I freeze in mid-step. The blood in my veins turns cold. “What’s wrong?”
“Do you remember a case that made the national news about a real estate developer and his son who defrauded a bunch of people out of their retirements and straight-up sold fake timeshares to poor suckers.”
“Yeah.” Come to think of it, I watched a TV mini-series and listened to a podcast about it. I clutch my phone more tightly. “What does this have to do with Tina?”
“Do you happen to know her last name?”
I scoff at the question, though I’m embarrassed to admit I have to rack my brain for a moment before I land on it. I’m falling for the woman, for fuck’s sake. I’m married to her. You think her last name would be on the tip of my tongue.
“It’s Dillon.”
“And what was the father-son duo’s last name.”
It’s like a punch to the gut. “They’re her dad and brother.”
“That’s right.”
“Poor Tina.” I clench my eyes shut. I thought it was bad having a girl I once knew in high school try to swindle me out of some prize winnings.
I can only imagine what it’s like having your own family be guilty of such a crime.
My eyes fly open, suddenly, as my suspicion is piqued. “Why are you telling me all of this?”
“Well, sir,” R.J. says, clearing his throat. “While there may not have been enough evidence to implicate her or her mother, there does seem to be a cloud of suspicion around them. A series of unpaid debts and the threat of bankruptcy.”
“You’re saying you think Tina is trying to get her hands on my money.”
“I just want to protect your assets, sir. It’s my job.”
“It is. But you don’t have to worry about Tina. I trust her.”
“You hardly know her. You just met.”
“I know her,” I say seriously, giving no room for argument. “And she wouldn’t do that. She’s asked for nothing from me.”
Hell, she even insisted on paying for our round of golf and lunch at the club yesterday.
“I owe it to her to talk with her about this without jumping to conclusions.”
I know one night in bed after knowing each other for forty-eight hours doesn’t mean we’re destined for forever.
But how will we know if we are if I don’t fight to give us a chance?
There’s a slight pause. “Well, sir, that might be a bit of a problem.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because Ms. Dillon just signed the annulment papers and left them with me.”
“Is she still there?” I ask, panic lancing my heart.
“She said she was going to take an earlier flight home.” He clears his throat. “I’m sorry, sir, but she already left for the airport.”
EIGHT
TINA
“Do you need help with your luggage, ma’am?”
