“Hey,” he said. “I think I might have screwed up.”
“Well, that’s the nature of construction,” Logan said, assuming he meant something to do with the remodel. “I’m sure it’s nothing we can’t fix. What happened?”
“Not that.” Max waved a hand. “Did Tess not know you were a successful businessman?”
Logan tapped his pen on his palm. “Oh, um. Probably not. We haven’t really gotten around to discussing finances.”
“Hmm. Well, she seemed to be under the impression you were here, working for pennies because you had nowhere else to go. And when I set the record straight—told her you were fronting the money for this project—she seemed a little…mad.”
“Mad? Like, how mad?”
“Maybe just irritated,” Max backtracked. “Look, man. I’m sorry. I didn’t know she didn’t know. I mean, it’s not a secret, is it? I hope I didn’t say anything I shouldn’t have.”
“Not your fault,” Logan said. “It’s just a misunderstanding, but one I’m responsible for. I should probably go talk to her. Any idea where she went?”
“Eh. Said she was meeting Faith at Karla’s, but that might’ve just been an excuse to get out of here fast.”
“It’s a small town. I’m sure I can find her. Sorry to put you in an awkward spot.” He stood and grabbed his car keys. “I’ll be back soon.”
It didn’t take long before he found her Tahoe in the parking lot of the local ice cream shop. Through the window, he saw her sitting alone at a table.
He sighed. Problem-solving was his forte. What he did for a living. This shouldn’t be that hard a fix.
Opening the door, her eyes met his, and he was caught off guard by the unfamiliar and unexpected jolt that shot through him. Something deep and strong that tied him to her somehow. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say he just fell in love a little. But that couldn’t be right.
“Hey,” he said, motioning to the seat across from her.
“Hey.” She nodded to the chair, and he sat.
“Did you stand me up because you thought you’d have to pay for lunch?” he said, hoping an attempt at humor might ease the tension.
“Not funny. Why didn’t you just tell me?” She seemed more confused than irritated. “Why lead me to believe you were a construction worker bouncing around from job to job?”
“Does it matter?” he asked.
“Not really,” she huffed. “But honesty does.”
“You’re right.” He plowed a hand through his hair. “I didn’t intend to deceive you. At first, it didn’t matter because we were only acquaintances. And then, once we became friends andstarted dating, there was just never a time to bring it up without it sounding pretentious. Like, oh by the way, I make atonof money.” He ended using a haughty accent and was relieved when she smiled.
“Are you making fun of Carter?”
“No.” His smile belied the word. “But it’s funny your mind jumps to him when I say that.”
“So, you weren’t keeping it from me intentionally?” she asked. “’Cause it kinda seemed like you were.”
Busted. He should have known Tess would call him out on his crap. Wait until she found out about The Outpost deal. He’d put that off another minute. At least until after he smoothed this over.
“Maybe subconsciously.” He sighed. “I should have told you. I just…I don’t know. Money tends to make people treat you differently. And I have some trust issues. Especially with women. No offense.”
“So you were testing me?”
He shrugged. “When we first met, it was just refreshing that you didn’t seem all that into money. But once I decided to ask you out, I wanted to be sure it wasmeyou liked. And not just a fat wallet.”
Tess was pragmatic. If she looked at it rationally, she’d understand his reasoning, right? At her silence, he pushed on.
“Being rich is a blessing and a curse,” he said. “My last girlfriend broke up with me because the birthday present I gave her was ‘cheap.’ She expected lavish, and I didn’t appreciate the pressure of being obligated to buy her something just because I could. Am I making any sense? Or just sounding like a big jerk?”
Tess sighed. “No. I get it. There are women out there—men too—who put too much emphasis on wealth. I mean, in my ownway, I do it too. After my marriage blew up over money issues, I vowed I would never date anyone fiscally irresponsible. It seems petty that money has to matter, but when it comes down to it, it really does.” She took a bite of ice cream. “But, frankly, I’m more interested in honesty. And you lied.”
