Page 65 of Her Athlete's Wedding Secret

Chapter 15

Benson reeled at her words. “You’re in love with me?”

“Yes. And you’re in love with Megan.”

Benson looked down at his silverware.

“So do you admit it?”

“I can’t deny it.”

“Then there’s nowhere for this marriage to go for us. I can’t be in love with a man who is in love with someone else.”

“I understand. I don’t blame you.”

“What are we going to do?” Tessa asked.

“That depends on you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you want to stay in this marriage?”

Tessa shook her head. “This is all happening so fast.”

“I’m not going to force you to stay married to me. If you want out, all you have to do is let me know.”

“You would lose your career.”

“I can’t keep it and know that I’m making you miserable.” It was then that he knew he was in love with Tessa. He was willing to give up everything for her happiness. “I’ll make sure that you get your dream job, and as soon as you have it, we can sign the divorce papers. I’ll even help you get settled into your own apartment.”

“I don’t want my own apartment. I want to live with you.”

“You don’t have to stay in this marriage. You’re free. I don’t want you getting all noble on me.”

Their waiter brought them their dinner, and they stopped the conversation. Benson no longer cared about keeping up appearances. As far as he was concerned, his career was over anyway. Just a few days ago he would have insisted on having this conversation in private.

Back then, his career was his top priority, but that had shifted somehow on their honeymoon. Now he primarily cared about Tessa and her feelings. He wanted to cherish her, honor her. She deserved better than him. That was why he couldn’t trap her in this marriage. He hadn’t thought it would matter when it was all about her career, but now her heart was involved, and that was something he cared very deeply about.

They ate the rest of their meal in silence. Benson’s thoughts tortured him as he picked at his food. He’d lost his appetite. He couldn’t bear to think that he’d caused his dear wife pain. He never wanted to see tears on her face again.

When they’d finished their dinner, Benson paid the bill, and they returned to their room. “Do you want me to get a different room?” Benson asked. “I don’t want you to feel pressured to sleep in bed with me.”

“Please stay here with me,” Tessa said. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“If it’s what you want, I’ll stay. But if you change your mind at any point, you just have to let me know.”

She took his hand. “It’s what I want.”

He dressed for bed in the bathroom and then climbed beneath the covers. Tessa went into the bathroom and was in there for a long time. Benson pulled out his phone and texted Gus back.

Benson: It’s rough. She knows about Megan and isn’t taking it well.

Gus: Ouch! Sorry to hear that. I hope things get better for you.

Benson got a notification from one of his social media profiles. He pulled up the app and saw a picture of him sitting at dinner with Tessa. The camera was focused on her tear-streaked face. The caption read:Trouble with the newlyweds.

Great. He’d probably be getting a call from Cameron soon. Sure enough, his phone started ringing. He answered it.

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