Oh, but that had been so close, Tia thought, panic foremost in her mind after Aleksi left. They had almost been caught. She didn’t know why the thought of being caught kissing Aleksi freaked her out so much. And granted, Maria and Helena would have likely approved.
Tia still couldn’t quell the panic that ensued at the thought of anyone catching her and Aleksi in a lip-lock. What if his people didn’t think her good enough? She already knew she wasn’t. But it’d hurt even more to hear them express the sentiment.
She would be beyond devastated. The more Aleksi kissed her, the more she needed kisses from him. No other man could knock her senses into such disarray. Only the extreme fear of being caught had kept her from completely enjoying the kiss.
Losing all track of time was common for her when Aleksi was around. And he seemed to be on a regular basis lately. Not that she minded, but he disrupted her senses worse than a fire alarm.
“We finished our testing,” Maria said unnecessarily.
“And yours, too,” Helena added.
“You didn’t have to do that.” Tia was grateful, but they didn’t have to do her work.
Maria shrugged. “Between your meeting and seeing your aunt and uncle off, and the fact that you’ll be sleeping here tonight, we decided it was the least we could do.”
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Helena frowned. “What does that mean?”
“It means she really means it,” Maria explained.
“Oh, I knew that.” Helena flashed a smile. For some reason the sheer beauty of her face depressed Tia. If Aleksi wasn’t interested in Helena, with all her beauty and attractiveness, what could he possibly see in her?
He didn’t kiss Helena today, a little voice reminded her. That’s true, she agreed. He had kissed her, Tia Morrison. And those kisses were perfection.
She could have kissed him all day long. And all night long...
“Where’s Jorge?” Maria asked, and peered around the lab.
“He hasn’t returned yet.”
“That’s strange, I thought he finished before us,” Maria said.
Helena bit her lip. “He did have more samples.”
“Didn’t he have the wells where the technicians have desks near the sampling area?” Tia asked.
“Yes, he did. And he’s sampling well twenty-six.”
Tia nodded. “It’s likely he’s talking.”
Maria and Helena both grinned. “That’s true,” Maria said, just as the door slammed open and Jorge stomped in.
“Bad day at the office?” Tia teased and Jorge rolled his eyes.
“If people would just let me do my job, it’d be easier,” he grumbled.
Helena’s lips twitched. “You were delayed by people asking you questions.”
“They wanted to know all about what you were doing. And could they try their hand at sampling?” Maria guessed – she didn’t even try to hide her grin.
Tia couldn’t hide hers either. “This has affected everyone, so it’s only normal for them to be interested.”
Jorge sent her a glare as he emptied his sampling kit. She wasn’t repentant in the least. “I think you’re a hermit, Jorge.”
Helena snorted. “That’s our Jorge.” She darted a mischievous look at him.
The brackets around his mouth loosened at the women’s teasing and soon the girls had him smiling again. He didn’t whistle while he worked but Tia thought it a mark of a true scientist when they just wanted to be left alone while they worked.
She had initially selected Jorge as the most dedicated helper she had, but it soon became apparent that Maria and Helena were every bit as loyal and hardworking. Although Helena was a little distracted lately and wondered if she didn’t have other interests going on, outside of work. Like a man, maybe.
Jorge and Maria moved to the bench at the other end of the room and Tia snagged her opportunity to grill her on that subject.
“So, Helena.”
Helena raised a brow, but kept working. “So, Tia.”
“I’ve noticed you’re a little distracted lately. Is there a man in your life?”
Helena’s eyes flew to Tia’s face, which she searched. Tia decided she tried to assess her boss’s reason for asking. “I’m asking as a nosy friend, not as your temporary boss.”
“Oh, in that case, yes, there’s someone special.” Tia admired and envied the sweet little smile that darted around Helena’s face.
“Is he a local?”
“He is. But he hasn’t lived here recently.”
“Do tell.”
“He’s been working abroad. He looks a lot like Aleksi, actually.”
Tia’s eyebrows rose. “Really? Do all the men here resemble Aleksi?”
