Worth the Challenge (Worth It 3)

“Try something else,” he suggested, pointing at the variety of plates spread out before them. “There’s plenty. Take your pick, whatever appeals to you.”

Could she tell him he appealed to her?

Doubtful. Like she was brave enough to say such a thing.

Ella glanced across the table, saw that Tessa was furiously texting on her cell, not paying them any mind. She spooned up a few items, most of them so pretty she was almost afraid to eat them. They were beautiful and so little, the key word being little.

No wonder Rhett didn’t care for the restaurant. It was expensive and the servings were small.

Of course, maybe this sort of restaurant was perfect for her. Then she wouldn’t make a fool of herself looking like a glutton, piling her plate with food. She was starving and worn out. Even vaguely uncomfortable despite enjoying the time she’d spent with Tessa.

It was Rhett. Being so close to him, especially after what happened between them a few nights ago, made her uneasy. The atmosphere was too casual, almost—again—like a date, though with a third wheel, aka Tessa.

Eyeing Rhett as discreetly as she could, she wondered what he thought of her. Had he thought of that night? Or was she already forgotten? They were going to spend a few days together alone in Hawaii and she hoped like crazy it wouldn’t be awkward.

Despite his prior bad-boy reputation, he’d acted like a true gentleman that night when he could’ve taken advantage of her. Lord knew she would’ve let him.

How much would it take to make him wild again? If only for just one night? Or a short trip to Maui…

“I have to go,” Tessa said abruptly, knocking Ella from her thoughts. “Alex just texted me. Charlotte’s not well.”

Rhett snorted. “You have to be kidding me. He can’t handle one night alone with his daughter?”

“Shush.” Tessa stood, grabbing her purse and slinging it over her shoulder. “He says she has a slight fever. I need to get home. My baby needs me.”

“Totally understandable.” Ella stood as well. “I hope she feels better soon.”

“I’m so glad we were able to spend time together.” Tessa went to Ella and embraced her, giving her a quick hug. “I had fun.”

“So did I.” Ella released her tentative hold on Tessa, touched that she was so kind, that she truly seemed to enjoy their spending time together.

She wished for the opportunity to hang out with Tessa again, though that was highly unlikely.

They all said their goodbyes, Tessa got Rhett to promise he would send her a postcard from Maui and then she left the restaurant in a hurry. The moment Tessa was gone, Rhett looked at Ella expectantly. “Still want to finish this dinner?”

“We should.” She sat, realized that most of the food was gone already and she’d hardly touched it. Who’d eaten it all?

“Yeah, but do you want to?” He settled in beside her once more and she realized they must look like a couple, sitting next to each other instead of on either side of the table. As if they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, which was so far from the truth, it wasn’t even funny.

“Um…” This sort of food wasn’t her style. It was good, but the portions were small and when food that she couldn’t recognize was involved, that freaked her out a little bit.

“Let’s get out of here.” He smiled and shook his head. “I’ve never really liked this restaurant.”

She watched in astonishment as he pulled out his wallet and quickly threw down two one-hundred-dollar bills onto the table, followed without hesitation as he led her out of the restaurant and out into the bustling night. People swarmed the sidewalks, passing them by with such speed she pressed herself against the front of the building, not wanting to get trampled.

“Are you still hungry?” he asked.

Ella burst out laughing. “You want the polite answer or the honest answer?”

“Definitely the honest answer.”

She remained silent for a moment, though a faint smile still curled her lips. “I’m still hungry.”

Rhett grinned. “Then let’s go. I know the perfect place.”

He liked her laugh. She didn’t ho

ld back. Let it burst forth in all of its joyful glory. He’d been stunned when he first saw her, her transformation was that dramatic. New hairstyle, new clothing, she wore makeup…