Worth the Challenge by Karen Erickson Page A

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. But 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.
    “Rather vivid imagination you have now, don’t you?” Rhett chuckled. He sat at a table in the bar of a small trendy restaurant downtown. Tessa had a preference for the Asian fusion place, though it really wasn’t his style. The décor was minimalist, the seating scant and the menu was more on the experimental side.
    Which translated to extremely small portions that cost way too much money. He usually left restaurants like this still hungry. Considering his past habits, he’d probably grab a slice of pizza before he headed home.
    “Don’t keep my wife long,” Alex growled into the phone, making Rhett smile. He enjoyed riling Alex up when it came to Tessa. He loved that woman with his heart and soul and had no problem showing it. “You owe me.”
    “I’ll ship you home a pineapple from Hawaii,” Rhett joked, earning a loud click for his sarcastic offer.
    His brother had hung up on him, though he knew not to take offense. Just some good old-fashioned ribbing, he was thankful they could joke and feel easy with each other once more.
    He wished he could get that back with Hunter. Not that he every really had it…
    “There you are!”
    Tessa’s familiar voice