“What about April or Ted?” she asked, naming two more of her staff.

“No. Ted met Thornton last week. You’re the best, and the best is what’s required for this trip.”

Part of her was flattered at Nelson’s recognition of her job skills. But another part-the part that had lately grumbled with discontent over some of the things she’d done to be the best-was less than pleased. “Thank you, but April is very competent and she’s never met Thornton.”

“She has back problems.”

Kayla frowned. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“The trip would be too vigorous for her.”

“Vigorous?” Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “What sort of trip is this? Some kind of rafting expedition down the anaconda-filled Amazon?”

Nelson looked insulted. “Of course not. I know you don’t like snakes.”

“Amen to that.”

“Besides, you’d need yellow fever shots for the Amazon.”

She blinked. “It scares me that you even know that.”

“Not to worry. This trip is perfectly safe and doesn’t involve the Amazon at all. I know what a girly girl you are.”

“Uh-huh. And this seems like a good time to remind you that there’s nothing wrong with that. This is a cosmetics company after all-not Extreme Sports-R-Us.”

Nelson smiled. “Not to worry-”

“The fact that that’s the second time you’ve said that in the last ten seconds is not reassuring. Exactly what sort of trip is this?”

“You want the good news or the bad news first?”

“Oh, God.” She squeezed her eyes shut for several seconds, took a bracing breath, then said, “Good news. I definitely could use some good news.”

“The good news is that the hotel where you’re scheduled to stay in Aguas Calientes is incredible. Breathtaking views, gourmet food, five-star treatment all the way.”