“He can be very thoughtful when he puts his mind to it.” The secretive smile that curled Tessa’s lips intrigued Ella, but she decided not to question it. “He knew if he called you and made the same request as I did, you’d turn him down flat.”
“He’d be right,” Ella said without thought.
Tessa’s smile grew. “He seems to know you pretty well then.”
Ella shrugged. She didn’t want to elaborate. The dinner meeting was like a blur now, her memory hindered by the over-consumption of wine. It was better that way. Helped her forget the flirtatious banter, the looks, how she tried to throw herself at him in the back of the cab…
Best if she forgot all about that.
“You’re leaving in the morning and I’m sure there are things you’re in need of. Beachwear, a swimsuit, shorts and tank tops.” Tessa rattled off each item like a shopping list. “Do you need some personal products as well?”
Ella’s cheeks heated. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, I meant stocking up on toiletries. I’m going to assume you packed for only a few days, right?”
Ella nodded silently.
“I’ll take you to Duane Reade. You can pick up whatever you need there. They have it all,” Tessa said, referring to the drugstore chain.
“Are you sure you don’t mind doing this for me?” Ella asked, her voice small, hating that she sounded so worried, so damn needy.
It was embarrassing.
“Listen.” Tessa rested her hand on Ella’s arm, giving it a light squeeze. “I used to be you. Not so long ago either. They may be intimidating with that aura of power and wealth that emanates from all three of them, but they’re truly the kindest, most thoughtful men I know.”
A dreamy smile drifted across Tessa’s face. She spoke of her husband and his brothers so sweetly but of course, they were her family. And she was madly in love with Alex. Their story still fueled the media, what with how in love with each other they still seemed.
A stab of jealousy pierced her. To have someone love her so much, so unconditionally, she had no idea what that was like. Not even her father was that devoted to her. He preferred his garden to her though he would never admit it.
“Well, this is certainly very kind of him. Of all of them, but especially you,” Ella finally said. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Tessa patted her arm. “I have a feeling I’ll be seeing more of you anyway. Think of this as a way for us to get to know each other.”
Ella was left to ponder that mysterious statement for the rest of the car ride.
“You’re monopolizing my wife on a Sunday evening.” His big brother did not sound pleased. “Her daughter misses her mommy.”
“More like her husband misses having Mommy around to take care of their daughter,” Rhett muttered as he glanced out the window yet again. He’d been waiting at the restaurant for the last twenty minutes, nursing his now watered-down drink. Where the hell were they? “Come on down here, old man, and meet us for dinner. They haven’t shown up yet. You still have time.”
“The nanny is off for the evening.” Rhett knew they rarely used a nanny at all, Tessa preferring to take care of Charlotte’s every need. “And just so you know, they’re running late.” Oh, now Alex sounded pleased that he knew something Rhett didn’t. “It took longer than they originally planned.”
“Is Tessa enjoying herself?” Is Gabriella? He wished he could ask, but he was uncomfortable with it so avoided the unspoken question altogether.
He didn’t want Alex to make any assumptions. It was bad enough he’d put this shopping trip together. Tessa hadn’t missed a beat after he made his request earlier this morning when he called her, agreeing to take Gabriella out despite her husband’s weak protests in the background.
“She said she’s having fun, but feels bad for putting Ella through so much torture. I guess she doesn’t enjoy shopping.” Alex snorted his disbelief.
“Huh.” That was unheard of amongst the women he knew. Any one of them would’ve jumped at the chance to spend Worth money on whatever they desired.
Well, he told Tessa to phrase it so Ella would think the money came from Worth Luxury. Bu
t he was funding everything himself.
Why, he still wasn’t sure.
Because you like her, asshole.
“If Hunter catches wind of this, he’ll question you like a dogged detective with new evidence on a cold case,” Alex said.