Page 11 of Sex, Lust & Lingerie

CHAPTER 8

Gloria

Jaime’s private plane, somewhat smaller than mine, gave me the feeling of being in someone’s modern but comfortable home. The main cabin was outfitted with soft lighting and sleek white leather seating along with a built-in flat screen monitor. Bright orange pillows and cashmere throws were scattered everywhere. There was also a dining area with a burl wood table that could accommodate six people as well as a fully stocked bar. Several of his father’s colorful abstract paintings lined the shiny white walls.

I sunk into one of the swivel chairs while Jaime plopped down onto the couch opposite me. As much as I hated takeoffs and needed someone’s hand to hold on to, I was not going to sit next to him.

“Make yourself at home,” Jaime said brightly as we both buckled ourselves in. I noticed that “ZAP!” was engraved into the metal seat belt clasp.

An attractive, mini-skirted brunette came by and offered us drinks. I settled for a glass of white wine hoping it would calm my nerves while Jaime opted for a Scotch on the rocks. The attention the attendant lavished on him was not lost on me.

“Enjoy your beverage, Mr. Zander,” she said breathily, leaning in close to him. “And let me know if you need anything else.”

The corners of his lips curled up into a sexy smile. “Thanks, Andrea.” He kept his eyes on her heart-shaped ass as she sashayed back to the service cabin.

A frisson of jealousy shot through me. Was she one of his many fucks? I wouldn’t be surprised. She looked like his type.

“Cheers,” said Jaime with an air toast. The wry expression on his face informed me he had just read my mind.

Cringing, I faked a small smile and took a sip of my wine. The chilled, perfectly balanced liquid went down smoothly. It never ceased to amaze me how even one sip of wine could have such a profound, relaxing effect.

Jaime followed suit with a swig of his drink. “So, what do you think?”

“Of your staff?” Horny bitch!

“No, of my plane.”

I silently snorted. “Your plane’s actually very nice.”

He grinned that infuriatingly sexy grin. “I designed it so that it would work seamlessly for both my business and personal use.”

So for entertaining clients and screwing them. Or having fun with the crew.

“There’s a bedroom at the back of the cabin if you get tired.”

I gave him a dirty look. “I don’t plan on falling asleep. I have a lot of work to catch up on. I hope you’ll respect that.”

“I’d be delighted to show you the way if you change your mind.”

I rolled my eyes at his words and drained my wine before setting the glass down.

Over a loud speaker, the captain told us to prepare for takeoff. Every muscle in my body tensed as the plane whooshed down the tarmac, picking up speed until it lifted off the ground. I squeezed my eyes shut and prayed to God. I just wanted to be in the air cruising smoothly. As the plane made its ascent, my hands balled so hard my fingernails may have drawn blood.

“Are you okay, Ms. Long?” I heard Jaime say.

“Yes,” I said through clenched teeth. NO!

To my shock, I heard my seatbelt unfasten, and when I popped my eyes open, I was back in his arms. He quickly transported me to the couch where he sunk down with me on his lap. He secured the orange seatbelt around the two of us.

The plane was ascending. I was hyperventilating.

“Relax, Gloria, I’ve got you.”

He was back to calling me Gloria, and I was back to needing him. As the plane continued its climb, I kept my eyes glued shut and leaned my head against his steely chest, his heart beating steadily against me. My breathing calmed. I’d never felt this safe during a takeoff.

When we were finally cruising smoothly, having reached our maximum altitude, my eyes fluttered opened. I tilted my head up, and there he was as if he’d been waiting all this time for me to meet his gaze. His sky blue eyes glistened, and a warm smile played on his breathtaking face. He twisted my long braid around his hand. Every one of my nerves was buzzing. Damn the effect he was having on me! Even worse, he knew it!

“So, Gloria, is your mind fucking with your body, or is your body fucking with your mind?”

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