Flash Burned (Burned 2)

Dane joined me in the bathroom, his arms sliding around my waist. “Baby, you look gorgeous.” His lips pressed to the side of my neck. “You smell great, too. Maybe I should have made this a private affair.”

“You can have me all to yourself later. In the meantime, why don’t you tell me what you have planned for the evening?”

“Not a chance.” He disentangled himself and turned the shower on.

I assumed Amano had brought him clothes, since Dane never showed up with anything more than a black backpack that likely only housed the absolute necessities.

I left the room so the humidity from the hot water didn’t wilt my blowout. I found Kyle and Amano in the living room.

I whistled in appreciation. “So handsome. Aren’t I the lucky girl?”

Kyle straightened his tie and said, “We clean up nice.”

Amano poured sparkling water for me, champagne for everyone else. Dane sauntered into the room and I lost my breath.

He wore a charcoal-gray suit with a black shirt and tie. His hair was a tad longer than usual but still sexily mussed. His emerald eyes shimmered against his bronze skin. I realized I didn’t need a party tonight—didn’t need to be anywhere or with anyone else but him. I could just lie on top of him and admire him all night long. And be the happiest woman on the planet.

Obviously, he had other plans for us.

Extending his hand, he said, “Come on.”

Our fingers entwined and I walked with him to the foyer.

“Where are we going?” I tried again.

“It’s a surprise. But it’ll be secluded. Safe.”

I gazed up at him and smiled. “Okay.” Despite my desire to simply be alone and naked with him, I got a little thrill from the prospect of an outing.

Knowing Dane and how we were all dressed, I suspected it’d be a stellar evening.

Amano drove us to the airport and we entered a private hangar. I got my first glimpse at the Learjet Dane and I owned and the breath escaped me on one full rush of air.

“Holy shit,” Kyle said from beside me, incapable of containing his shock—or the hint of awe.

“Yeah,” I agreed. “Welcome to my world.”

Dane took my hand once more and we walked toward the red carpet, where a flight attendant handed the gentlemen a flute of champagne and me more sparkling water.

“Thank you,” I said. An SUV pulled into the hangar and I asked Dane, “FBI?”

“No. Another surprise.”

Eleanor alighted, followed by Mr. Conaway and Ethan Evans, whom I hadn’t seen since his visit to the hospital in December.

“A very nice surprise.” I greeted them, accepting their kisses on my cheek. Beaming up at Dane, I said, “This is perfect.”

“Almost.” Mischief rimmed his green irises. He glanced back at the SUV and my gaze followed.

My dad climbed out, impeccably dressed in a navy suit with a crisp white shirt that had thin blue pinstripes.

“Yay,” I said as I clapped and bounced softly o

n my toes.

He offered his hand to someone else inside the SUV, and Tamera emerged, stunning in a one-shouldered little black dress.

She crossed to where I stood and gave me her careful hug and air kisses. “Darling, you’re radiant.”