There was just something so different about Holly, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on exactly what made her so much more appealing than the other women who had passed through his life. Maybe it was that she was content with her life—not looking to him for a leg up in her career. Or maybe it was that she treated him like everybody else instead of trying to cater to him. Whatever it was, he was intrigued by her.
Realizing he was staring, he cleared his throat. “What are you reading?”
She glanced up as though completely lost in thought. “What did you say?”
He smiled, liking the sheepish look on her face and the touch of pink in her cheeks. “I was wondering what had you so deep in thought.”
She glanced down at her tablet and then back at him. “Um, nothing.”
“Must be something to have you so preoccupied.”
“Just some work.”
“Work? I don’t recall giving you anything to do on the way to the island.”
She worried her bottom lip. “I was doing a little research.”
“Do tell. I’m thoroughly intrigued.”
She set aside her tablet. “I downloaded some background on the businessmen that you’ll be meeting with.”
“Really? I thought you’d prefer to read a book.”
“I like to be prepared. Clara gave me their names. I hope you don’t mind.”
“What else did she tell you about the meeting?”
“Nothing except that it is extremely important and top secret.”
He smiled, liking that Clara had emphasized discretion. Of course, Holly would learn all about his plans soon enough. “Let me know if you uncover anything noteworthy.”
“I will.” She once more picked up her tablet.
Why was she working so hard on this? Surely she wasn’t this thorough normally. There had to be something driving her. Was she afraid of disappointing him?
Or more likely, she was doing whatever she could to ignore him.
Just then the plane started to vibrate. Finn glanced over at Holly and noticed that she had the armrests in a death grip. “Don’t worry. It’s just some turbulence.”
She looked at him, her eyes as big as saucers. “Maybe we should land until it passes over.”
“You don’t fly much, do you?”
She shook her head. “Never had much reason. Anyplace I’ve ever wanted to go I can get to by train or car.”
“Well, relax. Turbulence is common. It’s nothing to worry about.”
“Easy for you to say,” she said in a huff.
He suppressed a chuckle. She did have spirit. Maybe that was what he liked so much about her. Otherwise, why would he have agreed to this completely unorthodox arrangement?
Perhaps if he could get her talking, she’d temporarily forget about the turbulence. “Where are these places you visit by car or train?”
She glanced at him with an Are you serious? look. He continued staring at her, prompting her to talk.
“I...I don’t go away often.”
“But when you do travel, where do you go?”
“The ocean.”
It wasn’t much, but it was a start. “Which beach is your favorite?”
“Ocean City and...” The plane shook again. Her fingers tightened on the armrests. Her knuckles were white.
“I must admit I’ve never been to Ocean City. Is there much to do there?” When she didn’t respond, he said, “Holly?”
“Um, yes. Ah, there’s plenty to do along the boardwalk. But I like to take a book and sit on the beach.”
“What do you read?”
“Mysteries. Some thrillers.”
He continued talking books and authors with her. He found that she was truly passionate about books. As she talked about a series of suspense novels she was in the process of reading, his attention was drawn to her lips—her tempting lips. It’d be so easy to forget the reason for this trip and the fact she was helping him out.
What would she say if he were to take her in his arms and press his lips to hers?
His phone buzzed again. After a brief conversation with the pilot, he turned to Holly. “The pilot believes we’re past the bad weather. You can relax. It should be smooth flying from here on out.”
The tension visibly drained from her as her shoulders relaxed and her hands released the armrests. “That’s good news. I guess I’m not a very good flyer.”