Page 133 of The Heartbreaker

“That’s exactly what I would want. A wedding that’s just for the bride and groom. That sounds absolutely perfect.”

I let out a small moan when I took in her lips. “Tell me what else you’d want.”

She playfully hit my chest. “Taking notes?”

“Maybe.”

She rested her arm over my shoulders. “You couldn’t possibly be any more perfect.” She leaned her head back and released a long exhale. “Let’s see … I’d love to get married on the beach. My bare feet digging into the sand with daisies weaved in my hair. My sister and Leah on my side—that’s it—and a dress that I’m unafraid to get wet, so I can walk through the lapping waves. Music and dancing all night long.”

“Easy requirements.”

“That’s me though.” She combed the back of my hair. “I wouldn’t want anything that’s over the top or stuffy or in a ballroom so large and filled that it would take all night to speakto everyone.” Her eyes closed. “I want to be able to see the sun as it sets and not notice a single cloud in the sky.” When her eyelids opened again, her smile was reaching them. “And after the sun sets, I want to be able to look up and see the stars. I don’t want anything covering them. I want to smell the salt and feel the breeze across my face.”

“While I’m twirling you around in the sand …”

She nodded. “Every word of that.”

I kissed her, tasting the desire on her mouth, one so thick that it matched mine, and I pulled away when I felt the SUV come to a stop. “We’re here,” I whispered.

She glanced toward the windshield. “Can’t say I’ve ever done anything like this before.” She huffed. “Normally, my seat is in the last row, hugging the wall of the restroom, and every time the toilet flushes, my seat vibrates.”

“This isn’t all that different. Just a few less rows and a bigger restroom.”

She whipped her head in my direction. “Right. The similarities are endless.” She laughed. “You’re forever trying to make me feel better about everything.”

“And I’ll never stop.” I opened the door and stepped onto the tarmac, the jet less than ten yards away, and I held out my hand for her to grab. “Come on.”

Once her feet hit the pavement, I brought her over to the stairs, where I shook hands with the pilots. And while the driver brought our luggage to the back of the plane, I escorted Addison up the steps and into the main lounge.

“Sit anywhere you want,” I instructed.

There were sections of couches and seats, and she chose the middle, taking up one side of the love seat, leaving plenty of space beside her for me to occupy.

Our flight attendant immediately approached and said, “Hello, Miss Lark”—she then glanced at me—“and Ridge, it’s nice to have you both on board. What can I get you to drink?”

“Extra-dirty martini for me.” I put my arm around Addison’s shoulders. “A rosé for my lady.”

Addison added, “Thank you so much.”

“I have all your requests in the fridge,” the flight attendant said. “I’m happy to serve you whenever you get hungry, so just please let me know. In the meantime, I’m going to bring out some snacks you can enjoy during takeoff.” She disappeared into the galley.

“Your lady?” Addison smiled.

I kissed the corner of her mouth, a few inches above her grin. “Do you have a problem with that?”

“Not at all. I thought it was cute. But I’m curious what your requests were …”

I chuckled as I pulled back. “Did you think I wasn’t going to pick out what we’re eating for dinner? You know me better than that.”

She shook her head. “If you tell me we’re having ramen, I might die a little.”

I cupped her face, positioning my lips in front of hers. “Who would serve ramen during a flight when there’s a chance we could hit turbulence? A bold move that could turn into a disaster.”

“Italian, then? Steak?” She smiled harder. “Sushi?”

I pressed my nose to hers. “You know me … I’m a fucking bold one.”

“We’re having ramen, aren’t we?”