She shook her head and sank down into a wide curved chair that enveloped her body.
"Sure?" When she said no, he stepped back. "I'll just be a minute. The cabin is through there in case you want to freshen up. We'll take advantage of it during the long flight."
He disappeared before she could make a comment.
Swiveling the chair around, she took in the stunning décor and felt the usual fear and disillusionment enveloping her. She was way out of her league. This was wealth beyond anything she had ever imagined. Pushing to her feet, she decided to explore.
The cabin was large, complete with a wide bed, neatly covered with navy blue satin. A dresser, armoire, deep cushioned seats and a large closet completed the look.
Her feet sank into a snowy white carpet. The head or bathroom, whatever it was called, had the same color scheme. A bath stood in the middle and there was also a shower installed.
"You disappeared." She had been so caught up, she hadn't heard him come up behind her. Or the carpet had muffled his footsteps.
"You travel like this all the time?"
His arms came around her. "Mostly. It made sense to have a plane handy. We do a lot of travel." He rested his chin on top of her head. "We could take a shower as soon as we're airborne."
"I did not bring anything with me, remember?"
"I thought of that." He turned her to face him. "I had Monique send over some things from Romano's."
"Like what?"
"Some underwear and clothes to wear when we land." He rubbed his hands up and down her arms. "Paris gets cold this time of year."
"Without asking me?"
He looked at her quizzically. "I wanted to surprise you and besides, I was the one who told you not to bring anything. Is there an issue here?"
"I just don't like being handled." She was deliberately starting an argument and she knew it.
"All right." He eased out a breath. "Why don't you tell me what's really going on."
"Nothing."
"Uh huh." He shook his head. "You've been off since earlier. Was it the remark I made about wanting you to meet my mother?"
"No. Yes. This is going too fast."
"You're scared." He drew her closer. "So am I. All right, no more mention of meeting my mother. I just want us to have a good time. This week's been stressful for me. I had some shipment being delayed and the apartment building in New York, one that we've been renovating, caught on fire. I had to go and try and sort things out."
"I'm sorry--"
He shook his head. "No talk of work or anything like that. I came to tell you that we're ready to depart."
Shaking off the feeling of fear and guilt that was trying to consume her, she smiled at him.
"You're going to have to hold my hand."
"Afraid of flying?" He teased gently, taking her hand.
"Taking off is the worst."
"Then I'm happy I have a shoulder for you to lean on." He led them back to the main cabin and strapped her in himself. True to his word, he held her hand in his while she leaned on his shoulder and closed her eyes. Takeoff was smooth. As soon as they leveled out, the seatbelt light came off. He unhooked her and led the way to the private jet suite.
"Your flight attendant--" She started to protest when he started to undress her.
"Knows to mind her own business." He whispered as he closed his mouth over hers.
