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∞∞∞
We leave for Spain right on schedule and I sulk in my seat, wishing I could sneak into the cockpit with Hunter. I enjoyed our conversation immensely coming back from Colombia, but I can’t exactly go up there when Addie and my team are making plans. It’s damn tempting, though.
After spending far too much time talking about Alejandro Torres, we’ve locked down a plan of attack.Thank Christ.Unable to stay away from our gorgeous pilot one second longer, I stand and head up the aisle, ignoring the knowing looks from mycrew. I don’t care. Let them think whatever they want. In fact, they can all go fuck themselves.
The cockpit door is closed, and I raise a fist and knock. It opens a moment later and I meet Hunter’s molasses-colored eyes. I grip the edge of the doorframe, lean in and try to appear cool. For the first time, though, I feel like I’m failing.
“Hey, we have a plan and I thought I’d fill you in. If you aren’t, you know, too busy?”
“Nope. Just flying a jet, but, sure, c’mon in.” She tosses me a smile that I feel all the way down to my toes.
I step into the cockpit, grinning like a goddamn fool, and sit down in the co-pilot chair, buckling up like she showed me. The skies ahead are clear, the clouds far below us. I can see why she loves flying. There’s a sense of freedom up here that you don’t experience in the cabin.
“Torres is throwing another bash,” I tell her.
“The man sure does like his parties.”
“Good thing, too. Makes our job easier.” I shift in my seat to face her. Hell, that beautiful profile of hers should be minted onto a coin. Clearing my throat, I bring her up to speed. “Addie and Deck are going in as servers. Ryder and Brighton will be with the catering company. You and I are entertainment.”
Her head whips over and her brow pinches. “Entertainment? What’s that mean?”
“Torres hired a couple of models to swim in his glass-bottom pool. Those models were just informed they are no longer needed, because you and I are handling it.”
“We’re going swimming? I don’t have a suit.”
I smile then can’t help but tease her a little. “You won’t need one.”
Her eyes practically bug out of her head. “There is no way I’m skinny-dipping in front of a bunch of strangers” —she makes a choked sound— “with you.”
I chuckle. “You won’t need a bathing suit,” I clarify, “because Addie has it taken care of.”
“Oh.” She still looks uneasy. “What if someone recognizes you from Colombia?”
“They won’t,” I say easily. “Ryder looped the cams. And he will again.”
When she doesn’t comment, I lean forward as much as my seat belt will allow.
“I wasn’t sure you’d come.” My voice comes out way huskier than I intend, but looking into her brown eyes affects me more than I’d like. More than I’m used to. But there’s no point denying the attraction I feel. I’m just wondering if it’s reciprocated.
Please, for the love of God, let it be reciprocated.
Chapter Eight: Hunter
For a moment, I can’t quite catch my breath. Staring into the deep blue of Knox’s eyes, my belly coils with heat. “I’m still not convinced it’s a good idea,” I respond.
No, it’s definitely not. The more time I spend in Knox’s alluring company, the more risk I place my heart in. Letting myself get too close to Knox would be foolish.Lock it down, Hunter. Don’t fall for his BS. You know him. You know his type.
I learned the hard way you can’t change a leopard’s spots. Now I just need to remember that and not fall flat on my ass because I believed all the pretty lies pouring from his very tempting lips.
My voice of reason having spoken, I turn my attention back to flying. If he thinks he can just stroll in here and hang out for the rest of the trip, he’s sorely mistaken.
“I have some things to take care of now. If you don’t mind?” I slant him a quick glance then pretend to study the readings on the instrument panel. Okay, so I’m not exactly being truthful, but I need him to leave. The cockpit suddenly feels too small, and Knox’s presence is larger than life.
“You want me to leave?”
He sounds surprised, maybe even a little hurt?
“That would be great, thanks.” I know I’m being rude, dismissing him. But he’s far too dangerous, and he needs to leave before I do something stupid—like start believing him.