Page 50 of Tristan’s Temptation

“Shannon, are you all right?”

She dipped her head. “Yes. I’m just a little…” She put a palm to her belly. “My tummy’s upset.”

“Are you sure?” He meant about his weekend, not about her tummy, but she understood.

“Yes, Tristan.” She met his eyes then and he saw it there, the spark he was hoping for.

“Maybe you should take the rest of the day off. You know. Catch up on your sleep?”

It was a weak attempt at humor but her lips twitched. “I have things to do.”

“You need your rest.” He lifted a brow so she would know, would realize he had plans—big plans—to keep her from sleeping this weekend.

She nibbled at her lower lip. He was transfixed by the sight. “I can sleep tonight.”

“Tonight?” He sat back, beset with annoyance that he wouldn’t be keeping her awake all night once more.

She shook her head, reading his mind. Or perhaps his expression. “No, Tristan. Not tonight. For one thing, I’ll have to pack. What kind of clothes do you take on a cruise?”

Clothes? “You won’t need any clothes.”

“Tristan,” she growled at him. Growled. He kind of liked it. “I’ve never been on a cruise. I want to experience everything.”

“You’ll experience everything, all right.”

But she was having none of his teasing. She threw back her shoulders and became all British and stiff. “If I’m going—”

“You are.”

“If I’m going, I plan to have a wonderful time.”

“You will.”

“And not just in the cabin! Why, there are so many fun things to do. Scuba diving, buffets, fancy dinners. Baked Alaska!”

“Have you never had baked Alaska?”

“No. But it’s fascinating. Just the idea of it.”

“We’re not going on the cruise just to eat, you know. Food, I mean.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “You will not starve me.”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

“And we will explore everything.”

She was so adorable in her tenacity that he had to laugh. “We will.”

“You’re impossible.” She growled again but this time the sound hid a chuckle. She tossed the pink paper at him in mock fury. “Here’s a message from Proctor. He wants you to call.”

“Ugh,” Tristan groaned. “Probably annoyed I forgot our conference call this morning.”

“Adam was beside himself. He had to handle it on his own.”

Tristan shrugged. “It’s good for him.” It was time Adam took over more of the business. Tristan was getting tired of handling every little thing himself. Which was odd. He used to revel in it.

She turned to go back to her desk but he caught her hand. “Shannon?”