Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Mila’s eyes narrowed, and Arch waited, wondering if his actor’s training had made his half lie—that Tessa would go as his caregiver rather than his lover—sound convincing. But it was one hundred percent true that he wanted to buy Tessa the most gorgeous gown in the world, so she would see what he already saw—that she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
“That’s nice of you,” Damien said.
“You want to buy an expensive dress and shoes for Tessa,” Mila repeated.
He nodded. “So she fits in on the red carpet. And also to say thank you for all she’s done to help me heal this well and this quickly.” Arch braced himself for some snarky comment from his sister.
A mischievous look danced across Mila’s face, but to Arch’s surprise, she simply said, “Sure. You’ll have to find out her dress and shoe size, but an afternoon spending your money? I could happily do that.”
Arch thanked her. He didn’t want Tessa going thrifting when she didn’t have to, even though she always looked great, whatever she wore.
He had loved watching her at breakfast, admiring the ease with which she fit into his boisterous family. She got along so well with everyone, just as he’d known she would.
The only thing that he hadn’t loved was her sitting by his side pretending she was just his caregiver. How badly he had wanted to blow their cover and let everyone know that she was his woman and that he cared deeply about her. It was a surprise to him how strongly he felt this urge to tell his family—and the whole wide world—just how deeply he cared. He’d brought home two women in his entire life, at their insistence, even though he always preferred to keep his romantic life private.
But now he felt exactly the opposite.
He wanted to stand up and announce to one and all that he was smitten. That Tessa had stolen his heart from the moment he’d first seen her. And that as each day passed, he’d fallen harder and harder for her.
He was so proud of Tessa. She was beautiful, caring, great at her job, and also an incredibly talented painter. What’s more, she had no idea how special she was.
So far, they’d had only one date and spent one smoking-hot night and morning together, but he already wanted more. Way more.
But for the first time in his life, he wasn’t sure what to do to get it. Tessa wasn’t like any other woman he’d been with. She was vulnerable and, at the same time, strong as steel. He didn’t want to lose her by rushing in like a bulldozer and overwhelming her. She’d had a bad enough time with her husband without Arch accidentally screwing things up.
Dishes done and the kitchen set to rights, he rejoined the rest of the family. Most of them were ready to leave and get on with their day.
“Thank you so much for having me,” Tessa said to his parents. “It was a delicious breakfast. And the warmth of your family was wonderful to be a part of too.”
Howard enfolded Tessa in one of his legendary bear hugs. “You’re welcome to our family breakfast anytime, Tessa, even when you’re not looking after Arch anymore.”
Arch could see that Tessa was really touched, and the urge to take her hand and tell her how much he wanted her to be part of his family was nearly overwhelming.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Betsy closed the door behind Arch and Tessa and walked back to the rest of her family, who were still chattering away, despite making plans to leave ten minutes ago. In the living room, Mila was holding court.
“Could you see how hard they were trying to be casual?” Mila flicked back her long blond hair.
Erin didn’t say anything, but her lips curved in a smile.
“You’re talking about Archer and Tessa, I assume,” Betsy said, though it was obvious.
“Of course they are,” Damien said, rolling his eyes. “No wonder the poor guy never brings a woman home.”
Mila ignored her brother. “They might as well have worn matching neon-pink signs saying, ‘I want you and I need you now.’” She flashed a cheeky smile as she quoted one of his songs. “Surely even you can see that.”
Damien held up his hands in mock defense. “Hey, I’ve been away. I don’t know what’s been happening. To me, they just looked like two people who work together and like each other.”
At that, Howie let out a chuckle. “Come on, son. Even I can see that those two have chemistry.” He put an arm around Betsy. “Kind of reminds me of when we first met and were trying to hide our feelings and play it cool.”
“How did they even meet?” Damien asked.
“You really have been away a long time. It’s a good story,” Betsy said. “Want some more coffee before I tell you?”