Page 48 of Adam’s Obsession

“Perfect.”

“Perfect.”

But was it perfect? An old worry gnawed at the back of herbrain.

She leaned back on the lounger, giving him access to all sortsof delectable treats. And as he nibbled and licked them both to heaven, shethrust away her suspicion that the deal they’d struck wasn’t really perfect atall. In fact, it had some rather fatal flaws.

Because this was what she wanted now. For once in her lifeshe’d let tomorrow worry about itself.

Chapter Ten

They returned to the office like conquering heroes becausethat one presentation nearly doubled their business—and promised to do muchmore. No one questioned why they’d missed the reception or a number of thebreakout sessions on the second day of the conference they’d been keen toattend. Or the banquet. Or the closing session. Or the exhibit hall.

Everyone simply assumed they’d been celebrating. Which theyhad been. After a fashion.

Every time he thought about it, Adam couldn’t stop a goofygrin from blossoming on his face. He’d start remembering something she’d saidor done. Or something he’d said or done. Or he’d start thinking about somethinghe’d like to say. Or do—mostly do—and he would be possessed of the urge tosmirk.

Everyone else was so delighted with the outcome of theconference they assumed that was the source of his inappropriate chortles. Theyall assumed he was gloating.

Everyone, that was, but Tristan.

Tristan knew something more was up. Tristan knew itimmediately.

It didn’t take a genius to figure it out. Tristan and hisbrother had been in business together for years. They’d started this companywith Jack Maris straight out of college and been through countless ups anddowns since then. Tristan had seen his brother elated over a number of triumphsas the company grew by leaps and bounds. Granted, this was one of the greatestbounds but Adam’s patent delight augured something beyond the boundaries ofbusiness.

Oh. And his gaze kept slipping over to Katherine andlingering there. That kind of gave the game away as well.

And, oddly enough, hers kept slipping toward his—and asimilar radiance would light her expression—whether they were in a meeting, orin the lunchroom, or in the parking lot or working in their offices. She didher best to hide it, as did Adam. But Tristan noticed.

Tristan Trillo noticed everything.

He knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, something had happenedbetween his brother and his trusted financial analyst, something that hadchanged the tenor of their relationship. Tristan was bound and determined tomake sure that something didn’t get in the way of his profit margin.

He poked his head into Adam’s office the afternoon followingthe triumphant return. “Can I see you for a minute?”

“Sure.” Adam motioned to the chairs in the corner. “Have aseat. I’ve been meaning to talk to you too.”

“Yeah.” Tristan glanced across the hall. Katherine wasworking away, rather diligently. Her brow furrowed and her bun was all mussedup with pens and pencils thrust haphazardly into it. She looked like aporcupine.

And Adam was mooning over her.

“I was thinking maybe the conference room.”

“The conference room?” Adam lifted a brow. “So this is aserious chat?”

Tristan narrowed his eyes. “I think so.”

“Okay.” With one last languishing glance at the object ofhis obsession, Adam closed his laptop and followed his brother down the hall.

Once in the conference room with the door quietly closed,Tristan didn’t waste any time. “So?” It was really all he needed to say. Adamcaught on immediately.

“Yeah.” He nodded. You know, with a goofy grin and all.

Tristan’s mood darkened, his gut roiled a bit. Why on earthdid he feel…betrayed? “But we had a rule.”

Adam’s smile widened. “Yeah,” he agreed. “We had arule.”

Tristan glared at his brother. He muttered the onlysentiment appropriate to the occasion. “Shit.”