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Miles was relieved to say goodbye to Autumn at Aiden’s private hangar and climb aboard a quiet Cessna Citation with Paul and Eva. Autumn was hilarious, but she was a bit much to take. He did appreciate her pushing Eva at him though. His charming and overconfident younger brother Easton would definitely meet his match if they ever met in person.
Paul made certain they were settled in and then went up front to do preflight checks. The door to the plane beeped and automatically swung out and down.
Miles leaped in front of Eva’s seat, whipping his Sig out. Eva’s breathing increased.
“I’m here,” he murmured. “Don’t worry.”
Paul flung open the cockpit door, his pistol out as well. He would’ve received notification the door had opened. Only someone with the right remote could open it. It was most likely Autumn, but a criminal could have overpowered her, no matter how tough she talked or how tough she was.
“Don’t get trigger-happy on me,” Autumn called out, sashaying up the steps with a small carry-on in her hand. “I forgot the clothes and goodies for my new best friend.”
Miles and Paul both lowered their sidearms. Eva stood and eased around next to Miles. His pulse took off as her arm brushed against his. It was an accidental touch, but every touch with her was unique and enticing. He passed his free hand over his face.
“Autumn.” Paul pushed out a heavy breath. “Somebody is going to shoot you one of these days, always trying to shock and tease us all.”
“Nah. My boys are too exceptionally trained and love me far too much.”
“We do love you,” Paul admitted. “Like the annoying little sister who never grew up.”
Autumn blew him a kiss.
“Thank you,” Eva said, taking the suitcase from her.
“You got it, girlie. Now you go enjoy and don’t worry about a thing. Miles will take good care of his beautiful actress, that’s for sure.”
“I’m not his,” Eva murmured, not looking at him.
Miles feared he’d never get the chance to make her his.
“You think sparks like yours happen every day?” Autumn tsked. “Not in my lifetime.”
“Please.” Eva lowered her voice and leaned into Autumn’s ear. “He has a girl,” she said quietly, but it still carried to Miles.
Autumn’s eyes widened and her gaze flew to Miles. Her dark eyes were full of challenge and annoyance. “That’s no never mind of yours. You’re Eva Chevron. No girl can compete with you.”
Miles looked away. He couldn’t handle the censure in Autumn’s eyes at having never heard about a girlfriend or the fact that he was hurting Eva. Even worse was the defeated posture he’d never seen Eva Chevron display.
“That is hardly the point,” Eva said, straightening her shoulders, her voice as cool as it had been since he’d met her. “Thank you, Autumn. Stay safe. I hope to see you again.”
“You as well. We’d be the best of girlie friends. Ta-ta.”
Autumn and Eva shared a quick embrace and then Autumn glared at him. “Miles. Figure your junk out.” She marched off the plane. The door shut behind her.
Eva walked over and settled into a recliner. Miles sat next to her. He wished he had any idea what to say. Autumn kept making things more awkward for him. Then he realized … he was taking Eva to the ranch. Easton and Walker would be worse than teenage boys around her, either hoping to get her attention for themselves or trying to push her to Miles. Never mind that the ‘billboard of manly cowboy heroism’ Sheriff Clint Coleville would be around as well. Lily had dropped that line on him. Twice. He’d told her to go after Clint once. She said she’d never dare. Miles knew he was handsome, tough, and brave, but nobody could compete with Clint.
The plane taxied out of the massive hangar door. He loved his brothers and would never try to compete with them for women. Not that he’d ever gone after anyone but Lily. He knew nothing about the dating game. And he thought he could have a chance with the most incredible woman created? What a joke. Instead of laughing, he blew out a heavy breath.
Eva glanced sharply at him.
“Sorry,” he said.
“For?” She lifted a delicate eyebrow.
“Autumn. She’s a lot to take sometimes.”
“I liked her. I liked her a lot.”
What was with the emphasis? “Only her?” Miles challenged when he should be brainstorming how to counteract the ‘girl back home’ comment he never should’ve made. He could’ve flown home, flirted with and grown closer to Eva the entire time, found a break to go visit Lily, and then made his play for Eva.
