by Karen Pokras
“I wanted to tell you, and I tried to, several times, actually. Every time I started, something kept stopping me.”
“If you really wanted me to know, you would have found a way.”
“You’re right,” he said, looking away for a moment. “The truth is, I was afraid.”
“Of what?” she asked, studying his face. He seemed pained. Was it from sitting here with her or his admission of being scared?
Closing his eyes for a moment as if knowing he had only one chance to say the right words, he began, “When I first realized what had happened, I already knew there was something incredibly special about you. At the same time, I wasn’t completely sure how you felt about me. I was afraid if you realized I was Nicholas instead of Todd, I would never find out.”
“I don’t understand.”
He sighed. “I know this is going to sound ridiculous and probably incredibly self-centered, but as Nicholas Schilling I never know if people are really sincere when they appear to like me. Do they like me for me? Or do they like me for my money? It’s always a question that lingers in the back of my mind, and as a result, I’ve never been able to have a true relationship since becoming wealthy. My mother says I build walls.”
Tessa raised her eyebrows. You’ve got to be kidding me.
He continued, “So, when you thought I was Todd, and you still enjoyed my company, it was something I hadn’t felt since college. Something I had longed to experience. It was kind of nice being just Todd.”
“It was nice being a sixty-seven-year-old guy with high blood pressure and arthritis?”
“No, it was nice being liked as just a regular guy. Not as Nicholas Schilling, multi-millionaire. Not to sound arrogant, but I get a lot of attention from women once they find out how much money I have.”
“Yes, that does sound arrogant.”
“Told you. Yet, the sad truth is, none of those woman are worth talking to. Or if they were, I’d never know it. I’ve met so many who are only interested in me for what I have. It’s become nearly impossible for me to tell the difference anymore. I’d pretty much stopped dating all together. That’s why when you came along everything was so different. You had no idea who I was. You thought I was a financial assistant, and you liked me for me. Nothing more. That meant everything. I knew I had to tell you, but as time passed, my fear became more visceral—gut wrenching, to be honest. I knew I loved you, and how do you tell the person you love the most in this world you’ve been lying to them?”
“You just tell them,” Tessa said, feeling the sting of tears starting to appear. “Yeah, I would have been pissed, but at least I wouldn’t have been standing in front of my boss looking like an idiot, and we would have had a chance to talk things out … just the two of us.”
“I know,” he replied, tears forming in his eyes as well. “I never intended for any of that to happen at your office. Looking back, I wish I had scheduled that meeting somewhere else. I wish I had done a lot of things differently. I honestly just thought it would be a good excuse to see you. I was being selfish, and you’re the one who paid for it in the end. I know you probably don’t believe me, but I did intend to tell you last weekend, no matter what. It’s why I wanted to take you out alone. I knew there would be no distractions or interruptions. And while I also knew there was a chance it would be the end for us, I was sincerely hoping—praying, really—I could convince you how much I truly love you and how sorry I am.
“I trusted you,” she said, tears flowing down her face, “I trusted you with my daughter, and I trusted you with my heart. I loved you. I mean, I loved Todd. Shit. I don’t even know who I fell in love with.”
“You fell in love with me, Tessa. Me. For the true person I am, not for the things I can afford. I’m still that same person. I just have a different name, and I love you more than I can possibly express sitting here at this table. You and Sophie. You both mean everything to me. I know I probably don’t deserve a second chance, but I want to start over … with you, and if you feel comfortable, with Sophie, too. We’ll take things slow; get to know each other all over again. I promise never to lie to you ever again. I’m so sorry.”
She shook her head, looking down.
“Tessa, please, I’m so lost without you.”
“Are you really the same person?” she asked, glancing up at him through her tears. The man sitting across the table from her had the same sparkling eyes, the same dark hair, and the same lips that now curved back into a smile revealing the dimples she’d traced with her fingers so many times. He even had the same creases in his forehead as he raised his eyebrows in hopes of getting her to agree.
Nicholas nodded, taking her hands in his own. “I’m right here,” he said, gazing intently at her. “And I’m not going anywhere. You have my word.”
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END NOTES
Thank you for reading Tessa’s Wishes. I’d be so appreciative if you’d leave an honest review at your favorite retailer or book review site. And don’t miss out on the rest of the Haines sisters as The Whispered Wishes Series continues.
As always, this book wouldn’t be what it is without the input of some awesome people:, Kathie Juliano, Megan Jones, editor Melissa Ringsted of There For You Editing, and the support of author Kristy K. James. I’d also like to give a special thank you to the amazing creative team at Najla Qamber Designs for creating my beautiful cover: designer Najla Qamber, models Courtney Boyett and Willis Totten, and photographer Casey Totten.
And to my readers—Thank you once again for your encouragement, love, and support. Feel free to drop me a line - I love hearing from my readers! [email protected]
xo~Karen
OTHER BOOKS BY KAREN POKRAS
Whispered Wishes Series:
Book 1: Ava’s Wishes
Book 2: Holly’s Wishes
Book 3: Tessa’s Wishes
Book 4: Woven Wishes
Merry Wishes: A Whispered Wishes Novella
Coming Soon:
The Match Book Series
Chasing Invisible (Karen Pokras Toz)
Books for Children 7-12 (Karen Pokras Toz)
The Nate Rocks Series:
Nate Rocks the World
Nate Rocks the Boat
Nate Rocks the School
Nate Rocks the City
Millicent Marie Is Not My Name
Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas
ABOUT KAREN POKRAS
Karen Pokras writes adult contemporary and middle grade fiction under the names Karen Pokras and Karen Pokras Toz. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, the Grand Prize in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature. For more information and to sign up for Karen’s newsletter, please visit www.karenpokras.com.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
End Notes
Other Books by Karen Pokras
About Karen Pokras
ered Wishes #3)
