Page 117 of Sin City Lights

“Why? I would have thought a company like yours would be a much better place to work than a corporate giant.”

“It is. A lot of it has to do with ALPA, the pilot union. All airline pilots are members, but most charter pilots aren’t. There are some who prefer not to be in a union, but there are those who feel they have to have the protection of one.”

“Protection from what?”

Adam shrugged one shoulder.“They want consistency. A long-term career, where theyretire from the same place. They’re not the most adventurous or entrepreneurial, and sometimes in our business, you need people who are a little more of both.” He took a gulp of orange juice.“Speaking of work.”

He hesitated, as if not knowing how to phrase what he was about to say. When he spoke, his voice was a bit strained.

“I understand your need to work to pay for school, and I’d be a hypocrite to judge what you do for a living. I won’t ask how many clients you have or what…” He paused. A muscle ticked at his jaw. He shook his head.

“I understand,” she said.“You have questions. You’re welcome to ask. I’m used to it.”

“But will you answer?”

“As best I can. For privacy reasons, I can’t discuss clients. I’m sure you know that. And I’m sure you can appreciate it too.”

“Can you at least tell me…” Something flashed in his eyes as he regarded her. “…how many have purchased the Platinum Package?”

She wanted so very badly to touch him, but the set of his jaw warned her against it.“One.”

“One other guy?”

She shook her head.“You are the only one.”

He exhaled audibly. His Adam’s apple bobbed with his hard swallow.“You’re telling me I am the only one who’s been inside you with nothi—”

“Yes,” she interrupted.

He lowered his head. His shoulder blades pinched and released, and she could see a struggle within him. No surprise there. Her line of work made some people uncomfortable. Even clients.

“And if it’s of any importance to you,” she said, moving closer,“you are the only one who’s ever made me come.”

He raised his head, and in his beautiful blue eyes, myriad emotions swirled.“I am?”

“You are.” She shrugged and dared a tiny smile.“It’s not part of the job description.”

She didn’t add that it didn’t feel like a job with him and hadn’t since day one.

He nodded slowly.“I, too, have a confession to make.”

Her heart rate spiked.

“I’m having a hard time with the thought of anyone else touching you. I shouldn’t feel like that. But I do.”

What was he implying? Because, in all honesty, she felt the same way. The thought of him hiring anyone else again, or any woman getting intimate with him, made her feel sick.

She stared at him expectantly, watching him ponder his words before he finally spoke.

“I’m asking you to keep your calendar open. Give me the option to extend after the three months are up. Can you do that?”

Oh.

That’s all he wanted from her—an extension.

She nodded, swallowing back her disappointment.

“Good.” He tossed back the last of his juice, then patted his leg.“Enough talk. Come here.”

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