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nowhere and stepped in front of her just before she reached the table. “This is a private party. I must ask you—”

    “Mrs. Melrose and I are acquainted,” Theo said, cutting off the man’s dismissal.

    The man kept his feet planted but cast a questioning glance at the fair-haired woman seated to the right of Theo. She inclined her head slightly and only then did the man in the suit step aside.

    By now both women were staring, along with the serving staff clustered just a few feet from the table. Thankfully Trish had never been the type to blush. She lifted her chin and extended her hand to Theo. “Forgive me for interrupting. I just wanted to stop by and say hello.”

    Theo hesitated before his hand closed over hers for the briefest of shakes.

    “I believe you know Katherine and Helena.” He gestured to the two women at the table, now on their feet and openly assessing Trish.

    She blinked several times before she made sense of the strange comment. She couldn’t believe Theo was so naive. Alexandra’s Dream had over a thousand passengers. Just because she and the women were on the same ship didn’t mean she knew them. “I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure.” Trish flashed a warm smile and extended her hand first to the dark-haired woman closest to her. “I’m Trish Melrose from Miami, Florida.”

    The woman took Trish’s hand. “Helena Stamos. This is my sister, Katherine.”

    Stamos? Trish frowned. “Any relation to Elias Stamos?”

    Katherine laughed, a light gentle sound. “He’s our father. But, please, don’t hold that against us.”

    Despite the words, Trish could hear the fond undertones and knew the woman and her father enjoyed a close relationship.

    Theo stiffened and Trish couldn’t help but wonder why a man who seemed to have a grudge against the wealthy shipping tycoon was having dinner with the man’s daughters?

    “Do you know our father?” Helena asked.

    “I don’t know him personally,” Trish said. “I run a company that arranges excursions for cruise lines. So any contact I’ve had has been on a business level.”

    Katherine’s eyes lit up. “You’re the one charged with getting the Kefalonia excursion back on the schedule.”

    “That’s right,” Trish said, doing her best to keep her tone light. “I’ve been trying to convince Theo that it would be in everyone’s best interest to sign the contract.”

    Theo’s expression darkened and Trish saw instantly that her calculated risk had blown up in her face.

    “But of course, that’s his decision to make,” she said hurriedly. Trish knew she could stay longer and try to repair the damage, but the tense set of Theo’s jaw told her she’d already overstayed her welcome.

    “I think it’s time for me to get back to my friend. Again, I’m sorry I interrupted.” Trish smiled at Theo, not surprised he didn’t smile back. “A pleasure to see you again.” She turned to Katherine and Helena. “It was very nice to meet you both.”

    The three resumed their seats. Conscious of their eyes on her, Trish walked away with her head held high, making a determined effort to hide her disappointment. The encounter may have gone badly but she was only down, not out. She would regroup. Plan her next move. She wasn’t ready to give up yet.

    Still, when she got to the table and saw everyone enjoying their dessert, Trish found herself wishing she’d remained at her table and chosen cheesecake over Catomeris.

    “T RISH M ELROSE ,” Katherine mused as she stared after the other woman. “So that’s the woman whose company handles the excursions.”

    “She seems nice,” Helena added, casting a sideways glance at Theo.

    Theo took a sip of grappa, his gaze still firmly fixed on Trish. When he’d spotted her in the dining room, it had instantly become clear why his half sisters had chosen to eat there. Why he’d been asked to meet them on the ship. Why they’d even contacted him in the first place. He’d