I yawned and leaned back against him. “I know we need to go, but all of this has been so magical. I hate to leave.”
Our guide had retreated to her vehicle to give us some privacy once we’d finished photographing the incredible phenomenon.
“Think of it as the beginning of our adventures,” he suggested. “There’s going to be plenty more in the future.”
“I’ve never thought of myself as a very adventurous person, but I think I’d like to experience things I never have before with you.”
“Travel?” he asked.
“I’d love that,” I said wistfully. “I don’t think I want to go mountain climb all of the fourteeners, but I’d love to experience other cultures and places. But you’ve done so much traveling, I’m sure that wouldn’t be all that exciting for you.”
“Traveling was never fun for me,” he answered. “I was always working. I’d enjoy it a lot more if I was simply seeing new places for pleasure. I do have a private jet. I’d like to use it for fun.”
I nodded enthusiastically. “Then let’s do it. I’ve never really had a break from work.”
“Where to?” he asked with amusement in his voice.
“Anywhere,” I said with a sigh. “It’s not like I’ve seen much of the world. Just getting away and not thinking about work would be heavenly for me.”
“I can arrange my schedule any way I want to,” Cole informed me. “Clear yours, and we’re gone for as long as you want. One of the reasons Asher and I sold our tech company was to spend more time doing the things we wanted to do.”
“I could manage a vacation in the future,” I told him. “I’m gradually cutting down to a reasonable amount of projects.”
“Charge more. Work less,” Cole suggested.
“I already charge a lot,” I said hesitantly.
“Not enough,” he argued. “I was surprised when you told me how much you were charging me for your reports on my proposed investments. You could charge double what you’re asking, angel.”
“My company isn’t that established yet.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he grumbled. “You’re established. Your services are in high demand. Your company doesn’t have to be decades old to command a premium price. You’re damn good at what you do, Lauren. Those skills should get the highest rate possible. You busted your ass to get your degree and your work experience, Dr. Collier.”
I made a face. “I don’t use that title very often. It sounds so formal.”
“You should use it,” he argued. “You earned it. It also reminds clients that you’re highly educated and worth more money than they’re paying you for your services.”
I laughed. “I’ll think about upping my rates a little.”
He was right.
I probably could charge a little more.
My rates wouldn’t be unrealistic, but they’d be on par with a more established company.
“Good,” he grunted. “Then you can spend more time with me.”
“Like you have all the time in the world?” I asked drily. “You’re busier than most guys with a normal career.’’
Yeah, Cole had sold his tech company, but he had a ton of international business interests that needed his attention.
He was also starting a small breeding operation, which took a lot of work. He’d hired a manager to help him organize that business and to help with the everyday work with the Arabians, but Cole wasn’t exactly good at leaving all of his decisions to other people. He was as involved as he could get with all of his investments.
Breeding Arabians was more a passion for him than a business, but that endeavor was still important to him.
Asher and Cole had been researching breeding operations for years, and they’d owned horses in Texas.
In fact, Cole’s big quarter horse had come with him from his property in Texas when he’d sold. He’d told me that his gelding, Cash, had been his primary riding horse and his companion for years. He’d refused to give him up when he’d left Texas for good.
