Page 3 of One Wild Wedding Weekend

He shrugged. “I haven’t poached a single one of your clients, I swear. I would never do that to you. But sometimes a person or a business is looking for conventional advertising. What you do is impressive, but maybe your flair is not for everybody.”

“Tabby said something similar,” Daley muttered. “You two must be in cahoots.”

His lips twitched. “Cahoots?”

“You’re a smart man. I’m sure you know the word.”

He shook his head slowly. “I’m not in cahoots with your sister, though I admire her greatly. She’s made my oh-so-serious brother very happy.”

Daley frowned. “You admire Tabby?”

“Well, of course I do. She’s amazing. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yes. But I assumed you thought they were too young to be getting married.”

“I don’t think you know me well enough to make those kinds of assumptions.”

His reply had a bite to it.

“Sorry. You’re right,” she muttered.

“Maybe you’re the one who thinks twenty-six is too young?” He cocked his head in that way he had, giving her a whimsical smile.

“I’m six years older, Tristan. And I swear I don’t ever remember being as innocently happy as those two. I’m thrilled for them. Don’t get me wrong.”

“But?”

She shrugged. “But it’s astonishing that any man or woman finds a perfect match. Much less one for the long haul.”

“I never pegged you for a cynic.” His gaze was sober now. Disappointed perhaps?

“I’m not a cynic,” she said. She finished her wine and wondered how soon she could exit this booth without causing a scene. Tristan’s intent regard made her want to squirm. His gaze saw too much.

“Why do I get the feeling that twenty-six-year-old Daley had a bad experience?” he asked.

When she managed to meet his eyes, there was no humor in them at all, only a gentle compassion that made her feel like weeping for no good reason.

Her throat was tight. “I was twenty-four and clueless about men. It was a long time ago. I learned my lesson.”

“And what lesson was that?” A furrow appeared between his brows.

“I should go,” she said. “Thank you for the drink.”

When she stood, Tristan did as well. “I didn’t mean to pry, Daley. I’m sorry if I upset you.” His expression was troubled.

She managed a snarky grin. “This was nothing. You’ve done far worse. I’ll see you at the rehearsal. And I swear I’ll be amicable.”

Tristan let Daley Martin walk out of the bar alone, though it went against his every instinct. For once, she had lowered her habitual defenses and talked to him as more than an adversary.

To be honest, he’d been a little uneasy when he heard John was marrying Tabby. Not because of any doubts about the newly engaged couple but because Tristan realized that it was going to be impossible to avoid Daley in the future. Aside from the wedding festivities, there would be baby christenings and holiday meals and eventually school programs and sporting events.

Tristan planned to be fully involved as an uncle.

How could he do that and not betray the truth? He was wildly attracted to Daley Martin. He was pretty sure she felt it, too. But was she naive enough to think the current between them was antagonism? Maybe so.

It was just as well. Getting involved with his sister-in-law’s sister would bring nothing but trouble. Which meant he had to get through this weekend without doing something stupid. He hadn’t checked in yet. Seeing Daley had diverted his attention.

With an inward sigh, he headed for the lobby. He might as well find his room and deal with a few emails. The rehearsal and the dinner would take all his self-control. He was the best man and Daley the maid of honor.

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