I had grand plans to be alone with this woman on this flight. I wanted to set the mood for the next week. To enjoy her company ahead of our arrival in Monaco.
Instead, I’m playing the role of respected, buttoned-up team principal while trying to ignore the way every breathy laugh or sassy remark out of her mouth goes straight to my balls.
“I know. I’ll behave.” She pops up on her toes and pecks my cheek.
“Just until we’re alone,” I amend.
She lingers, ghosting her lips over my neck so I can feel the warmth of her exhale.
“Yes, Mr. Steele. Once we’re not on a plane surrounded by your employees…” She trails one finger up my chest this time, scraping over my Adam’s apple, then cuffing the side of my neck. “All bets are off,” she whispers, lingering in my space, teasing me with her proximity.
I’m consumed by her, my thoughts jumbled, when she turns, opens the door, and strides through without another word.
CHAPTER 37
EVANGELINE
MONACO
By the time we land, the rest of the group is eager to deplane and say their goodbyes. Probably because they were supposed to be here a few hours ago.
As Mick, Vinnie, and Ian head toward a waiting car on the tarmac, Alaric and I hold back, gathering our belongings and tidying up our seats.
When he glances my way and tips his head toward the exit, I nearly squeal with excitement.
Hold your nerve, Evan.
Despite my silent chiding, it’s impossible. I have to bite down on the insides of my cheeks to keep myself from smiling. I can’t believe this is the start of an entire week of alone time with this man.
Alaric thanks the pilot and crew, then keeps one hand on my low back as we finally deplane.
“This way,” he murmurs, pivoting toward an unmarked garage several hundred feet away.
I follow, keeping a few feet between us. If I don’t, the temptation to grab for his hand will be too great.
When we reach the garage, he inputs a code, then one of the bay doors springs to life.
Inside is a shiny red vintage Mercedes-Benz convertible.
“Ready, angel?”
My heart leaps. Am I ever.
With a giddy spring in my step, I make my way to the passenger side of the car.
He stalks after me and loops one arm around my body, dragging me into his chest. Hovering, he dips down like he’s about to kiss me but doesn’t complete the motion. “I wasn’t kidding. That ride was truly torture.”
I survey the open bay door. “Are we?—”
With a sigh, he shakes his head. “Not yet.” His dark eyes bore into mine for a few more seconds before he tears his gaze away. “But soon. Once we’re at my condo, we’ll have nothing to worry about.”
I spin out of his hold and reach for the door handle. “Let’s get going, then.”
He mentioned that the drive from the airport to his condo was about thirty minutes, but clearly, he didn’t account for this traffic when we discussed it earlier.
“God dammit,” he curses, smacking the top of the steering wheel as we come to another stop. It’s been more than two hours since we climbed into the car.
“There’s not another route we can try?” I suggest, peeking at the clock again.
