Determined to do just that, I settle back as we continue the drive through Queens. When we approach Cross Bay Boulevard, I think I’ve got his plan figured out.
“So, we’re going out to eat at Howard beach?”
He grins. “Not that beach.”
And, damn the man, his cryptic answer is all I get out of him. Soon, though, I see signs for the airport, and Nick merges into the exit lane for JFK. Without a word of explanation, he takes the turn and heads directly for the airport.
“Nick.” I gape at him, confused and anxious and excited all at the same time. “Seriously. Where are we going?”
“Trust me.” He glances at me, and while he’s clearly enjoying his game, I also see sincerity written in his soul-searching blue eyes. “Can you do that, Avery?”
I stare back at him, feeling the weight of this moment all the way to my bones. He’s not just talking about today, this mystery excursion. I can see that in the solemnity of his handsome face. He’s asking for my trust in a much more meaningful way. One I’m not certain I fully understand yet.
Can I trust him?
I’ve never felt I needed a man to walk me through the rough patches in my life. I still don’t, but I have to admit there is something comforting in being with Nick. I like the way he looks at me, the way he treats me. There is something deeply fortifying in being able to look across the small cabin of the vehicle and know that I’m not alone. To believe that with this man, I am protected. I am safe.
And yes, I do trust him.
The realization is so foreign, so out of my realm of experience, it takes me aback.
I nod, and his answering smile is my reward.
He avoids the main artery to the airport terminal. Instead, we follow a service drive to a separate terminal reserved for private aircraft. He parks the car in the small lot and kills the engine.
“Shall we?”
“You’re still not going to tell me where we’re going?”
Instead of answering, he leans across the seat and drags me into a bone-melting kiss. When he releases me, I’m breathless, caught up in the oceans of his searching eyes. His deep voice caresses my senses like velvet. “Trust, Ms. Ross.”
“Right,” I murmur, my veins buzzing from just that brief joining of our mouths. “Am I at least dressed all right for wherever it is you’re taking me?”
He pulls back to look at me in my low-cut black top, black jeans and heels. “You’re more than dressed all right. You’re sexy as hell. But you might be a little warm where we’re going, so I’ll phone ahead and make sure you have everything you need when we arrive.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “You’re going to phone ahead for clothes for me?”
“Unless I decide to keep you naked instead.”
I smile and shake my head. “Are you this controlling in all aspects of your life, Mr. Baine, or just when it comes to me?”
“Are you truly ready to find out?”
A tingle runs over all of my nerve endings at his dark invitation. Although I spoke with humor, there is none in Nick’s voice. His brilliant blue eyes hold me in a piercing, probing stare that I can’t break even if I wanted to. The hungry way he looks at me makes my stomach flutter and my sex ache to have him inside me.
I can’t help feeling that he’s preparing me for something . . . that if I step out of this car with him now—if I allow him to lead me away from the life I knew before him—there will be no turning back.
He’s telling me this now, giving me the chance to escape.
But that’s not what I want.
He knows this, just as surely as I do.
I’m already in too deep. I have been from the start with him. And I don’t want out.
“All right,” I tell him. “Yes. I’m ready, Nick.”
~ ~ ~