“No, but Maks, Graham and Maria’s son does. And my friend is also their son.”
“Oh, I see. I didn’t know they had more than three kids.”
“They do. I think there were some problems, and that’s why Vladimir left.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“No. But he was surprised to hear I work with his mother.”
“Do you think that helped, or hindered?”
Helena cocked her head. “I think it helped. He’d gotten to where he wants to re-associate with his family.”
“We all go through that,” Tia said dryly.
Helena cocked a brow. “We do?”
“There have been plenty of days when I wanted to disassociate with my family.”
“The Apes?” Helena asked knowingly. She only had a sister, so she’d never grown up with brothers. But Helena still seemed to understand. Or at least she was amused by Tia’s plight.
“Of course. They’re for sale, by the way.”
Helena giggled. “No thanks.”
“Well the offer is always open, if you want them.”
“I think I’ll wait for the end of the year clearance sale.”
Tia sniggered. “We can work out similar pricing right now.”
“No thanks. I’ve got my hands full enough with the one male in my life.”
“Okay. But if you should change your mind...”
“You’ll be the first one I tell.”
***
Aleksi finished his consultation with the palace chef, and when both were satisfied, took himself back to his office. Supper plans were in place, and his heart leapt at the thought of eating, alone, with Tia. He hoped they actually accomplished some eating. Because he was rather certain he’d end up kissing her a large amount of the time.
And she did have that sofa in her office.
Always best to avoid temptation, but then even he knew they couldn’t eat in the lab. It wasn’t safe, and the place was smelly enough to inhibit one’s appetite, much less their libido.
Plus that contradicted his purpose.
Because what he did want was Tia Morrison. She seemed to want him, too. A promising notion. But she hadn’t been as fully engaged in their kisses today. Because she heard her colleagues in the hall and had leapt from him like he’d burst into flames.
That had been an option.
But if he had gone down in flames, what a magnificent way to go. Yet, he wouldn’t have taken her with him because she wasn’t a full participant. Unlike him, who had lost all thought and reason.
They did have this evening though. He would make sure she ate, and hopefully manage to preoccupy her some. His temperature and thoughts soared, and Aleksi clamped down on his raging libido. Not a good time to be thinking about his microbiologist.
Right now, he had work to do. People who relied on him to run their principality. A responsibility he needed to focus on. Now. Not think about how good Tia felt and tasted....
He groaned.
***
“Crumley, you’ve outdone yourself,” Aleksi complimented the palace chef as he sniffed appreciatively at the fare the man had provided later that evening.
“Of course, Your Majesty,” the little man stated and his straight, well groomed mustache bobbed.
“We’ll enjoy our supper, thank you.”
“It is my forte,” Crumley replied. Aleksi, in all his years at the palace had yet to see the man smile. But he could cook, and that’s what Aleksi needed right now.
“Would you like me to push the cart?” Emerson, the palace controller, asked dryly.
Aleksi rolled his eyes. Unlike Crumley, Emerson was personality personified. He never ceased smiling and joking and knew everything. More than any one person should know. But Aleksi always theorized that Emerson was just one of those people everyone confided in. He was approachable, so people approached him.
“I think I can handle pushing the cart.”
“Still, I’d like to do it. I want to see her reaction,” Emerson decided, and Aleksi knew not to argue with that tone.
“Who is the prince here again?”
Emerson had the good grace to laugh, but he still shook a towel over his forearm and shoved the cart into the hall. Aleksi rolled his eyes and followed Emerson. Not exactly the plan, having Emerson around, but he figured after he and Tia settled down for supper, he could convince Emerson to disappear.
One thing he had to say about his friend, he caught on quickly. That solved, Aleksi’s heart tripped a beat as he thought about Tia’s reaction to having supper with him. He hoped she was thankful enough to kiss him in gratitude.
He wasn’t picky. He’d take whatever she offered.
With extra force, he reined in his galloping thoughts and straightened his tie, smoothed a hand over his hair, and hoped she was actually in the lab.
