The Mogul And The Muscle

“I like seeing this on you,” he said.

I knew the feeling. Ever since I’d slid Jude’s wedding band on his finger, I couldn’t stop looking at it.

“I’m just glad we have a way to get women to stop throwing themselves at you. Now everyone will know you’re taken.”

He grinned. “Getting territorial already?”

“Always. You’re mine.”

He reached over and grabbed me, scooping me into his lap. “That works out pretty well, because you’re fucking mine.”

Giggling, I draped my arm around his broad shoulders. The band started a new song, “Lady in Red,” and I glanced at the packed dance floor.

“You want to dance to this, don’t you?” he asked.

“So much. I love this song.”

“It’s a good thing you have so many other amazing qualities, because your taste in music is highly questionable.”

“Are you kidding me? This is a classic.”

He chuckled and we got up. He took my hand and led me to the dance floor.

I rested my head against his chest, and he put his arms around me. The lights twinkled, my best friends all slow-danced with the loves of their lives next to me, and the man I loved held me in a protective embrace. And I knew I was going to remember this moment for the rest of my life.

The song wound down and Jude kissed my forehead.

“What do you think? Time to make our escape?”

“Think we can sneak out?”

“I could get us out.” He winked. “But maybe we should do the goodbye thing.”

Jude signaled the wedding coordinator and she put the bride and groom exit plan into action. The band announced our impending departure, and everyone gathered to offer us a final goodbye.

Our friends, family, and loved ones all cheered as we waved goodbye. Daisy had smuggled in bubbles—her maternal side was so adorable—and they filled the air. We rushed out front, hand in hand, to our waiting limo.

The drive to Bluewater’s private airfield wasn’t far, but we made good use of the time, making out in the back like a couple of teenagers. The driver opened the door, but we were too busy pawing at each other to notice.

He cleared his throat. “Would you like me to circle around the runway for a while?”

Jude climbed off me and swiped the corner of his mouth. “That’s okay.”

I straightened my dress and he helped me up. Then we both climbed out of the car onto the airstrip where my private plane was waiting.

“Lovely wife,” Jude said, gesturing for me to walk up the steps ahead of him.

I picked up the bottom of my dress and made my way up the stairs and onto the plane. Our luggage was already packed and stowed on board. A post-wedding snack, complete with more champagne, awaited us.

The only thing missing was the pilot.

“Jude, we have a little problem.”

“No we don’t.” He closed and latched the outer door, then started cuffing his sleeves.

“What do you mean? We don’t have a pilot.”

One corner of his mouth hooked in a grin.

“What are you up to?” I asked.

Without a word—but with a mischievous look in his hazel eyes—he went up to the empty cockpit and sat in the captain’s seat. He motioned for me to sit next to him.

I sat down and followed his lead, buckling the seat belt. Then watched in awe as he slipped on the headset and started the pre-flight check.

“You know how to fly this?” I asked, putting the second headset on.

“Yep.”

“You just happened to know how to fly a plane.”

He didn’t answer, just winked.

“Where did you learn how to fly?”

“I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you. And considering I just married you, I’d like to keep you around.”

I shook my head, laughing softly. “You’re something else, Jude Ellis.”

“Are you ready for our next adventure?” he asked.

“Ready.”

I was more than ready. I was excited to start this new phase of our life together. To be his, body and soul, for the rest of my life.

The day I met Jude, I hadn’t thought I needed him. It turned out I couldn’t have been more wrong. I needed him more than anything. My partner. My friend. My husband. My love.