Page 61 of One Wild Wedding Weekend

She consigned her doubts to a dark compartment deep in her mind. “Yes,” she said. “Definitely yes.”

Twelve

Daley was mortified when she stirred Sunday morning and realized they had slept until almost eleven. In fact, Tristan was still out cold.

They had fooled around again just before dawn. Tristan had been focused and hungry, but so very sweet. His lavish compliments and genuine pleasure began to convince her that maybe he wanted this chance as much as she did.

While she was in the shower, Tabby and John texted, separately of course, to invite them out for an afternoon on the boat.

Tristan shared the news, buck naked and beautiful, as he stretched his arms toward the ceiling. His gorgeous eyes were hooded, his hair a mess. “What do you think? Are you up for a few hours on the lake?”

“Sounds like fun,” she said, trying not to stare at his semi-erect sex. The man was a machine.

He caught her watching him and smirked. “See something you like, Daley? All you need to do is ask.”

She lifted her chin. “I’m all clean now. You missed your window.”

He tackled her to the bed, chuckling when she screeched and threw her arms around his neck. “To hell with windows, my sweet. You’re mine. I thought we agreed to those parameters last night.”

She inhaled sharply as her world turned crystal clear for one shining moment. “Yes,” she said. “But don’t forget—that works both ways. If I text you for a booty call, I’ll expect your full cooperation.”

Tristan blinked. A flush rode high on his cheekbones. “What if I’m busy at work? What if I’m not in the mood?”

“Priorities, Tristan. Priorities.”

They were almost late meeting Tabby and John. After finally getting dressed and out the door, they had to stop by Daley’s apartment so she could change into shorts, a bikini top and sandals, and grab plenty of sunscreen.

Then they hit the road.

They had debated riding in John’s car, but at the last minute decided to meet the other two at the lake.

While the men prepped the boat, Tabby, wearing a large sun hat, quizzed her sister. “You and Tristan look awful cozy. I take it last night went well?”

Daley tried not to blush. “You could say that.” She paused, having a hard time putting words together. Fortunately, her sister was patient. “Tristan and I have decided to give this relationship a chance,” Daley said quietly, glancing across the dock to make sure they weren’t being overheard.

“That’s awesome!” Tabby did a little jig in her white Keds. “I’ve never seen him take things so far with a woman. At least not since I’ve known him. He really likes you, Daley. And why the heck not? You’re amazing.”

“Thanks for the cheerleading.” Daley grinned wryly. “But to be honest, days like today are why I was reluctant to do this. What happens to our social life if Tristan and I fizzle? Or, even worse, blow up in a nuclear-level meltdown?”

“Don’t be such a pessimist. Sit back. Enjoy yourself. You don’t have to have all the answers right now.”

Daley did her best to take her sister’s advice. There was a lot to be said for a lazy afternoon on the water. Though the boat wasn’t huge, there was room for two deck chairs. The women commandeered those and let the men recline on the bench seats with ball caps over their faces.

It was a perfect day to doze and enjoy the best of a Georgia summer.

Though they had plenty of snacks and drinks, by six o’clock, everyone was getting hungry for a real meal. Back at the dock, they unloaded and agreed to meet at a small local restaurant not far away.

The menu was limited, but the burgers and fries were legendary.

Tabby brought up the subject no one had addressed all day. “So tell me, Tristan. Are you going to buy the company? John said you’re not sure.”

Daley froze inwardly, uncertain whether she should be present for this family conversation. Tabby was a Hamilton now. Daley was not.

Tristan grimaced. “I’m not entirely sure. I’ve thought about it a lot since Harold talked to me. I’d be an ass to say no because he’s essentially giving L&D to me. That’s a hugely generous gesture on his part. He trusts me to do the right thing.”

John frowned. “But you could sell it after he’s gone, right?”

“Maybe.” Tristan shrugged, his expression guarded. “Or maybe Daley and I could rebuild the brand from the ground up.” He shot her a glance. “That’s exciting to think about. All these years I’ve been content to let the old man call the shots. He’s been good to me, and I haven’t wanted to rock the boat. But if Lieberman and Dunn were truly mine, I would feel free to make changes without guilt. What do you think, Daley?”

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