The Love Game

What’s wrong with me? I’ve had business lunches before. Why am I finding it so hard to concentrate with this man?

Iris tried to collect her thoughts as she nudged a tomato to the edge of her plate, then sliced the salmon and salad in her bowl.

“Good point.” Tyler nodded, holding her gaze.

Is he aware of the effect he has on me? Please don’t let him know Donovan’s not the one on my mind. He is.

Iris rushed to fill the silence. “Speaking of presentations, how’s yours coming?”

“I’ll have it for you before lunch tomorrow.”

What was taking him so long?

Iris wanted Tyler to trust her to make the internal and external launches a success but she was a bundle of nerves herself. She’d feel a heck of a lot better with his presentation in hand. It was the main feature of the entire event.

“Has my father given you his speech?” Tyler bit into his burger.

“Yes, it’s really good.”

“I’m sure it is.” There was an odd note in his voice.

“I had very few comments. I’ll send my feedback to both of you by the end of the day for a final review.”

“I’d like to see it first.”

“Sure.” Iris angled her head. Curiosity gave her something to concentrate on other than her uncomfortable attraction. “May I ask why?”

“Don’t worry. I’m not putting you in the middle of a controversy.” Tyler took another drink of water. “I just want to make sure my father and I aren’t repeating each other.”

He sounded reasonable. Then why do I feel like he isn’t telling me everything?

“Is it true you’re in line to succeed your father as CEO of Anderson Adventures—providing he’s happy with the way you handle the launches?”

“Where did you hear that?” Tyler seemed tense.

Iris lowered her knife and fork. “Please don’t misunderstand. Your associates weren’t gossiping. They asked how the internal launch was progressing. That’s when they expressed their concern over the company’s future.”

“They must be very comfortable with you to confide in you.” He sounded surprised.

“Are the rumors true?”

“Yes. Why?”

Talk about pressure. “We both have a lot riding on this project, which is the reason we need to be honest with each other.”

“Agreed.”

Iris smiled. He sounded so much like his father when he said that. “Good. You can start by telling me the real reason you want to see Foster’s talking points first.”

Tyler put down what remained of his burger. “You really aren’t like any consultant I’ve ever worked with before.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I have a feeling you think you’re in charge.”

“No, I don’t.” Do I? Iris ignored the warmth in her cheeks. “Just tell me why there’s tension between you and your father.”

Tyler arched an eyebrow. “No, you don’t think you’re in charge. Not at all.” There was irony in his voice. “I love my father very much but he keeps second-guessing my decisions.”