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

to just realize that not everyone can be gifted with love and family. I’ve accepted the absence of it in my life-or at least, I may not have love in the exact way I would have wanted but it exists in other forms. Like friendship. I shouldn’t be greedy.”
    Carter noticed that as she spoke, it was as if she was speaking to herself. Her gaze had wandered off and her hands shook slightly. Before he could stop himself, he asked,
    “Who was it?”
    Knowing of whom he referred, Sasha merely shook her head and wiped at her eyes before the tears could fall. “No one. Just life.”
    He smiled at her attempt to keep the subject of her hurt secret. “I admire you, Sasha.” When she only gazed questioningly at him, Carter continued, “It’s because of how much you’ve been through. You may not have stated the exact details but I know growing up in the system wasn’t easy. And yet, look at all you have accomplished. Look at how far you’ve come. I can’t say the same being from the normal nuclear family. We may have been low middle-class but I never exactly wanted for much.  And now, I don’t have to worry about money.” He harrumphed and smiled to himself. “Yeah, you are one special woman.”
    Feeling a blush rising to her cheeks she cleared her throat and shook her head. “No, I am not. But, thank you for saying as much.”
    Knowing it was best not to argue the point, Carter accepted her response. “Well, if we are going to make it on time, we should go soon.”
     
    When they arrived at the site, Sasha felt anxious. Networking events sill weren’t her strong suit despite her going as merely a date. She looked over to Carter and found him smiling at her in assurance before opening the driver seat and circumventing the car to assist her. His manners were still a welcomed surprise.
    “Sorry we had to leave your car in the parking lot. Invite only event,” he grimaced.
    “No worries,” she whispered back to him as the valet drove off in his sports car. It was neither ostentatious nor plain but classic with its sleek lines and clear coating. While not a car connoisseur, Sasha could recognize an expensive and dependable vehicle when she saw one. It was truly a reflection of its owner. Carter, she had come to find, while he made no qualms about his financial success, was still every bit the down-to-earth man of his modest upbringing. He could easily traverse the snooty parties his job required but felt more at home at the backyard barbeques he grew up with as a child.
    Listening to him speak of his childhood, Sasha felt a connection to him despite the obvious differences. When she had told him about growing up within the foster care system on their first date, she was taken aback by his response. There were no signs of pity as she had often faced but respect. His recent words of praise had felt uncomfortable because she had rarely had them said to her. The confidence she had nurtured for the past several years had been self-imposed. She had learned to face the lack of recognition head on, to not let it falter her belief in herself. But for the first time, someone had acknowledged her fight for her.
    And she had been left speechless.
    “Now, this is meant to be a somewhat casual event, so don’t feel any pressure.” Her right hand was tucked into the crease of his elbow as they walked. While Carter was of average height, she was still thankful for the heels she wore to make up the difference.
    “Oh don’t worry about me. I feel more nervous for you. Networking takes a social awareness I am not too skilled at analyzing.”
    Carter laughed. “You’ll do fine. Just be you. The key is to never over-analyze. You end up being your own worst enemy that way.”
    When they entered the garden, Sasha saw people scattered around, a spewing fountain in the center of the large courtyard. Rushing amongst the guests were ushers dressed in red vests, plates of snacks and refreshments held carefully on their fingertips. The