Turns out Emily wasn't as cool and unbothered as she looked. She had definitely noticed his body.

Tristan's smile grew, like he'd stumbled onto some big secret. He finally looked pleased with himself. "What's the matter? Can't you tell I'm giving you a little eye candy here? You better take a good look now, because once this shirt goes back on, the show's over."

Emily rolled her eyes. "Who even wants to look at you?"

His grin got even wider, soft and full of affection. "You don't have to pretend, you know. I don't mind. If my girlfriend wants to stare, she can stare as long as she likes."

She shot him a look. "Put your clothes on, Tristan. If you catch a cold, don't come whining to me."

He just soaked up her attention, tipping his head back in satisfaction. “It's fine, really. I won't blame you. Look all you want."

Emily just stared at him, lost for words.

Right now, Tristan reminded her of a showy peacock, strutting around and showing off just to get her attention. He bent a little, flexing so his muscles stood out. And he kept right on smiling at her.

Emily couldn't even deal with him. Sure, his abs were distracting, but she could handle it. She'd seen them plenty over the last five or six years. The first time, she'd been flustered, but now she was used to it.

She changed the subject, sliding smoothly into something else. "Did you get those postcards I sent you?"

Tristan's smile didn't fade. "I did. I haven't even thanked you for the gift yet."

“Did you find any places you want to visit?” she asked.

He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand and gazing right at her. "Not yet. I'll tell you when I figure it out."

"Okay,” Emily replied.

Tristan didn't want her to forget. He started counting, almost to himself. "You already owe me a trip from before, and now, for my birthday, you owe me another one. That's two trips. Don't forget."

Emily was always slammed at work, barely getting to rest even on her days off. Taking a vacation was a rare luxury. Tristan was hoping she'd actually remember their promise and save time for them, instead of letting it slip away.

Emily never forgot things she promised. "Relax, I won't forget. You just pick where

you want to go. I'll have my secretary set aside the time."

Tristan felt good about the call, even

if it hadn't started perfectly. He'd gotten what he wanted, twice over and for now he managed to let go of his annoyance over Andrew. They chatted about everyday stuff the conversation Warman

comfortable.

Emily's voice was gentle and soothing, like water running over smooth stones. Tristan wished she'd keep talking forever. It made him feel at ease, like everything was finally right.

They talked for another half hour before Emily nagged him again about putting his shirt on. Even with the heat on, going shirtless in winter wasn't a great idea.

When he saw she was serious, he stopped joking around and finally got dressed. Near the end of their call, Tristan remembered something. "My people found a few leads on Benjamin Gomez overseas. Just hang on a little longer. We might actually find something."

Emily nodded, calm as ever. "Okay, I got it."

Her calm was completely different from the storm Tristan felt inside. He couldn't forget what had happened at Benjamin Gomez and Isabella Austin's engagement party. That memory was burned into his mind, and thinking about it made his jaw clench.

Even though the people responsible had already been arrested, Tristan was sure there was more to it. He believed Benjamin Gomez was behind everything, pulling the strings from the shadows.