New York Billionaires Series

Well, not unless this woman is also an Exciteur HR rep.

“Probably,” she says.

“Tristan should be done any minute now.”

“Right,” she says. “I have to say, I wasn’t expecting to meet anyone. He doesn’t often have guests over.”

“I see.”

“With his work and his son, he’s a busy man.”

I nod. “Yeah, he is that. Did you perhaps want a cup of coffee? I was going to make one, but I can’t seem to figure out the machine.”

“No, thank you. I just came up because-”

“Freddie?” Tristan’s strong voice echoes from the hallway, and then he emerges, dressed in slacks and a barely buttoned shirt. His eyebrows rise at the sight of Linda. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” she assures him. “Absolutely. Joshua’s downstairs.”

“Right.” The question is clear in his voice, now colder. “Didn’t know you were coming up.”

“I tried to call ahead. A few times, actually. But there was no answer.”

He nods. “Sorry about that.”

Linda gives us both a genuine smile. “It’s snowed. Look outside.”

We turn toward the window-clad wall, and yes, Central Park is covered in a blanket of thick, white snow. My breath catches in my throat.

“It’s gorgeous.”

“Joshua is downstairs with Mark and Andrew. They’ve got a head start into the park. The boys want to have a snowball fight. Or build a snowman. Or a fort. They kept changing their minds.”

Tristan snorts at my side. “Of course.”

“I just came upstairs to tell you about it, and to grab Joshua’s mittens and snow pants. He told me where they are.”

Tristan nods. “I’ll join you. I’ll bring his stuff, too.”

“That works.” She steps back toward the elevator. “We’ll be by the ice-cream shop, but just call if you can’t find us.”

She gives me a little wave. “It was nice to meet you, Frederica.”

“Likewise.”

The elevator doors close behind her, and then we’re once again alone. Tristan runs a hand through his hair and steps past me to the coffee machine. A few wan clicks of his fingers and it whirls to life. Responding to its master in a way it had refused to do for me.

“I know I can’t be angry at her for coming up, but I still am.” He shakes his head, back turned. “All for snow pants.”

“Was it bad that she saw me?”

He hands me a cup of freshly brewed coffee. “No.”

“Thanks,” I say, the heat warming my hands. “I’ll leave in a few minutes, Tristan.”

“I don’t want you to,” he says, but the conflict is there on his face.

“I know. But you need to go meet your son and play in the snow.”

“Your apartment has no heat,” he retorts. “I still haven’t called my electrician to have a look at it.”

“That’s okay, I’ll figure something out.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

His jaw works with the force of his thinking. “I’ve never introduced him to a woman I’m seeing before. I’m not sure it’s a good idea to tell him about us unless it’s… well.”

“Unless it’s serious,” I finish, putting the cup down. “God, I understand, Tristan. Completely. Let me just pack my stuff.”

He follows me down the hallway, clearly displeased with the situation. But I mean what I said. I understand. He’s a father. He has someone else to think about. While it’s not at all the same, I have my career and reputation, too. Neither one of us is entirely free to do as we please.

He leans against the doorway and watches me get dressed. “Joshua’s already met you,” he says.

“Yeah, I suppose so. Twice.”

“Right. Look, this is what we’ll do. I’ll call the electrician right away. Have him come over as soon as he can to look at your heater. It should be no more than a few hours.”

“That’s perfect, thank you.”

“Meanwhile, you join us in Central Park.”

My hands pause on the zipper of my jeans. “You’re sure?”

“He knows you and I are friends, and he’s met friends of mine before. I’ll introduce you as that.”

“Okay?”

I smile at him. “Absolutely. But only if you’re okay with it.”

“I am. But just because I want to make sure, and I’m always honest with him…” Tristan pulls out his phone and shoots me a chagrined smile as he raises it to his ear. “Joshua has a phone for emergencies. Not that it’s always charged, but it’s worth a-oh. Hi, kiddo.”

A pause.

“Yeah, I’m coming down with your ski pants and boots in a few minutes. Do you have your hat?”

I pull on my shirt and hunt through his bedroom for my socks.

“Good. I have a question for you. Do you remember my friend? The elephant lady?”

My smile comes unbidden at that, and I look over at where he’s standing. Tristan is smiling right back at me. “Yes, that’s her. What do you think about her meeting us in Central Park?”