Worth the Challenge by Karen Erickson

confines of the car.
    Tessa Worth.
    “Hi.” She smiled warmly and held out a slender hand once Ella settled herself in her seat. “I’m Tessa.”
    “Ella.” She took her hand, gave it a firm shake.
    “Cute nickname.” Her dark brown eyes were friendly. “I take it you don’t like to shop?”
    “I loathe it,” Ella said vehemently.
    Tessa laughed and shook her head, the giant gold hoops in her ears swinging with the movement. “I promise I won’t torture you. There’s one store in particular I want to take you to. I think you’ll love it.”
    “I hope it’s nothing too crazy. My style is fairly—basic.” Understatement of the year. She was a drab nothing compared to the glamorous—and deceptively simple—outfit Tessa wore. Chic blue-and-white-striped top and expensive-looking jeans, a variety of gold bracelets dangling from her wrists and a giant diamond twinkling on her ring finger, she was the epitome of the young, rich society wife.
    “I agree,” Tessa said, her gaze narrowed as she contemplated Ella. “Simple is a good look on you. Too much would overwhelm your delicate features.”
    Ella’s mouth popped open at the unexpected compliment. “Um, thank you?”
    Tessa cocked her head, her gaze assessing but definitely not judgmental. “You’re not used to this sort of scrutiny, are you?”
    “Not at all.” Ella shook her head. “I still don’t understand why you’re taking me shopping. I’m sure you have better things to do.”
    “Trust me. I need this as much as you do.” Tessa leaned in close. “Do you want to know why I’m doing this?”
    “I think so. Maybe?” Dread swept down her spine as she waited for Tessa’s explanation.
    “Rhett called me this morning asking for advice. He was worried about you. Afraid you were lonely, cooped up in your hotel room all weekend. So he thought you might enjoy going out for a bit.”
    “W-why should Rhett Worth care if I’m lonely or not?” The realization startled her. That he actually called his sister-in-law seeking advice, voicing his concerns about her? When she was just a woman he hired, a woman who had minimal experience and a lot to prove?
    It stunned her.
    Okay fine, there was also that kiss but it had been so brief, he probably forgot all about it. Just like she had.
    Or so she tried to convince herself.
    “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