Lydia needed a sound, realistic plan because Tyler was on form as he’d always been, and she’d clearly stirred some kind of memory. From the first second, she’d sensed it, which was why she’d said they’d gone out.
“We went out for dinner. If you feel you know me, it’s from then. Ben told me about your memory loss. We went out around the same time.” That should put him off questioning her further.
“Are you saying”—he arched a brow—“we dated?”
“No. It was just one meal. We didn’t see each other again.”
“How’d we meet?” He crossed his arms.
Okay, maybe he would question her further. “Ben introduced us.” And he had, but not the way she’d said. “I can’t wait to meet Nico.” Where was Luke?
“I’m sure you can’t. How’d this dinner I can’t remember go?” He came closer and touched a finger to her chin then slowly tracked it along her jaw.
“The food was nice.” She swayed and almost brushed noses with him.
“Nice?”
Looking deep into his eyes, she wanted more, just as she had a year ago. “That’s about it.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Footsteps pounded up the stairwell, and she stepped back as a man’s deep chuckle and a child’s delighted squeal traveled to her. Luke raced around the corner carrying a squirming boy over his shoulders. “I told you I’d catch you, Nico. No Whitehall is faster than me.”
“Nah-ah, Uncle Tyler’s the fastest. He told me he’s quicker than Superman.”
“I doubt it.” Luke winked at Tyler as he lowered Nico to his feet. “Superman can dodge bullets. Your Uncle Tyler hasn’t nailed that essential ability yet.”
Tyler laughed. “Hey, it was impossible to dodge three at once.” He looked at her. “Ignore Luke. I got shot a year ago on duty, and now it makes a good joke.”
“Ben told me about the shooting.” Unbelievable. “Why do they joke about it?”
“It’s the best way to ease the stress. I lost some memory from the time of the assignment, but the outcome was all good. I’ve been able to reconnect with my brothers and join Liam, Dylan and Luke at Whitehall Shipping. That wouldn’t have happened otherwise.”
Did he just say the outcome was all good? She tapped her ears. “I’m sorry, your memory loss must be worse than you thought if you consider being shot at as good.”
“Yeah, that’s not quite what I meant.” With a grin, he glanced at his nephew. “Lydia, meet Nico.”
She lowered to Nico’s level and held out her hand. She was here for him. “Hey, Nico. I love your super-yacht.”
The boy with black curls beamed. “Daddy said you were coming.”
Tyler cleared his throat. “Nico, after a girl offers you her hand to shake, you never miss the opportunity to get a kiss on the cheek in too.”
“Okay.” Nico put his tiny hand in hers, and smacked his lips to her cheek.
She laughed. She’d missed being around children. “I’m so glad to be here.”
“We’re going on holiday, a big holiday.” He peered over his shoulder as another man strode around the corner. This had to be Liam, so visually similar to his brothers. He had Tyler’s sky-blue eyes, although Liam’s dark hair was clipped short, as Tyler’s used to be. Dressed in a white business shirt unbuttoned at the neck and navy dress pants, Liam crossed to her.
“Daddy, we’re going on a holiday because ships are in my blood. That’s what you said, but teeny-tiny ships, ’cause my blood’s only little, right?”
Liam squeezed his son’s shoulder. “That’s kind of what I said, minus the teeny-tiny ships actually being in your blood.” With a smile, he extended his hand to her. “Sorry about the late welcome. Luke told me to hurry since Tyler would have begun his interrogation. I hadn’t yet had the chance to tell him you’d be traveling with us. Ben only called last night.”
“It’s nice to meet you, and thanks for agreeing to take me on board.” She was here, and now she’d make the most of it. “Whatever you need from me, I’m here to help.”
“Great. I appreciate that.”
Tyler caught her arm, and drew her back to him. “Nico is almost five and he’ll start school after we return. Your professional abilities will only be required until the end of this trip. Nothing beyond. Does that arrangement suit?”
“Of course. That sounds perfect.” It would be impossible to have more.
With a hand at the small of her back, Tyler guided her toward the internal stairwell, and collected her bag along the way. They walked downstairs.
“Below deck are the staterooms and staff quarters, and upstairs on the third floor are Liam and Nico’s suites.”
“Okay.” She peeked at him.