“Bro, seriously?” I asked as I surveyed the mess. “What exploded in here?”
“Syd’s abandoned candle-making side hustle,” he said as he pointed to a stack of boxes. “My comic book collection. A couple of baby gifts.”
Well, the only way out was through, right? “Let’s get to it,” I said, picking up an empty box.
“Um,” Kevin watched me. “What’s gotten into you? You seem…happy. For the first time in a long time.”
I paused. I actually was feeling lighter than normal, thanks to sixteen tiny paws and a very pushy new hire.
“Let me tell you a story about what happens when fate and a water bottle collide,” I said, smiling at the memory of a damp Gwen and her hot-pink bra.
8
GWEN
Ihated flying, but traveling likethis—in a gorgeous private jet with every amenity under the sun—was something I could get used to.
I couldn’t allow myself to lean into the luxury, since flying private wasn’t going to be an ongoing part of my life once this job came to an end. But for now? I was going to make themostof this oasis of pure traveling pleasure before I had to go back to endless lines and bare feet through the security checkpoint with the rest of the world.
I made sure to soak in every moment of feeling like a VIP, escorted directly from the black Town Car Harrison had sent for me to the tarmac. I sort of wished I’d worn a dramatic cape or an interesting hat and sunglasses, because my Ann Taylor separates weren’t fancy enough for the journey.
No surprise, my bosshole boss was already seated and waiting for me. He barely glanced up when I boarded.
Great. A sour mood already.
“Hel-lo,” I said, hitting the second syllable hard. “I’m here.”
“I see that,” Harrison answered, still glued to his phone.
I glanced around at the leather chairs. “Do you have a preference where I…”
“Ah, Miss Ackland, welcome,” a flight attendant appeared from behind me. “I’m Dominic. We have a seat all ready for you.”
For a second, I was shocked Harrison had hired a male flight attendant and not a gorgeous woman. But when I thought about it, it made sense. This was a man who didnotlike distractions. I glanced at the seat across from Harrison and spied a navy tote bag waiting for me.
“Mr. Ashford wanted you to have the same travel experience Miss Rush would’ve had when she booked with us. That’s our VIP welcome bag, stocked with all the toiletries you might need during the flight, all Chanel, along with a branded lounge suit and socks.”
“Wow, that’s a super nice perk,” I marveled.
“It’s all Mr. Ashford,” Dominic replied proudly. “He thinks of everything.”
Everything except how to be friendly, apparently. Harrison didn’t even look up at us.
“Please don’t hesitate to press the call button if you need anything at all,” Dominic smiled at me. “I’ll be coming through with fresh fruit shortly. The meal options are on a card in the front pocket of your tote. Mr. Ashford alerted us to your food concerns and preferences in advance, so you’ll have plenty of choices.”
I was about to ask how he even knew what my preferences were but remembered that in Aspen, Harrison had paid attention during our time together. I dropped onto the sumptuous leather seat and pulled out the card from the bag, since Harrison was still refusing to engage.
I wasn’t surprised to discover the three meal choices were all dishes I’d enjoyed when we were together: truffle fries and a blue cheese burger, herb-crusted salmon, and parmesan risotto with mushrooms. And dessert? He’d outdone himself with six options that could be ordered individually or scaled down to sample sizes so I could try all of them.
“This is really nice,” I said as I tucked the card back in the bag. “I’d love to travel this way all the time.”
Harrison snorted. “Wish I could say the same.”
I frowned at him. “What do you mean? The plane is stunning, your attendant is the sweetest, I didn’t have to fight any crowds to get here, we don’t have to worry about delays…”
He jabbed his finger toward the cockpit. “I’d rather be up there.”
It was news to me. “Wait, you fly?”
