Page 96 of Think Outside the Boss

Ah, because I haven’t been here before. Not in Joshua’s eyes, anyway. I nod in the direction of the living room. “Lead the way, guys.”

Joshua is just as relaxed and funny, the same happy-go-lucky kid he’d been the past weekend in the park. He doesn’t seem to mind my presence, talking to his dad about things he’d likely talk about even if I wasn’t there.

Seeing the two of them interact twists something inside me. For all his fears, Tristan is a really great dad. One look at how confident and kind his son is makes that crystal clear.

His housekeeper doesn’t comment on my presence, but treats me with the same natural, effortless level of comfort as she does the other two.

“Dad,” Joshua says when he’s done, pushing his plate away. “Let’s make s’mores for dessert.”

Tristan looks like he’s fighting a smile. “S’mores… but we’re not camping.”

“You don’t have to be camping to have them,” Joshua explains, turning to me. “Do you like s’mores?”

“They’re pretty great,” I admit. “I made them in the microwave the other night.”

“You did?”

“Oh yes. It’s one of my favorite things.”

Joshua’s eyes widen and he turns to Tristan. “See? Our guest loves s’mores! So it’s kind of our responsibility, too. As hosts.”

Tristan laughs, reaching over to run his hand through Joshua’s hair. “We’ll make s’mores, kid. Over the fireplace?”

“Yes!”

Joshua goes to his room to play after dinner, with the happy words that s’mores are only half an hour away. We’ve been instructed to tell him as soon as it’s time.

I don’t want to leave this. Not when I’m just learning their lives, their secrets. Captivated by their charm.

Tristan nods toward his office and I step past him into the man-cave. “Thanks for dinner,” I say.

He crosses the distance to me. “Was it too much?”

“Too much?”

“Dinner, here. Me and Joshua.”

I shake my head. “Not at all.”

He reaches up to run a tendril of my hair between his fingers. “You’re sure? You’ve been distracted all through dinner.” His jaw works, the only sign of discomfort. “I know it must be difficult to date a man who’s a father. Not having time just to… date.”

“No, Tristan, that’s not it.” I reach out and curl my fingers around the soft fabric of his shirt. “Not at all.”

His thumb curves down to my chin. “Then what is it?”

“Eleanor wanted to speak to me today,” I say. Needing to say the words aloud, wanting to hear his calm, collected input on it. Tristan can make sense of this.

“Did she?”

“Yes. There’s an opening in your Milan office.”

His thumb stills along my jawline. “That’s right. I saw it in an email today, from HR. Did they approach you?”

I nod. “Eleanor wants to recommend me for it. It’s a full-time position. And I don’t know what to do.”

His hand moves again, his gaze watching it travel down my neck. “It’s a good opportunity for you.”

“Yes, it is.”

---