AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As she served Dakota her tea, Angela leaned in to whisper, “He says that every time.”
“It’s true every time,” Captain Tanner called over his shoulder.
Angela blushed at being overheard. Dakota wondered if that was the real reason her cheeks turned pink. She could have sworn there was a lingering look between the two flight crew members. Dakota was surprised to look up and find Logan staring at her.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “Did you ask me something? I was lost in thought.”
“No, you’re fine.”
When he made no move to elaborate, Dakota turned her attention to her cup of tea. She inhaled the strong aroma and cautiously sipped the hot liquid. Eventually, she began to feel more alert. She was almost done when the captain announced that takeoff was in a few minutes. Dakota busied herself with adjusting her seat belt while Angela carted away her cup and trash. Moments later, they were taxiing down the runway and were airborne.
She enjoyed the thrill of taking off. The sudden jolt of speed, the way she felt right before it left the earth. Landing was the same. When they had reached their cruising altitude, Angela came out to ask if either would like any refreshments.
“I’m good, thanks,” Dakota said.
“I’ll have a Pellegrino, Ange.”
Dakota glanced over at him after Angela left. “So, what do your parents think about all the changes you’d like to make?”
Logan shrugged. “They’re interested, but willing to let me run things as I see fit. I guess they’re just happy I’m back in the fold.”
“What have you been doing with yourself…besides taking over your family’s business?”
He tilted his head to the side. “Are you really interested or just trying to make small talk?”
Dakota had actually been doing a little of both, but replied, “I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t interested.”
Logan stretched his legs out in front of him. “I interned at Montague all through undergraduate school, and after I received my master’s degree, I was offered a private-wealth position at a financial-security firm back in New York City, so I moved there. I made a name for myself in the business and financial industries, but eventually my familial duties came calling.”
“So, it was a crash course in the day-to-day operations of running a resort.”
“Not exactly. You forget I’ve been around it my entire life. There wasn’t much I didn’t already know about running Belle Resorts, but I wanted to incorporate its best practices with what I knew to be a successful business model. Despite the economic climate, our profits have remained steady, and we’re holding our own. Still, I want to pull in a more diverse customer base and increase our sales.”
“Have you thought about making one of the resorts all-inclusive, or couples-only?”
“No, but if you think that’s the direction we should head…”
“I’m not saying that yet, but it could be a way to ensure that you’re appealing to a broader demographic.”
“Then I’m open to the possibility. As long as it’s profitable and makes sense.”
“What changed?” Dakota blurted out. “Years ago you couldn’t wait to get away from the family business, and now you’re back and CEO. What’s different now?”
Logan’s gaze captured hers. “I am. So, what about you? I would’ve thought you’d be married with some kids by now.”
“Nope. I’ve been single for quite a while. I had a few relationships, but they didn’t work out. And then…” She grew quiet.
He leaned forward. “What?”
She wanted to tell him, but now was not the time. “Let’s just say that my life didn’t exactly go according to plan.”
When she did not elaborate, Logan grew quiet. A glumness wafted through the cabin, covering them both in a blanket of silence. It was deafening.
“How about you? I see you never got married or had children, either. Funny, I always pegged you as a family man. Was I wrong?”
“No, you’re not wrong. I’d love to get married one day—and to have a family of my own, but I didn’t want to settle for anything less than being madly in love with my wife and the mother of my children.”
Dakota nodded. “Seems fair, so what’s the problem?”
He shrugged. His gaze never left hers. “It seems I’ve been as successful as you have at finding my happily-ever-after.”
“I don’t know about you, but I’ve resigned myself that love just isn’t in the cards for me.”
Logan grew thoughtful, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Maybe it’s time you changed the deck.”
