Page 49 of One Wild Wedding Weekend

Daley leaned forward in concern. “I am so sorry. I know how much he means to you and John. You can trust me, Tristan. I won’t say a word. I understand his wanting to be private about personal health issues.”

“It’s more than that. He says he’s done.”

“Done with what?”

“The company. I tried to tell him I’d keep things running while he’s out for a few months, but he says it’s time for me to take over.”

“How do you feel about that?” she asked quietly.

“You want the truth?”

“Yes, please.”

“I’m not ready. I always thought about buying L&D as something down the road. I’ve been the CEO, but this will be different. I’ll be tied down.”

“And you never really wanted the job to begin with.”

Her wry understanding soothed some of his angst. “He wants to sell it to me for a pittance and give John an equivalent cash gift. Basically, doling out an inheritance—though he swears to me it’s a small tumor. Damn it, Daley. I’m not ready for any of this. Losing him. Taking over L&D. But this will involve you, which is why he gave me a dispensation to loop you in on the details.”

“How will it involve me?” she asked quietly. “Are you planning to cancel my contract as soon as he’s gone?”

“Of course not.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Right now, you and I don’t have any direct working relationship. Won’t it be uncomfortable for you if I own the company?”

“I don’t think it has to be. You have the same options Harold laid out originally. During the first year, you can kick me to the curb if you think the collaboration isn’t working.”

“And if we’re sleeping together?”

Her cheeks turned pink. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

His temper heated. “How is that ridiculous? Anytime we’re in ten feet of each other, we end up in bed.”

“That will burn itself out,” she said calmly.

“You’re so sure of that?” He wanted to prove her wrong. But this was their place of business, and he wasn’t going to do anything to cause her emotional discomfort or pain.

“I don’t know what you want me to say,” she said. “I am a professional. I assume you are, too. We’ll observe boundaries. If necessary.”

He gave her a tight smile. “It will be necessary.”

She lifted her chin. “Maybe.” She glanced at her watch. “I should probably get home. I could stay here for three more hours finding things to do, but I’m trying to establish healthy work-life boundaries.”

He grinned. “I know something about that struggle.” He cleared his throat. “One more thing, and I’ll let you go.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“John and Tabby’s party is next weekend.”

“I haven’t forgotten. Black tie. Very fancy.”

“I wondered if you and I might go together.”

As soon as he said the words, Daley went still. Like a rabbit trying not to be noticed.

“Um...” she said. “I appreciate the offer, but I have to pass.”

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