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.”
“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.
“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.”
“No worries. This jaunt is nothing compared to the hour I spend each day at the gym sweating my butt off.” She pressed her lips together, realizing she’d probably shared more than he ever wanted to know about her.
When she reached for her suitcase, their fingers brushed. He looked at her. “I can take it.”
She wasn’t about to be treated like a helpless woman. She’d been standing on her own two feet since she was ten and her father had walked out on her and her mother. Someone had to pick up the slack. At that point in time, her mother hadn’t been in any condition.
Holly’s grip tightened around the handle. “I can manage.”
“You do know it’ll have to be carried over the rough terrain.”
“Understood. I’ll count it as exercise on my calorie counter.”
He shook his head as he stepped back. “By the way, there’s a gym at the house. Please feel free to use it. I certainly don’t make it there nearly enough.”
“Thanks. I just might take you up on the offer.” When he gestured for her to go ahead of him, she said, “I’d rather follow while I get my bearings.”
With a shrug, he set off down the stone path surrounded by lush green foliage.
Her gaze followed him and he set a steady pace.
But it wasn’t the beautiful setting that held her attention—it was Finn. His shoulders were broad and muscled, while his waist was trim without an ounce of flub. And his backside, well, it was toned. A perfect package.
“See anything in particular you like?”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. Had he just busted her checking him out? Her gaze lifted and she was relieved to see that he was still facing straight ahead. “Lots. You’re so lucky to live here.”
“Only part-time. When you’re done working, please feel free to use all of the facilities including the pool.”
He didn’t have to give her any more encouragement. She had every intention of checking it all out since
