“Correct, but it also would’ve been a lot to add to my already full plate. The offer was validating though. Someone thought I did well. That partner was older and he reminded me of Aunt Tilly.” I abandoned the wood grain and took up the paper clasp from around my napkin and silverware, folding and unfolding it. I’ve never discussed Lyle or my past with anyone, and somehow it all slipped out with Teller. “Lyle always complimented me, but instead of just telling me how talented I was, he would allude to the training. He’d ask where I learned to make the bagels or marshmallows, and at first I was embarrassed to tell him YouTube or some social media video, but he’d only nod and quiz me on how many attempts it took to nail a technique.”
“Would you have taken that contract if you’d had encouragement for your ex?” he asked.
“Maybe.” I had researched commercial kitchens I could rent and any certifications and licenses I might need to bake in my home. I’d more than speculated on how I would do it. “Yes. I would’ve. One of my jobs would’ve had to go. Then I could’ve started a cupcake or cookie side hustle.”
“It wouldn’t have been a side hustle.”
What would it have been like? To have the unyielding support from my partner that Teller had been giving me? I couldn’t wrap my mind around it, yet at the same time I could. Because of him. He’d seen me at my lowest and it didn’t matter.
He made me think—he made me believe—there could be more for me. Even more, he wanted it for me. A girl could get used to that.
Our food arrived, and I grinned as Teller’s gaze darted all over the charcuterie board like he was looking for the rest of the meal. Once the server left after topping off our water, I leaned forward and whispered, “Don’t worry, we’ll get steak after this.”
Madison
“Be honest,” Teller said, pushing his plate away. “How is it?”
I finished chewing my last bite of steak. I wasn’t sure if I had room in my stomach for the last swallow, but I’d rally. “It’s good.”
The restaurant only had a few couples remaining in the dining areas. We’d eaten at Stella’s Sweets, then bought a dozen different baked goods to bring back with us before going to a steak house Teller had picked out.
It was the fanciest place I’d ever been in. I might’ve started the night feeling like I was dressed nicely, but it turned out my style was everyone else’s standard. The women in the restaurant had worn anything from leggings to power suits to slacks, paired with sheer silk shirts or some other blouse that was nicer than any I owned. The dresses had left me slack-jawed. The summer dresses had been just as pretty as the wrap and cocktail dresses.
Teller strode in with his jeans and cowboy boots like he was wearing a tux. He might literally be the richest guy in the place and no one would know. So, if he didn’t care, I tried not to. When he looked at me, I glowed like a fairytale princess I’d read about as a kid.
“Just good?” he asked. “Or are you placating me?”
I stacked my plate on his and set our silverware on top. I’d adopted the habit after waiting tables in college. “Did I miss something? Are they serving Bailey beef, or did you sneak back there and grill the steaks yourself?” He’d never left the table.
“No to both, but I don’t want to impress you with a night out only to take you somewhere with mediocre food.”
“Didn’t you like yours?”
“I did. Did you?”
His concern was etched around his eyes, and dammit, it was endearing. My pleasure was his pleasure. “Yes. It was excellent, but I hate to admit...” The creases at the corners of his eyes deepened. “I’ll take your mom’s beef any day.”
He grinned as relief passed through his eyes. “That’s a given, Mads.”
I chuckled and took a drink of my ice water.
A couple turned the corner from the other seating area at the back of the place and the lemon in my water turned extra sour. I didn’t recognize the guy dressed in a charcoal suit with a little gray at his temples. Hanging on his arm was a redhead in a low-cut dress that would have made Beth Dutton onYellowstoneblush. Riley Graves.
My expression must’ve changed. Teller’s gaze shot in the same direction. He sat back, clearing his throat.
Riley spotted me. The smile fell off her red, expertly painted lips. The corner of her mouth curled into a sneer until her gaze slid toward Teller. Then her jaw fell open and a small gasp escaped.
“Teller.” She stopped, and the older man with her frowned, glancing back and forth between us. “Do you feel obligated because she paid fifty-five thousand for you?”
A jolt rammed through me. I’d forgotten that we’d actually bid higher than the fifty grand I’d had to my name. The shame of being unable to afford the full bid roared back until I was breathing through a wet rag.
“I’m having a nice night out with my girlfriend, Riley,” Teller said evenly. “If you can’t be nice, you can keep walking.”
Her eyes bulged. “Girlfriend?” She let out a bitter laugh. “Oh my god, are you and Wendi just exchanging partners?”
“You’ll have to ask Wendi,” I said silkily, “since you’re the one who covered for her during her affair with my husband.”
The man with Riley arched a brow.
