“Oh, my God.”
“We need to go, Carly. Linc’s got a G-6 chartered. He’s on his way to the airport right now.”
“I’m ready. Let’s go.”
Beau gave her a quick once over, flashed a smile of approval. “Linc’sgonna owe me for this. He’s gonna owe me big.” Beau grabbed her bag and started tugging it toward the door.
Beau deserves to find someone,she thought as she followed him out to the Jeep. But the notion slipped away, replaced by thoughts of Linc and concern for his wounded brother.
* * *
A big white G-6 private jet was sitting on the tarmac outside the executive terminal at Dallas Love Field when the helicopter set down.
“I’ll get them to hold the plane and have someone take care of your luggage,” Beau said as they ducked beneath the blades. “You go to Linc. He’s going to need you now more than ever.”
She brushed a kiss on Beau’s lean cheek. “Linc’s lucky to have you for a friend.”
“I’m lucky to have him,” Beau said and took off on the run with her bag.
Carly hurried across the tarmac and climbed the stairs to the cabin of the sleek white jet. It was roomy and elegant, with polished mahogany tables and wide butter-cream leather seats. She spotted Linc in one of them, his head tipped back and his eyes closed. He looked tired and a little worn, and more dear to her than ever.
As she sat down next to him, his eyes cracked open and he sat up in his seat. There wasn’t an ounce of friendliness in his face.
“Carly . . . what the hell are you doing here?”
She started to answer, but Linc held up a hand.
“Never mind, it doesn’t matter. You need to leave. My brother’s been wounded. They don’t know if he’s going to make it. I can’t deal with him and you both—not right now.”
Her chin went up. Gripping the edge of the seat, she stared him straight in the face. “I’m not leaving. I’m staying right here.”
“Bullshit. Get off the plane.”
Her heart raced so hard it hurt.Oh, God, oh, God, oh, God. “I’m staying.”
“You didn’t want to be with me before. Now it’s too late.”
“I wanted to stay, but . . .” Her throat ached. “I didn’t understand, okay? I’m here now and I’m staying.”
One dark eyebrow went up. “Yeah, for how long?”
She swallowed past the ache. “Forever.” Her voice broke, but she didn’t look away. Her hand trembled as she lifted it so he could see his diamond ring, the same marquis-cut stone he had bought her to wear to the gala, reset into an engagement ring. A thin platinum band inset with diamonds accompanied it, perfect to wear to work.
“You love me?” he asked harshly.
Her eyes teared up. “I’d die for you,” she said.
A shudder went through Linc’s big body. Dragging her into his lap, he buried his face in her hair. “Why didn’t you just say yes?”
She held on hard, couldn’t make herself let him go. “I was a coward. You’re way out of my league. I was afraid of getting hurt.”
“I love you, baby. I’d never do anything to hurt you.”
She wiped away a tear. “I know. Beau explained things, helped me understand.”
He scoffed. “Beau always was a better salesman.”
“Are you sure I’m the one?”
