Page 6 of Miles & Mistletoe

Chapter Three

Ian

I swore I felt her even before I saw her as I entered the doors of the private jet that would carry me to New York City. I’d sent my staff ahead, on an earlier flight since I wanted this time to remain largely undisturbed. I had plans with one Stacia Langton, even if she didn’t quite know it just yet.

“Welcome to …” She paused, those copper-toned eyes widening in surprise.

I felt a small smirk cross my lips. She wasn’t expecting it.

“M-Mr. Zerlinger, welcome to—”

“I think we’re past the formalities. Please, call me Ian.”

Her perfectly arched eyebrows nearly touched her forehead. Immediately she began shaking her head. I could’ve sworn I saw a blush on the toffee-colored cheeks.

“That would not be professional of me, Mr. Zerlinger.”

“We’re beyond professionalism at this point. Given your little display last night.”

“My display?” A wrinkle appeared in between her eyebrows, demonstrating her incredulity, but it was quickly masked by a pasted, polite smile. “I apologize for my words—”

I held my hand up, stopping her forced apology. She didn’t mean it and I didn’t need to hear it. Plus, she was right. I was an asshole. It was a character trait I fully owned.

“We can skip the apologies. I didn’t request you as my flight attendant for your phony apology. I did so to make a deal.”

A frown marred her plump, rose pink colored lips. “You requested me?”

I nodded as I proceeded to unbutton my dark blue suit jacket.

“Why?”

“I just said I have a proposal for you.”

“What kind of proposal?”

The intrigue coupled with skepticism I heard in her voice called to me.

“The next month and a half is going to be extremely busy for me. I have numerous engagements, holiday parties, etcetera. According to your superiors, you have requested to pick up extra hours during this holiday season when most people are trying to get off. This leads me to believe you have extra time on your hands. Which makes you available to travel with me on each flight as well as accompany me as my date on my outings.”

Her mouth dropped slightly, confusion covering her face. “Wait, you spoke with my superiors?”

I shrugged. “Of course. I needed to do a background check to ensure you weren’t a nutcase.”

“But yesterday was Thanksgiving. How did you even ge—”

“Trust me, the CEO of your company is more than willing to take the call of one of his biggest clients, even on a major holiday. At any rate, we’ll be flying to New York today and staying for three days. I have three evening engagements that you’ll need to attend with me. I have already had my assistant begin putting together a wardrobe for you. I pegged you as five-six and a size four. Is that correct?”

“Wa-wait, what? Who said I’m going anywhere with you? Why on Earth would I want to?”

I narrowed my eye at her. I enjoyed a challenge as much as any CEO of a top performing company would. “Because, Stacia, as I’ve previously stated, your employer is very receptive to my needs. So, if for example, he were to get a call from me telling him how one of his employees was extremely disrespectful and unprofessional to me, he wouldn’t hesitate in letting that employee go. Even if that employee had an impeccable seven-year work history with his company.” I stared pointedly at her.

Her lips bunched up angrily. “Are you threatening me with my job?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

No need in lying about the obvious. I wasn’t above hard bargaining when necessary.

“Now can we get on with this or do you want to continue to pretend as if you’re offended for a while longer?” I questioned in a semi-bored tone.

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