TALL DARK AND HUNGRY Page 0,93

possible. Bastien wasn't the only one sighing with regret when they arrived at the restaurant and had to untangle from each other's arms.

"I know we aren't going to get any time alone to¬night," he said as he slid out of the car. He took her hand to help her out. "But it's occurred to me that we really have to get together tomorrow for a meeting."

"A meeting, huh?" Terri asked with amusement. She straightened on the pavement beside him.

"Yes. To discuss the stag and doe."

Terri blinked. Bastien had a wicked grin that told her he wanted to do more than just discuss some-thing. But his mention of "stag and doe" made her realize that she had forgotten all about her intention of arranging a bridal shower for Kate. Terri had intended on setting to work on that the moment she arrived, and holding it whenever was possible. She'd known it would be last-minute, but being from En¬gland made it difficult to arrange, and she'd hoped Kate's friends would understand. However, the chaos that had ensued after she arrived had driven the thought from her mind. Now she was reminded. A stag and doe party would eliminate the need for a bridal shower, which was great. It would be more fun. The guys could be there. Bastien could be there.

"Yes. We'll have to get together. I could come to your office and meet you for lunch," she suggested.

"Perfect." Bastien kissed her again, then they walked into the restaurant.

"Hi." Terri paused before the desk in the outer office and smiled widely. "Meredith? I'm Terri."

"Oh." The woman was on her feet at once and taking the hand Terri held out. "Miss Simpson, what a pleasure to meet you in person."

"Terri," she repeated firmly. "And it's a pleasure to meet you, too. Thanks so much for all the help you gave us with the florists and caterers. Really, you were wonderful."

"Oh." Meredith flushed and waved a hand in dis¬missal. She started around the desk. "It was nothing. Just doing my job."

The secretary gestured for Terri to follow as she moved toward the door to Bastien's office. "Mr. Ar-geneau said you were coming. The caterers haven't arrived yet, but they should be here soon. As should he," she added. Meredith opened the door and stepped to the side to allow Terri to enter. "He had a meeting with lab guys from Clinical Testing on the third floor, but said he'd be back by noon. He should be along shortly. In the meantime, you're welcome to wait in his office."

"I'm a little early," Terri apologized as she stepped into the office. In truth, she was fifteen minutes early. Not that she was eager or anything, Terri thought dryly. She'd actually got out of the cab in front of the building more than half an hour ago, but, knowing it was way too early, she'd window-shopped a bit and popped into a Starbucks for one of their iced drinks before making her way back to the office building.

"Sit wherever you'd like," Meredith said. "There are magazines on the table. Books on the shelf. There's even a television and stereo in that console there if you'd like. Can I get you a drink while you wait?" the secretary offered. Then, when she got no response, she said, "Terri? Can I get you a drink?"

"Oh." Terri closed her gaping mouth. She turned to blink at the woman. "No, thank you."

"Okay." Meredith grinned. "Well, if you change your mind, there's a fridge full of them behind that bar. Of course, there's alcohol as well. Help yourself. And if you need anything else, just let me know. I'll be out here until Mr. Argeneau returns."

"Thank you," Terri called as the woman stepped out of the room and closed the door. Then she turned back to gape at the office again. Dear God, she'd never seen anything like it! Bastien's office was bigger than the whole of her little cottage in Hud-dersfield. Eyes wide, she peered around as she moved farther inside. A huge desk the size of a double bed sat in front of a wall of windows with an awesome view of the city. There was the bar Meredith had pointed out in the corner, a black leather overstuffed couch, two matching chairs...

Cripes! Half the office was a bachelor's living room, with an entertainment console and a bar, and the other half was business-related with a desk, com¬puter, fax machine, filing cabinets, and a large table for meetings.

"Jeez," Terri murmured,