Page 29 of Tell Me Something

Quirking an indignant brow, I leaned over and whispered, “I can assure you I’m all grown up.”

His eyes darkened.

I was satisfied I’d gotten my point across. So while gathering my blankets, I was unprepared for the honey voice.

“Haylee…”

God, what that voice did to me.

It was clear he suspected as much when he met my gaze and then motioned me closer. “You do know that when you whisper things like that to me I imagine doing some very naughty things to you,” he murmured.

It was my turn to suck in my breath. Then I smiled and returned the sexy sentiment. “I can assure you that I’m imagining all of those things right now.”

I got the desired effect when his breath came out strained. “Sweet dreams.”

AS I WOKE UP, I stretched and then glanced at my watch. Three more hours to go. That meant I’d slept a good seven hours. Looking over, I noticed Josh still looked immaculate, without a hair out of place, and was reading his paper. I wondered if he’d slept at all.

After making myself presentable in the lavatory, I returned to my seat and requested a Diet Coke and some hot tea with my breakfast. This earned me a dubious look from Josh.

“Yes, double caffeine, and once I finish, why don’t we go over anything you need me to do as far as logistics are concerned for this trip and for the London trip in a couple of weeks?”

When he nodded, I realized he’d been chomping at the bit to get me back into admin role so he could get some things off his plate.

We spent the remaining flight time going over details, including his trip to London in a couple weeks and a charity golf tournament scheduled for Miami in a month. I took careful notes until they announced the plane was descending. Then we both put away our laptops.

“We’ll be expedited through customs as they’ll give us passes to the first class line. Then we’ll grab our bags and head to the arrivals lounge.”

I wasn’t used to international travel and appreciated him letting me know what to expect. “So, business dress to the hotel, then we’ll go to the office for a full day. About six o’clock back to the hotel followed by a scheduled pickup at seven in order to go to the cocktail reception. When we arrive, I’ll have the concierge get your tux pressed out.”

Agreeing, he then took me off guard. “Does it bother you to do these things for me?”

I had no idea where this was coming from and matched his low tone so that no one could overhear us. “It’s my job, so of course it doesn’t.”

He weighed this but didn’t let it go. “Yes, but it doesn’t feel strange given the other part? You don’t resent it?”

Turning to face him, I was frank. “It never crossed my mind. I’d feel worse if you felt I was incapable but kept me around because of the other. If anything, I want to make sure I’m doing the job that you’re paying me for and doing it well. It might sound cheesy, but I value your respect above the other.”

He held my gaze for the longest time. “Sometimes I think you hold me in higher regard than I probably deserve.”

“I think we all need someone who does.”

I left him to process that and turned my attention to gathering my things for landing.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Upon arrival, we cruised through the express customs line. I felt scruffy and ready for a shower. But I noted the arrivals lounge was impressive. We both walked in and made our way to our private suites.

“Take your time; we aren’t in a hurry,” Josh told me.

Taking advantage of his offer, I washed my hair and lingered over blow-drying it straight. I turned on some tunes from my phone, rubbed in my lotion, and was bopping to Ed Sheeran when the knock came at the door.

Considering I was merely in my towel, I hoped it wasn’t someone wanting to use the room. I was surprised to see Josh outside the door, completely dressed in suit and tie.

“Oh, shit, did I lose track of time?”

Smiling, he moved me further into the room. “No, we have plenty.”

“Ohhh…” was all that I managed.