“Is that all you have?”

“No. The rest of my stuff is at my sister’s. I didn’t see the point in bringing everything. I just brought the good stuff.”

One of his brows lifted with skepticism. “That’s the good stuff?”

She put her hands on her hips. “I’m a librarian, not a fashion model.”

“Understood, but still.” He picked up one of her silk blouses. “Was this a hand-me-down from a great-aunt or something?”

She snatched it out of his hand. “I like simple, serviceable clothing. Things that don’t go out of style. I can’t afford to buy new things all the time. My clothes have to last and need to be classic pieces that transcend fads.”

“Your new salary will be more generous.”

“It can’t be worse.” She frowned at her clothes. Serviceable didn’t really cut it anymore. Not while living in this house with all its beautiful things. She was going to look like she was on staff, not engaged to the owner. She let out a long sigh.

He made a curious expression. “You’re unhappy with a better salary?”

She crossed her arms. “I’m unhappy because my things aren’t acceptable for the woman who’s supposed to be your fiancée. Or the dean of library studies, frankly.”

He sat on the edge of the bed. “You could go shopping if you wanted. There are places on Main Street. Women’s boutiques.”

“I could.” But that would require money she didn’t have. Her boring wardrobe would have to suffice. “Maybe later.”

“Why not now?”

She lifted her gaze to his. “Because I can’t afford it.”

His voice was gentle and kind when he answered. “I can.”

She sat on the end of the bed and stared at her clothes, laid out and waiting to be put away. “No. I don’t want to spend your money.”

“But I’ve put you in this position. It’s only fair you use my money. Which, according to our ruse, would very soon be our money. And I promise you, the woman in my life would have the best I could supply her with. The complete benefit of my economic status. Please, Tessa. You’re here because you’re helping me. Consider this a head start on your new dean’s wardrobe.”

“I don’t like it. It feels…unsavory.”

“I understand. I’m sorry I’ve put you in this position, but I have.”

“Only because I agreed to it.” The hem on the navy skirt needed tacking again and her charcoal slacks were starting to pill. She let go of her stubbornness with a sigh. “Okay. I’ll go shopping. Is there a place in town?”

Sebastian nodded. “Greaves can take you. He’s going out anyway.”

She stared at the bed, unable to look at him while she said what needed to be said. “I’ll take the money. But this is just a loan until I get on my feet.”

“All you have to do is tell them to bill me.”

She lifted her head. “What’s it like to be you? To have all this money and reputation and status?”

He dropped his gaze, running his finger along the fabric of the comforter. He was silent for several seconds. “If I’m honest, it’s lonely.”

Her heart broke a little for him. That was what she’d suspected. She stood and walked around to his side of the bed. “Not this week, though, huh?”

He laughed softly, looking at her. “No, not this week. And I have you to thank for that.”

She stood there, studying him. His face was kind and open when he smiled. Very different from the face he usually wore.

“What?” he asked. “You’re staring at me for reasons I can’t fathom.”

She touched his cheek, still smooth from his morning shave. “I was just thinking.”

“About?”

“How I owe you that kiss.”

A deep, predatory gleam lit his eyes. “Does that mean you’re going to pay up?”

“Yes.” She leaned in and did just that.

With Greaves and Tessa gone again, Sebastian finally headed to his office. Work had to be done. Normally it was something he looked forward to. It gave him a purpose, something that on many days felt lacking. But with Tessa around, work was the less interesting choice. With her out of the house, he might as well take up his pencil again and get something done. He smiled as he started to unlock the door.

He looked harder at the lock. There were small scratches in the brass. Like someone had tried to pick the lock and failed.

Evangeline.

He shook his head and finished the job she’d started. As he went inside, it was impossible to be upset over Evangeline’s actions. Not while Tessa’s kiss still lingered on his lips. It was the most pleasant feeling he could recall since…the last time they’d kissed.

Yes, his life was sadly lacking in companionship. Tessa’s presence had made that markedly clear.

He settled in behind his desk and pulled out the budget for the wedding chapel. If he didn’t finish this soon, Julian would be hounding him again.

Time passed as he worked. The budget didn’t seem quite as egregious as he remembered, but he went at it with great intent. He scratched through some items, suggested new ones in a few other places, and the world around him fell away. All he saw were numbers and figures and dollar signs. Supply and demand. The future of Nocturne Falls.

Until needles dug into his leg.

“What the—” He jerked back in his rolling chair to see Tessa’s furry beast clinging to his pant leg. He threw his pencil onto the desk. “Get off me, you foul creature.”