Emerson rattled the cart over the threshold and Aleksi was heartened to see Tia turn in surprise and stare. “Your dinner, Madame,” Emerson intoned. The light gleamed off Emerson’s light brown hair and lit up his hazel eyes. But Tia didn’t look anything other than pleased, and she directed her smile at him, not Emerson. Aleksi’s tension eased.
He did have to admit, if drama was his thing, Emerson was the right person for the job.
“What’s this?” Surprise etched her face.
“I knew you didn’t plan to eat supper tonight, and that is, of course, not allowed here in Rurikstan. We take eating seriously. So I spoke with Crumley and he prepared us a fine meal.” Aleksi liked the way her eyes widened then turned soft and warm.
He wanted to kiss her. Now.
Instead, his eyes darted to his helper, or whatever Emerson was. “Of course, Emerson insisted on pushing the cart.” His voice could have survived the Sahara.
“Of course. That’s something Emerson would find especially funny.” Tia darted a laughing glance at his friend.
“You’ve discovered our Emerson’s ... personality,” Aleksi said delicately.
“I believe so.” Her eyes continued to laugh, and her lips curled into the most alluring curve he’d ever seen. He had to swallow to keep from drooling on her.
Emerson sniffed. “I am...” he cleared his throat.
“Leaving,” Aleksi supplied.
“Yes. I’m leaving.” He turned to Tia and bowed. “I do hope you enjoy your meal, my lady.”
“I’m sure I will. Thank you, Emerson.” Tia kept from laughing, which Aleksi thought was impressive.
Emerson turned stiffly and walked nobly out the door. Watching him go, Aleksi sniggered. “I should act more like him sometimes, or so he tells me.”
Tia laughed. A tinkling, happy sound that pierced his soul. His spirits soared.
“I don’t think there could be another Emerson, even if he reproduced,” she said. And clapped a hand over her mouth. But her eyes still betrayed her. They crackled with happiness and laughter.
“He has reproduced.”
“What?” Now her eyes snapped wide.
“He and Helena’s sister have been married for five or so years now.”
“And they have a baby?”
“They have two. A little girl first, and a little boy recently.”
“I’d love to meet them.”
“I’m certain you will before too long.”
“Oh?”
“It never ceases to surprise me how often I work with one or the other in my lap.”
“You baby-sit?”
“Yes.” He sighed, and she laughed.
“His daughter, how old is she?”
“Nadia is three. And she loves me.” He smiled at the thought of the little girl who seemed to enjoy spending her days with him.
“I’m sure she does. What do you do to keep her occupied?”
“She has a play set in the corner of my office and she’s used to keeping quiet. You’d never know she was there, most of the time.”
“I see. How about her brother?”
“He’s one now. He spends time with me also. But Emerson wears one of those slings for babies, so I don’t have to take care of Matthieu that often.”
“I imagine Matthieu is old enough to walk now?”
“Oh, yes.”
“What does Helena’s sister do that she doesn’t take care of the children?”
“She’s a nurse practitioner, so she’s been spending a lot of time at the hospital.”
“Ah. Does she look like Helena?”
“Yes. You’d think they were twins, they resemble each other so much. But I believe Karis is two years older than Helena.”
“Karis?”
“Yes, she’s Emerson’s wife and Helena’s sister.”
Aleksi meandered into her office where Tia had wheeled the cart. She wiped down the table, folded the supplied tablecloth overtop, and set out the cutlery. He realized he liked watching her work.
He transferred the various dishes to the table then seated Tia.
“I’d like to meet Karis, Nadia, and Matthieu.”
“You will, I promise.” Aleksi sat and then dished up and he thought maybe Tia was touched that he remembered she would have to work in the lab this evening.
“Thank you for thinking about me tonight.”
He smiled at her, because he couldn’t help himself. “I’m glad we could share this meal. Eating alone is a lonely business.”
“Yes.” She looked up at him, and his heart clenched. “I thought I’d end up with a sandwich.”
“Never. Not in this place. Crumley would not hear of such a thing,” Aleksi said, hoping he sounded aghast.
“Does Crumley know when guests don’t eat?”
“Of course. He and Emerson are friends. And Emerson knows everything.”
