“Oh, trust me, you’re doing fine. I’ve experienced worse. Much worse.” He inwardly shuddered, recalling a couple of experiences while flying commercial airlines.
His attention returned to his laptop. He was surprised the break had him feeling refreshed. His fingers flew over the keyboard. Some time had passed when he grew thirsty.
He got up from his seat. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“That sounds good. But I can get it.”
She stood up and followed him to the front of the plane where there was a small kitchenette. “I’m surprised you don’t have any staff on board.”
“Staff? For just me?” He shook his head. “I don’t need anyone standing around, waiting for something to do. Besides, I appreciate the time alone.”
“Oh.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I’m happy having you along.”
“You are?” Her eyes widened. And was that a smile playing at the corners of her lips?
“I am. You’re doing me a big favor. This meeting can’t be rescheduled. It’s time sensitive. And I didn’t want to ruin Clara’s wedding.”
“Seems it all worked out.”
He arched a brow. “Did it? Are you really okay with being here?”
“I—”
The plane violently shuddered. Then the plane dipped. A gasp tore from Holly’s lips. Her body swayed forward. He sprang into action, catching her.
“It’ll be okay.”
The fear in her eyes said she didn’t believe him.
As the pilot guided the plane through a particularly rough patch of airspace, Finn held on to Holly, who in turn held on to him. This was the exact thing he’d told himself that wouldn’t occur on this trip, but fate seemed to have other plans.
He looked down at her as she lifted her chin. Their gazes met and held. Even when the plane leveled out, he continued to hold her. The emotions reflected in her eyes were intense. Or was he reading what he wanted to see in them?
He did know one thing—having her this close was doing all sorts of crazy things to his body. He caught a whiff of her soft floral scent and inhaled deeper. The pleasing scent swept him back to that not-so-long-ago night. Maybe playing it safe was overrated.
The plane started to vibrate again. Her wide-eyed gaze reflected fear. He knew how to distract her. His head dipped. His lips swooped in, claiming hers. She didn’t move at first as though surprised by his actions. But in seconds her lips moved beneath his.
Holly was amazing. He’d never met a woman who intrigued him both mentally and physically. Her lips parted and his tongue slipped inside. She tasted of mint with a hint of chocolate. A moan swelled in his throat.
His thoughts turned toward the big bed in the back of the plane. Should he even entertain such an idea? But with the heat of their kiss, it wasn’t out of bounds. All he had to do was scoop her up in his arms. It wasn’t like it’d be their first time. Or even their second.
There was a sound. But he brushed it off, not wanting anything to ruin this moment. And yet there it was again. He concentrated for a second and realized it was the private line from the cockpit.
With great regret, he pulled back. “I better get that. It’s the pilot.”
Her lips were rosy and slightly swollen. And her eyes were slightly dilated. He’d never seen a more tempting sight. And yet his mind told him the interruption was exactly what they needed. It would give them time to come to their senses.
CHAPTER FOUR
“THIS IS YOUR PLACE?”
Holly exited the helicopter that had transported them from the airstrip on the big island to Finn’s private island. The landing zone sat atop a hill. It was the only place on the small island cleared of greenery except for the white sandy beach.
Finn moved to her side. “Do you like it?”
“I do. I’ve only ever seen places like this on television or on the internet. I never imagined I would one day step foot in paradise.”
“Paradise?”
“Yes. You don’t think so?”
“I never really thought about it.” He rolled her suitcase to the edge of the helipad. “I’m afraid we have to walk to the house. It isn’t far.”