Page 25 of The Billionaire's Instant Triplets

“I feel very awake, too.” Tristan seemed to hesitate. “I could make us some tea.”

Ria’s heart warmed. “That would be lovely.”

She flicked on the lamp on one of the side tables, bathing the room in soft, warm light, and pulled a blanket over her legs. A few minutes later, Tristan returned with two steaming cups of something herbal and warming.

“I was worried it was going to be matcha or something,” Ria joked as Tristan handed her one mug.

“Nope, it’s just chamomile. It’s caffeine-free and relaxing.” Tristan winked and settled onto the couch. He took a second blanket and pulled it over his knees.

“Okay, but you have to tell me.” Ria leaned forward slightly, her mug cupped between her hands for warmth. “Why do you drink the turmeric-and-lemon water in the mornings?”

“It’s good for inflammation,” Tristan answered easily.

“No, butwhy?Why did you start drinking it in the first place? Why do you eat so much kale and wear glasses you don’t need and buy ugly vases you don’t like?” For a moment, Ria thought she’d overstepped again and offended him, but he didn’t seem upset. He just looked thoughtful.

“I want to fit in, I suppose. Tech CEOs are supposed to be fashionable and eat healthy and own expensive things. When I was a kid, I never felt like I fitted in with my parents. I was always passed off to expensive schools and nannies — no offense — and I never spent much time with my mom and dad.”

“No offense taken,” Ria said automatically.

“Good.” Tristan flashed her a brief smile. “My parents always seemed… ashamed of me. When I got older, it became important that I did and said the right things so that they’d be proud. And so that the media and the public would take me seriously and respect me.”

“Did your parents ever say they were proud of you?” Ria asked.

Tristan smiled. “No. But my father gave me money and advice to start my company, so I have to imagine that he was proud. Anyway, I do like some of the stuff I do. I exercise a lot, which I enjoy, and I think eating healthy is good for me.”

“And the glasses? And the fasting? And the vases?” Ria ticked each habit off on her fingers.

Tristan chuckled now. “All right, not all of it.” He paused. “I’m sorry for saying I was unhappy that I was always passed off to nannies.”

“No, I’m not offended. Nannies are great, but we can’t replace parents.” Ria hesitated, then plowed forward. “That’s why I’m so happy you got up to help Jacob today. And that you’ve been joining the triplets for meals or playtime a bit more. And especially that you asked me for help.”

“I am trying.” Tristan sipped his tea. “It’s just too bad that I can’t impress them with an expensive vase or a pair of glasses, like I can with other people.”

“Ha.” Ria grinned. “Toddlers are so easy to impress.Soeasy.”

“How?”

“Play with them. Make them some nice food. Let them stay up a little late or watch a movie in their pajamas in the morning. Take them somewhere fun. Kids that age just want your time and attention, really.”

Tristan nodded slowly. “I think I can do that.”

“You definitely can.”

Ria sipped her tea. In that moment, talking with Tristan in the middle of the night when everyone else was sleeping, she felt a thrum of connection between them. Perhaps it was just that they were finally opening up to each other. Perhaps it was simply the magic of the nighttime.

Or perhaps the crush Ria had been suppressing for weeks now was stirring, unable to be contained any longer.

CHAPTER12

TRISTAN

Tristan glanced at Ria, sitting in the armchair, sipping her tea, her hair a swirl of curls around her lovely face. He was glad he’d gotten up when he’d heard Jacob crying, and not just because he’d been able to comfort the child. It was nice to talk to Ria like this. Tristan wasn’t sure of the last time he’d been so open with anyone.

“I’ve answered quite a few of your questions,” he said. “Maybe it’s time for you to answer one of mine.”

“All right.” Ria grinned. “Ask away.”

“You told me how much you love kids, and I’ve seen for myself how good you are with them. Do you want kids of your own?”

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