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“Speculation.”
We deplane, and our luggage is loaded into the limo waiting for us.
I stop walking. “We’re showing up in that? Shall we call the chief of police to give us an escort into town?”
“Too much?” he asks, watching me.
“Yes,” I whisper. “I’d likenoattention. We’ll have enough to deal with already.”
The driver stares at us, holding the door open, waiting for me to climb inside.
Easton doesn’t move. Instead, he turns to the driver. “I’d like a different vehicle, please. No limo. Nothing extravagant.”
He snaps the professional on. “Yes, Mr. Calloway. I’ll send another driver. Will an SUV be sufficient, or would you prefer something else?”
Easton waits for me to speak, letting me answer.
“That would be great,” I say, smiling at the man.
He gives me a nod and unloads our luggage. Easton tips him, and the car drives away.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, knowing this will slow us down.
We’re led to the private hangar as the crew scrambles around us.
“I’ve inconvenienced everyone.”
“Please don’t apologize.” His voice is silky smooth. He places his strong hand on the small of my back and meets my eyes. “You areneveran inconvenience, Lexi. I want you to be comfortable. Your boundaries, wants, and needs are important to me. At times, I’m out of touch. You bringing me back to reality is welcome and appreciated at any time of the day.”
His phone vibrates in his pocket, but he doesn’t answer. He’s focused on me and our conversation. I like being the center of his attention.
“I mean it.”
“Thank you,” I say, relaxing. “Thanks for caring and not being upset. Most men?—”
“I’mnotmost men.” He tilts his head, giving me a half smile. “Also, I’dneverbe upset with you over something so …trivial.Youbeingyouis what I want and appreciate. Honesty is the best policy, consequences be damned. Speak up if it happens again, okay?”
I nod and wrap my arms around him. He pulls me into a hug, breathing in my hair as I inhale him. We stay like this for a few minutes, and I don’t want to let him go, not when it comes so easily. Many don’t make eye contact with us, but I know they’re watching, but I’m not doing it for them.
Fifteen minutes later, a dark SUV with blacked-out windows arrives.
Easton leans close. “Is this okay? If not, say the word. I can do this with you all night. No fucks given.”
“It’s perfect,” I say with a laugh, relaxing.
Then, we force ourselves away from one another.
Easton walks to the door and opens it for me. When I’m settled, he joins me on the other side. Once I’m buckled, I reach for Easton’s hand, and he takes mine. I like how his thumb rubs across mine; it’s a simple reminder that he’s there and we’re doing this together.
The front passenger door opens and closes and my eyes widen when I see Brody in his typical garb.
“There you are.” I smile, leaning forward. “I kind of missed seeing you. What have you been up to over the past few days?”
Brody shakes his head but ignores me, per usual. It’s to be expected.
Easton clears his throat. “Are you two friends now?”
“Yeah, he hung out with Carlee and me in our apartment. Even offered him a beer while he was hanging out.” I smirk, knowing he made me lose a hundred bucks.