“Are you going to hem and haw the entire flight?” He dropped into the roomy leather seat.
“No.”
“Great, buckle up, buttercup.”
This wasn’t my life, flying in private jets to beach front resorts. Shit, I hadn’t packed a swimsuit, the thought of us leaving Vegas never crossed my mind, but thankfully I always kept my passport on me. I could be spontaneous given time to plan. Buckling my seatbelt, I leaned into the seat taking a few deep breaths. This was fine. This was perfectly fine. It would allow Aldridge and I a chance to spend uninterrupted time together. Just him, me, and his cognac eyes that could access my soul.
“Can I get you something to drink?” the flight attendant asked.
“Champagne? Is that possible?”
“This is a non-alcohol flight but I can prepare a delicious mocktail.”
“That would be lovely. Thank you.” Wow, Aldridge really took the no alcohol thing seriously. I’d heard of athletes with strict diets and exercise regimes. I guess this was just part of his conditioning.
I turned to Aldridge and demanded answers. “Are you going to tell me how you pulled this all off?”
“When you went home to go change, I made good use of my free time.”
“You did all this?”
“Keep in mind I also have an amazing assistant who knows how to get shit done.”
“Aldi?” My eyes probably took up half my face. When I went home to shower and change it took me an hour, maybe an hour and a half tops, and in that time he’d hired a private jet, secured a place for our stay and no doubt had other surprises in store. Anika was right, wealthy men did give better gifts.
“I know it’s not much, if I had more time, I could’ve flown us to Italy or something.”
I pressed my hand to his chest. “It’s perfect, no notes.”
On the ground in Mexico, we were met by another private car that escorted us to a house so impressive I had to pinch myself to confirm I wasn’t dreaming.
“Welcome to Luna Del Pacifico. My name is Marisol, I will be your valet for the duration of your stay. We have you reserved for one night. How was your flight?”
“Like a hop, skip, and a jump,” Aldridge said.
“That’s what we like to hear. Follow me.”
This was the type of place from an architectural magazine. Open spaces, that still managed to feel intimate. A kitchen with a walk-in fridge any chef would swoon over. The pantry was stocked with snacks and beverages and there were five bedrooms, two of which were primary. Both spacious with jaw dropping views and a bathroom I was going to enjoy getting ready in later tonight.
“For madam this will be your room. Feel free to settle in, I will be returning with refreshments shortly. Mr. Mosley please follow me.”
This room was bananas. There was luxury and then there was whatever the fuck this was. Plenty of men had offered to fly me out to Paris or Bali and each time I declined. But this was something a girl could get used to. With the stunning views it felt like a nature retreat surrounded by trees. The ocean, which I could see from my window, sang a calming song. I was going to sleep like a baby tonight.
If I told Aldridge this was too much, and I’d have been cool with pizza and cold beer, he would brush my objections aside. He said we should celebrate, and this was definitely the better way to do it. A knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts.
“Ingresar,” I called out.
Aldridge opened the door and was already in his swim trucks and nothing else. His thick muscular thighs were obscene. I’m talking explicit content. His shorts were well above his knees, showcasing his strong legs and from the waist up it was just sculpted muscle starting with the deep-set grooves just under his abs. I found myself zoning in on the tattoo of my name on his chest. He’d gotten it claiming he wanted me close even when we were apart. Why he hadn’t covered it up years ago with a lion’s head or the Liberty Bell was beyond me. If the roles were reversed, I wouldn’t want a reminder of the person who broke my heart.
“I thought we could go swimming. We can walk to the beach or hit up the pool.”
I sucked in air, cringing. “I didn’t pack any swimsuits I thought we were going to a casino.”
“It’s all good. If you want to swim in your birthday suit, I wouldn’t object, but there’s brand-new swimsuits in the dresser. Just take your pick.”
“You thought of everything.”
“Meet me outside when you’re ready. No rush.”
