortunately, I haven’t. But I’d really rather not push too much into her personal life by calling constantly. Especially with the time difference. Apparently she has found an amazing opportunity in Italy and won’t be returning ‘til she takes full advantage of it.”
    Carter was silent for a while, contemplating this. “What took her to Italy of all places?”
    “Well, she got the offer from her job as a curator. Unfortunately, she had to choose between Italy and her life and relationships here.”
    “Oh, like you and her boyfriend.”
    With a sad smile, she nodded. “I miss her but I know she did what was best for her. And I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same.”
    “Yes, but unfortunately, I’ve had the same experience. That is, being forced to choose between career success and love. And I can’t say now that it was completely worth it in the end.”
    Hearing his use of the word ‘love’, Sasha was hesitant to continue the topic of conversation but mentally shrugged her worry away and decided to bite. “Really? Why not? Aren’t you doing what you’ve always wanted?”
    Carter took a drink of his wine with a nonchalant shrug. “Yes, of course I am. But at what cost? I am a man in his mid-thirties who has no family in the immediate area and no one to go home to. For most men, living the life of a bachelor is always pleasurable. I guess I am the exception in that I haven’t found it to be that enjoyable anymore.”
    He leaned over the table, his hands reaching out to take hers within their grasp as he continued softly, “I can see within you the same drive I had when I was your age. This tenacity to succeed and have everything we were deprived of as children. But, when I remember the love within my parents’ eyes when they looked at each other, I am continually reminded that despite the financial difficulties they may have had to overcome, they had one another to fulfill any supposed gaps the lack of money may have caused. For them, life has been enjoyable despite its hardships. Can you honestly say that reaching the peak of your success will fulfill everything you have ever wanted? What is your heart’s truest desire? And don’t let logic be the determining factor.”
    Sasha was at a loss for words with the sheer sincerity in his voice as she met his unfaltering gaze. Her immediate thoughts were ones she couldn’t delve deeper into out of fear.
    “What if what I want…would end up hurting me?”
    Releasing her hands and sitting back in his seat, Carter raised a brow and asked, “Will it really? Or is that what you are telling yourself so as not to face desiring it?”
    Still not ready to answer, she turned the question back to him. “What about you though? What is your deepest desire?”
    He answered immediately, without a second of hesitation. “Love and family.”
    “I wanted that one day. But…sometimes it’s best