The Love Trilogy: Room For Love / An A To Z Of Love / Summer Of Love. Sophie Pembroke

the room. “Because you’re trying to save our home. And we want to help you.”

      Which made sense, she supposed. It was just... “This was going to be my big chance to do something by myself. To prove myself.” To Anna, to her father. To herself.

      “And even better than that, you get to do it with friends.” Nate nudged closer, just a few centimetres, but enough to bring his lips within her reach if she just bent her neck forward. “Seriously, though. Why does it matter to you so much that you do this alone?”

      “Because no one believes that I can,” Carrie said, wishing that didn’t sound so stubborn and belligerent.

      “So you’re in this to prove people wrong?” Nate’s eyebrows rose, crinkling up his forehead.

      “More to prove myself right. I’ve never really done that before.” It felt almost embarrassing to admit.

      “Proved yourself right, or done something alone?” Nate asked.

      “Both, really.” She sighed, and Nate’s arm came a little further around her, holding her almost against his chest. The few centimetres between them were ceasing to matter altogether. “Uncle Patrick got me my first job, with Anna. Ruth got me my first—and only—real long-term boyfriend. And Dad… Dad just smoothed my way through life, ever since I was five and my mum walked out on us and never looked back. It was like he thought I shouldn’t have to suffer anything else, ever.”