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“I'm so sleepy, Daddy,” Brooke mumbles, rubbing her eyes, her voice heavy with exhaustion.
I had to wake her to get her off the plane. She must have been in a deep sleep because rousing her was a challenge. It was only a short flight, but we had to wake up early this morning, and Jett said she went to bed late because she was so excited. Now, she’s clinging to Jett, her little body limp with fatigue.
“Come here, princess,” Jett murmurs, scooping her up effortlessly.
A few people swarm around us as soon as we step off the plane. One of them grabs Jett's laptop case and briefcase. Another offers to take my backpack, but I wave them off. It feels strange to have someone offer to carry my things. “Where are we going?” I whisper, glancing around. “Don’t we need to get our luggage?”
The thick, salty air of Bermuda hits me like a wall. It’s hot and humid, and I instantly feel sticky. Brooke’s face is flushed, her hair messy and damp from the flight. I must look just as bad—maybe worse—but I don’t care.
Jett, on the other hand, looks completely unbothered, like he didn’t just step off a flight. His sleeves are still rolled up in that casual, effortless way that drives me crazy. I glance around, half expecting to see the woman from the plane, but she’s nowhere in sight. Good.
“Pleasant flight?” Jett asks, leading me down the steps, a tall man in uniform ushering us forward.
I force a smile. “Great,” I lie. I lost my appetite and didn’t eat much, nor did I have any breakfast before we left. Now I’m exhausted, hungry, and completely out of my element. I’m just overtired and crabby, but I made a decision while watching Brooke sleep like an angel. I’m going to make the most of this trip. I’ve never been to Bermuda, and I’ll probably never go again. I looked it up online, and it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. I’m going to soak it all up and enjoy myself, just like my mom would have wanted me to do.
“Where’s your friend?” I blurt out before I can stop myself, the words slipping past my filter.
Jett glances at me, confused. “What friend?” he asks as we get into a sleek black SUV with tinted windows.
I feel stupid now. I’ve never asked him about his women before, but already I feel a change in my mood. Like Aunt Scarlett says, I’ve resigned and I’m leaving. While I most definitely won’t be taking her advice togo for it, I’m not going to be careful with my words around Jett. “The woman who sat next to you on the plane,” I say, trying to sound casual.
Jett raises an eyebrow but says nothing as the doors close behind us. I try not to squirm under his gaze. Brooke is still nestled against him, half asleep with her head resting on his shoulder.
“Shouldn’t we go to baggage claim?” I glance around, realizing we didn’t follow the rest of the passengers. “For our luggage?”
“Someone will handle it.” His tone is calm and assured, as if this is just how things are done in his world. “Trust me, it's taken care of.”
I blink. Is this what it’s like in first class? People just handle things for you?
“But ...” I am worried. I'm on an island with a man I barely know outside of the office—and I don't know anyone here. I feel safe with him, but ...
As if reading my thoughts, he reassures me. “The luggage will be brought to us within the hour.”
A driver opens the door for us, smiling at Jett like they’re old friends. “Good to see you again, Mr. Knight.” The driver and Jett exchange brief pleasantries.
I step into the car, still feeling out of place. This world of drivers and people whisking bags away is far removed from anything I know. I hesitate for a moment, feeling a knot form in my stomach.
“You okay?” Jett’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.
“Yeah,” I mumble, sliding into the seat next to Brooke. “I just ... I’m not used to this.”
His gaze softens for a moment. “Relax, Cari. Everything’s taken care of. You’ll get used to it with time.”
Brooke stirs, her little face scrunching up in frustration. “I wanna sleep,” she whines, clearly unhappy about being disturbed.
“Then sleep, princess,” Jett whispers, smoothing her hair back, and just like that, she’s out again. When her head lolls to the side he gently pushes it to the center so that she doesn't cramp her neck.
My heart clenches at the sight. This side of Jett—the gentle, caring father—is the one that gets to me every time. It’s the side I like. It’s the side that makes me feel something more than just attraction.
He catches me staring, and I quickly look away, embarrassed. He tilts his head, studying me. “What friend?” he asks again, and I wish I hadn't brought it up. I feel silly now that we're in the cool air conditioned car.
“The one who sat next to you.”
He scoffs, shaking his head, but doesn’t offer an explanation. That tells me everything I need to know. He got her number. He’ll probably hook up with her while we’re here. The thought makes my stomach twist. I remind myself that when I come back from this trip, I’ll have a week left at Knight Enterprises, and I won't have to see this man again. I won't have to be tortured. I won't be hurt. I won't have to sit there crying, dying inside, as my heart shatters into a million pieces watching him with his latest lover.
He looks at me. “Did you get any sleep on the flight?”
I can’t tell if he’s being nice or mocking me. “No. I didn’t realize it was such a short flight. I was reading.”