"I can practically hear her already." Tessa's tone grew sarcastic, like she was mimicking someone else. "Oh, there Tessa is, dating a super-rich guy, and she drainedmybank account? If she wassodesperate, why didn't she borrow money fromhim?"
The thought of Tessa being desperate for anything settled like a rock in my stomach. Still, I kept my tone level to clarify, "Him meaning me."
"Right. And just so you know, that's not a hint for a loan or anything."
"You wouldn't need to hint," I said. "If there's something you need, just let me know."
"Oh, God," she groaned. "So youdothink I'm hinting?"
"No. But I'm offering just the same."
She gave a shaky laugh. "Trust me, I'm not looking for a loan."
"Then we'll call it a gift."
"Oh, stop," she said. "You're missing the point."
"Which is…?"
"Delaney's gonna hate me already. I don't dare make it worse."
"Exceptyouweren't the one who drained her account."
"Yeah, I know. But for all Delaney knows, I put Mom up to it." She sighed. "And don't get me started on the trip to Paris."
"Wait…you went to Paris?"
"No, not me. My mom. And she used Delaney's money to do it."
Holy shit. "And Delaney doesn't know?"
"Honestly, I have no idea. But when shedoesfind out, it'll be ten times worse if she also hears I'm datingyou, which could happen at any time if we're all lovey-dovey in public, and she talks to Maisie."
Forget lovey-dovey.The logic didn't add up. "But you said they haven't spoken in months."
"Right. But for all I know, they'll touch base tomorrow, and the last thing I need is for Maisie to say something about us dating before I catch Delaney myself."
The solution seemed simple. "So ask Maisie to keep it quiet."
"I can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Because it's not fair to Maisie. I can't ask her to lie for me." She hesitated. "And even if I did ask, I'm not sure she would. She and Delaney have been friends for ages. And besides, it wouldn't be right."
That kind of integrity was rare, and I couldn't help but admire it, even as the selfish bastard in me asked, "So you'd rather sneak around?"
"No. I'd rathernotsneak around – or makeyousneak around – which was why I suggested the break." But then, more softly she added, "Even though I hated the idea."
That settled it. "Screw the break."
She went quiet for a long beat before asking, "What do you mean?"
"I'd rather sneak than lose what we have."
Her voice grew hopeful. "You would?"
"Yeah. Is that such a surprise?"
