“I’ve only been out on the water a few times over the past couple of years,” Amelia said. “It was on Cole’s boat, so it was never this peaceful.”
Ben chuckled. “Yeah. TJ wanted to come along, but I told him no, though I promised that I’d take him out one of these days.”
Amelia scooted back on the wide bench until her back rested against the cushions, then she drew her legs up to cross them.
“If you’d ever like to go for a plane ride, let me know, and I’ll rent one around here.”
“A plane like the one we took to New York?”
Ben shook his head. “No. A small fixed-wing aircraft.”
“Do you fly much now?”
“Not as much recently,” Ben said.
“Do you have your own plane?”
“I do, but it’s currently in New York.”
Ben told her about some of the flights he’d taken. When he’d first been able to fly solo, he and Luca had flown to a bunch of different places. Lately, he hadn’t had as much time to just fly around.
As they were talking, her phone rang, and she reached into her pocket to pull it out. She set her drink down and pushed her sunglasses onto the top of her head as she peered down at the screen.
“It’s Layla.”
“Go ahead and answer it if you want.”
She hesitated but then tapped the screen and put the phone to her ear.
“Hey, Layla. What’s up?” Amelia paused, listening to whatever her sister’s response was. “I’m at the lake.”
Ben had to wonder what Layla’s response would be if she realized who Amelia was with at the lake.
“I’m on a boat.”
Amelia clearly didn’t want to give her sister that information, but Ben had a feeling that Layla would get it out of her eventually.
“Yeah.” Amelia’s gaze darted to Ben. “Ben’s here.” Another pause. “Luca, his bodyguard.”
Ben grinned when she sighed. “Yes, Ben invited me to come out on his new boat.”
Amelia frowned at something Layla said. “I don’t think that’s necessary.” She rolled her eyes. “Okay. Fine.”
She lowered the phone and tapped the screen. “You’re on speakerphone now.”
“Wonderful!” Layla exclaimed. “Hey, Ben.”
Ben shifted closer to Amelia. “Hey there, Layla. How’s life?”
“It’s good. Busy, but good.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“So you dragged Amelia out on your boat, huh?”
“I didn’t drag her,” Ben said. “I asked if she’d like to come out for the maiden voyage, and she said yes.”
“Well, I’m glad she agreed,” Layla told him. “Just make sure she doesn’t overdo it.”