“Would there have been repercussions for eating a quick sandwich at my desk?”
She cocked her head and his toes curled. Keep your hands off her right now. Later. We’ll kiss her later. Once he thought he had himself under control, he answered her question. “Of course. He would have been insulted if he had to make you a sandwich. Gourmet chefs don’t do sandwiches. Or so he informs me.”
“I see,” she said with a sage nod. “He’s refused to make you a sandwich in the past?”
He sent her a superior look. “Of course he’s refused to make me a sandwich. Emerson has to make them for us. I should warn you, don’t let Emerson make you food.”
She laughed. “Not pretty?”
“No.” Aleksi shook his head emphatically. “I’d rather make my own.”
Tia leaned forward to whisper, “I would be willing to make my own.”
His heart nearly stopped. She had removed her lab coat for their meal, and the front of her shirt dipped open. He caught a glimpse of curves he wanted to explore. Aleksi blinked a few times before his brain rebooted and he could focus again.
This fixation with Tia was becoming problematic. They had a near crisis on their hands, and all he could think about was kissing her. Never mind catching a glimpse down the front of her shirt. That had been a bonus.
What had they been discussing? Frantically he fumbled around for their conversation topic. Please, let him remember. He was pretty sure he couldn’t take the embarrassment. And somehow, Emerson would find out his faux pas and he’d never hear the end.
Sandwiches. His brain finally latched on to their previous topic. “I’ve made my share of sandwiches. If any of Crumley’s helpers are there, they’ll gladly do it for me, but a few times he’s been the only one around.”
“You seem to be pretty good friends with Emerson.”
“I am. I think he’s a cousin.” Aleksi frowned. “He’s related somehow.”
Her eyebrows soared. “And he works for you?”
“I didn’t hire him. He just butted his way in, as usual.”
“I see.”
“He and Maks must have decided on it, because one day not quite a year ago I couldn’t find anything. The next thing I know Emerson shows up and organizes everything. He’s fanatical about organization.”
“He and Maks are friends, too?”
“Of course. We all grew up together, attended the same schools, and then joined the military. It was hard to stop the three of us.”
“Maks doesn’t work for you, then?”
“Yes, he does. But I couldn’t tell you much of what he does. He runs the financial part of the principality.”
“While Emerson runs the palace.”
“Yes.”
“That’s a big job.”
“Yes. I enjoy reminding him he is my valet,” Aleksi started but broke off when she choked.
“You tell him he’s your valet?” She gasped and tried to talk through a sputter.
He grinned. “Of course. It is most enjoyable.”
Since she was wheezing he tapped her back. Soon Tia regained control and then sighed. “It must be nice to work with your closest friends.”
She appeared very comfortable with him and he loved that. Most women would have been mortified at choking in front of any man, much less a prince. Again, that little thought that Tia wasn’t impressed by his status impressed him.
“It is. I do not know what I would do without either of them. Besides being able to trust them implicitly, they are also very good at what they do.”
“Plus you have fun,” she inserted.
“We do.”
“Is Emerson’s family here?”
“Most of them are. I believe his mother and my father were cousins. First, I think, but I am not certain on that.”
“I see.”
“You come from a large family.”
“You could say that.” He liked when she rolled her eyes like that.
“So how many first cousins do you have?”
She shuddered. “I don’t know. Each aunt has between four and ten children.”
“Between four and ten children?” he echoed, trying to fathom that many people.
“Yes. I have to have at least fifty first cousins. I’ve never been brave enough to count them.”
“Do you know all these people?”
“Yes, of course.”
“By first name?”
“And last. I might trip up on their middle names,” she said and cocked her head to the side, staring at something beyond him.
“So your grandfather, the one who was your knight in shining armor, he has fifty some grandchildren?”
“That sounds about right. He and Grandmom had eight children, and like I said each of them have between four and ten children, so that’s a lot of grandkids, and cousins,” she tacked on.
“How many people are in your family?”
She had to stop and think about that, because she stopped chewing and again stared at the point behind him. “I guess we’re probably 800 strong.”
It was his turn to choke.