Worth the Challenge by Karen Erickson Page B

rang out and he turned to see her gliding toward him, a giant smile lighting her face, her eyes sparkling with pleasure. She wrapped him up in a bear hug the moment he stood and he had no choice but to embrace her briefly before she settled in the seat across from him.
    “Sorry to keep you waiting.” She took a sip from the glass of water that sat in front of her on the table. “I’m starving.”
    Good luck with that at this restaurant. “Where’s Gabriella?”
    Tessa smiled mischievously. “In the bathroom. She said she wanted to wash up.” She paused for a moment, her gaze direct. “I think she’s afraid to see you.”
    Rhett frowned. “Why do you say that?”
    “What’s really going on with you two?” Tessa cut right to the chase. “You don’t ask me to take just anyone shopping. You’ve never made any sort of request like this, ever. Is she special to you?”
    “She works for us, Tessa. That’s it.” He said each word slowly, as if trying to convince her there was nothing more to it.
    More like trying to convince himself.
    “Mmm-hmm, well. She seemed awfully worried about what you might think of her purchases.”
    Rhett frowned. “What do you mean?”
    “I mean that we bought her a ton of stuff, but don’t worry. We didn’t spend a lot of money. I think she needed it though, the poor thing. I thought her father was some famous, renowned perfumer.”
    “He is. But he hasn’t worked regularly in years.” Didn’t sound like Michel Durand managed his money well either. “And she shouldn’t worry about how much anything costs.”
    “Well, I don’t think she likes a lot of attention, so don’t make much of a fuss when you see her, okay? It’ll make her uncomfortable. And she’s such a sweet thing, very shy, though. I really like her, Rhett. Too bad you don’t feel anything for her beyond the work relationship.”
    He nearly choked on his drink. “What the hell are you talking about?” It was as if Tessa was purposely trying to provoke him, shock him, whatever. Every single thing she said, he couldn’t help but answer with a question.
    Realization dawned. He was being defensive, like he had something to hide.
    And he didn’t like it.
    “I could see myself spending more time with her, like she could really be my friend. I adore Gracie, but she’s so busy with work and the baby and Hunter. I never get to see her.” Tessa mock pouted. “You need a girlfriend, Rhett. So I can have someone in the family to hang out with. Gracie’s been complaining too.”
    Jesus, now his sisters-in-law were going to gang up on him and get him to fall into the same hopeless trap his brothers had? Maybe meeting the women for dinner hadn’t been such a good idea after all.
    But he couldn’t squash the curiosity that had consumed him since the moment he knew Tessa and Gabriella were together shopping. He had to see Gabriella one more time, before they left in the morning for Maui.
    “Uh-oh. Don’t look now, but here she comes.” Tessa sent him a beseeching look. “Don’t make a big deal about her, okay? She might freak.”
    “You make her sound like some skittish wild animal that’ll bolt and run the first time someone lays eyes on her.” He stood, following Tessa’s lead, watched as she moved away from the table to greet Gabriella personally.
    Turning, he saw Tessa stop in front of Gabriella and grasp her by the shoulders, giving her a little shake. The two women laughed, the sound warming his insides, warming his soul, and he waited expectantly to see her.
    And when Tessa finally stepped away from Gabriella, giving him a clear view, he nearly swallowed his tongue whole.

Chapter Seven
    Ella’s entire body trembled as she walked toward Rhett. Having Tessa by her side was little reassurance, especially when she caught sight of Rhett’s face.
    He looked like he was at a complete loss for words—and she doubted that had ever happened. Mouth slightly agape, blue eyes wide, his big body still as