Page 459 of Reign

The words sound more serious after I say them aloud.

“Is that what you want?” he asks.

“I think so.”

His eyes remain on mine.

I sigh and turn the laptop enough for him to see the form.

“I got an email from Evelyn. She’s sending part of her winter collection tomorrow, and she wants me to review everything and start working on companion designs. There are actual deadlines now. Meetings. She mentioned Florida again.” My words begin coming faster as the excitement returns. “I really want to focus on it and see where it goes. I don’t think I can do that properly while starting another semester.”

“Then defer it.”

I stare at him. “That’s it?”

“What else should there be?”

“I don’t know. A discussion. Concerns. A speech about finishing what I started.”

“Do you want a speech?”

“No.”

“Then I won’t give you one.”

He sets the bag near the foot of the bed and sits beside me.

“But do you think it’s stupid?” I ask. “I only have two semesters left. And if I want to open my own fashion house, abandoning a business degree feels a little irresponsible.”

“You aren’t abandoning it.”

“I’m deferring it indefinitely. That sounds suspiciously close.”

“It will still be there when you’re ready.”

“And if I’m never ready?”

“Then you don’t finish it.”

I study his face. “You really don’t think I need it?”

“I think you chose business because everyone told you it was practical.” He rests one hand against my ankle. “You’re allowed to choose what you love now.”

Something in my chest softens.

“What if this doesn’t work?”

“It will.”

“You can’t know that.”

“I know you.”

He says it with such simple certainty that I forget how to breathe for a second.

Luciano reaches over and closes the laptop halfway.

“If you decide you want those two semesters, you’ll finish them. Online, in person, here, Florida—wherever you choose. We’ll make it work.” His thumb moves once against my ankle. “But Evelyn St. Clair is offering you the opportunity you actually want. Take it.”