She wasn’t sure whowemeant until another man stepped out of the nearby parking garage.
“Conrad will take good care of your vehicle,” the man added.
Viv tried to ignore the odd sense of embarrassment she felt at the royal treatment. At least there wasn’t a red carpet leading up to the entrance.
“My name’s Bruce,” he said as Viv popped the trunk.
“Hi, Bruce. I’m Viv,” she said, shaking the hand he offered.
“Mr. Benton has already arrived. Your flight should take off in approximately ten minutes.”
“Sounds good to me. Thank you.”
Bruce gave life to that whole built-like-an-ox thing—a look Viv had never been drawn to. She preferred a leaner, muscular build. Tall and toned.
Just as the thought occurred to her, Duke Benton appeared at the top of the stairs, a picture definition of that very thing. If he was wearing a full-on suit earlier, he’d removed the sports coat and was now down to the navy slacks and a crisp white shirt. One that accented the muscular shape of his broad chest.
Luckily, she’d learned to see far beyond appearances. But even still, her face flushed with a wave of heat at the sight of him. At the nearness too.
She dropped her gaze to the grip she had on her handbag and prepped herself to lock eyes with him through a shaky breath. Just why did her heart have to pound out such a frantic rhythm? Viv had no desire to be so affected by the man from her past. It hardly seemed fair after what he’d done.
He’s just a guy like anyone else, Viv. Get over it.
Yes. She would. She’d view him as she did any of her subjects. With interest, kindness, and only traces of intimidation over the status they’d earned.
Besides, Duke was the one who should be intimidated. With that, Viv lifted her chin and settled her gaze directly on the face of her new subject.
Another flash of heat filled her cheeks, only this time she didn’t look away. She studied him the way she might any of her interviewees.
His strong, angular jaw was accented by hints of a five o’clock shadow. A furrow creased his handsome brow as he squinted against the sun, giving him that brooding appearance the Benton twins were famous for. Of course, Duke’s was always more of a smolder. One aimed right at her in the moment. And though she tried very hard to avoid it, those blue piercing eyes sparked trails of heat low in her tummy.
The box in her heart creaked open a crack. It was often said that Duke’s twin, Zander, had a better poker face than he did. A popular observation made fromThe Lion’s Den.Viv could second the notion, but it wasn’t exactly his face that gave him away. Duke always had spoken his wants, his desires—his mood, even—with his eyes.
And as she neared the steps, eyes fixed on those deep pools of blue, she couldn’t help but think he had more than just his gaze set on her. A new dose of heat flared low in her tummy before she could tame it.
“Vivi,” he said, extending his hand to help her up the stairs.
His nickname for her—just hearing it on his lips seemed to jostle the heart box once more.
“Viv,” she corrected while taking his strong hand.That’s right, Duke, we’re not on those terms anymore.He’d given up the right to address her with such endearment when he broke her heart.
“Of course,” he was quick to say, but as he released his grip on her hand, she saw the hurt on his face.
Viv tore her gaze away and eyed the spacious interior of the jet. It was impressive, as she guessed it would be. It looked more like the inside of a five-star hotel than an aircraft.
“Take them to the rear suite if you don’t mind,” Duke said to Bruce as he entered with her luggage.
“Will do.”
“Thank you,” Viv said, stepping aside as the man carried her luggage to the far end of the space. A retracting door slid open and then closed behind him.
“The flight’s about six hours,” Duke said. “There’s a bed in your room if you’d like to relax. And a dining area with an informal menu selection tonight,” he said, pointing in the opposite direction. “The chef’s on board. Or you can just make yourself comfortable out here and watch some TV. There are movie selections…whatever you’d like.”
Viv nodded. “Thanks.”
More nodding.
More eyeing the glossy floors, sleek design, and posh interior. Through it all, she was very aware of his close proximity. Rattled by it, even. Had she gotten her makeup the way she wanted it? Had she realized they’d be this close throughout the trip? Had she made a mistake by taking the job?
