He wanted her. It didn’t worry him to admit that he wanted her more every time he thought of her. He’d wanted many women. He’d never believed in self-denial. When a man didn’t want a woman, he was dead.

But… Carlo found it odd that “buts” so often followed any thoughts he had on Juliet. But he found himself dwelling on her more often than he’d have once considered healthy. Though he didn’t mind wanting a woman until he ached, he found Juliet could make him ache more than he’d have once considered comfortable.

He might have been able to rationalize the threat to his health and comfort. But…she was so damn indifferent.

If he did nothing else in the short time they had left in Dallas, he was going to change that.

Lunch was white linen, heavy silver flatware and thin crystal. The room was done in tones of dusty rose and pastel greens. The murmur of conversation was just as quiet.

Carlo thought it a pity they couldn’t have met the reporter at one of the little Tex-Mex restaurants over Mexican beer with chili and nachos. Briefly, he promised himself he’d rectify that in Houston.

He barely noticed the reporter was young and running on nerves as they took their seats. He’d decided, no matter what it took, he’d break through Juliet’s inflexible shield of politeness before they stood up again. Even if he had to play dirty.

“I’m so happy you included Dallas on your tour, Mr. Franconi,” the reporter began, already reaching for her water glass to clear her throat. “Mr. Van Ness sends his apologies. He was looking forward to meeting you.”

Carlo smiled at her, but his mind was on Juliet. “Yes?”

“Mr. Van Ness is the food editor for the Tribune.” Juliet spread her napkin over her lap as she gave Carlo information she’d related less than fifteen minutes before. She sent him the friendliest of smiles and hoped he felt the barbs in it. “Ms. Tribly is filling in for him.”

“Of course.” Carlo smoothed over the gap of attention. “Charmingly, I’m sure.”

As a woman she wasn’t immune to that top-cream voice. As a reporter, she was well aware of the importance of her assignment. “It’s all pretty confused.” Ms. Tribly wiped damp hands on her napkin. “Mr. Van Ness is having a baby. That is, what I mean is, his wife went into labor just a couple of hours ago.”

“So, we should drink to them.” Carlo signaled a waiter. “Margaritas?” He phrased the question as a statement, earned a cool nod from Juliet and a grateful smile from the reporter.

Determined to pull off her first really big assignment, Ms. Tribly balanced a pad discreetly on her lap. “Have you been enjoying your tour through America, Mr. Franconi?”