Morgan nearly choked on her water. “Tessa!”
“What? It’s a legitimate question. The mysterious ones are either spectacular in bed or compensating for something. So which is it?”
Despite herself, Morgan blushed. “Let’s just say I have no complaints.”
“I knew it!” Tessa’s triumphant grin faded into something more serious. “But that’s not all that’s happened, is it? You’ve got that look.”
Morgan hesitated, then filled Tessa in on the break-in, carefully navigating around certain details about Archer that weren’t hers to share.
“Someone dressed like him broke in?” Tessa’s expression shifted from shock to suspicion. “That’s beyond creepy. Are you sure it wasn’t—”
“It wasn’t Archer,” Morgan stated firmly. “He was with me the entire day.”
Tessa held up her hands in surrender. “Had to ask. This whole situation is bizarre, Morgan. First you get framed for fraud, then someone breaks into your apartment dressed like your mysterious and wealthy boyfriend..."
“Wait, how do you know he’s wealthy?”
“Did I say wealthy?” Her comically shocked face was a clear indicator she’d done something she shouldn’t have.
“Did you have your contacts find out who Archer is?” She should have been annoyed, but she knew it was out of love. Tessa was always looking out for others.
“I wouldn’t say that, but if I did, I’d definitely approve.”
“Tessa! You’re unbelievable!”
“I’m not saying anything, you keep your mystery until he decides to share, my lips are sealed.”
Morgan shook her head, wishing she was angry, but knowing it was futile when it came to Tessa, she always got what she wanted, but Tessa would keep it a secret if that was what she wanted, and even though another person knew who Archer really was, her love could survive the wait.
“Speaking of bizarre situations,” Tessa switched topics, lowering her voice, “Jason has been blowing up my phone all weekend.”
Morgan froze. “Jason? Why would he contact you?”
“Apparently, he’s desperate to talk to you since you blocked his number. Claims he’s been ‘misunderstood’ and needs to explain himself.” Tessa rolled her eyes dramatically. “He’s shown up at my apartment twice, even bringing flowers the second time. It was pathetic.”
“What exactly did he say?” Morgan asked, a strange feeling settling in her stomach.
“That’s the weird part. He kept saying he was pressured into behaving that way with you. That someone threatened his job if he didn’t keep some wealthy client happy.” Tessa leaned forward. “He actually claimed that one of the higher ups forced him to woo that woman in the restaurant or he’d lose his job.” She scoffed, “Yeah right!”
Morgan’s thoughts raced, connections forming that she didn’t want to acknowledge. “Did he say who supposedly threatened him?”
“Some higher-up at his company. I didn’t ask for details because, frankly, I don’t believe him. Classic narcissist move—blame anyone but yourself.” Tessa took a sip of her water. “Though he did seem genuine in wanting to apologize. Men! Never know what a good thing they have till it’s gone!”
The waiter arrived with their lunch order she’d placed for them both, giving Morgan a moment to process this information. Jason claimed he was pressured to keep some other woman entertained. Someone threatened his job. A break-in by someone dressed like Archer.
“You’ve gone quiet,” Tessa observed. “You don’t actually believe the rat, do you?”
“I don’t know what to believe anymore,” Morgan admitted. “Everything’s happening so fast—the suspension, meeting Archer, now this..."
“Speaking of your caped crusader, is it getting serious? You’ve been seeing him, what, a week now?”
“Ten days,” Morgan corrected automatically. “And yes, I think it is. He invited me to a charity dinner on Friday.”
Tessa’s eyebrows shot up. “A public event? With the helmet?”
“I assume without it.” Morgan hesitated. “At least, I hope so.”
“So you’ll finally see his face? That’s a big step. Which I have to say is a first,” Tessa laughed, “Usually that’s the easiest part!”
