Anne's heart leapt into her throat when Damien's piercing gaze fell on her. She could feel Chris stiffen beside he.
"Oh, Damien," Anne said, her voice light and playful. "We were just discussing something you're not supposed to know yet."
Damien raised an eyebrow, a half-grin pulling at his lips, though the suspicion in his eyes hadn't fully dissipated. "Really?" His tone was amused but probing, like he knew there was more to the conversation than they were letting on.
Anne's pulse quickened. She stepped forward, closing the distance between them, gently placing a hand on his arm. "Yes, I was planning a surprise for you," she said, her voice softening. "That's what Chris and I were talking about. We didn't want to spoil it before it was ready."
Damien's expression shifted, the suspicion melting away as a broad grin spread across his face. "A surprise?" he repeated, his deep voice filled with curiosity.
