Page 86 of One Way Out

She’s been in sweats and T-shirts the entire time I’ve known her, but she dressed in a soft dress from her belongings this morning. At least it’ll give us easy access if it comes down to it.

Hmm, I wonder if anyone has ever had a train run on them in an airplane bathroom above the Atlantic.

I’m sure it’s gone down at some point, but this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us.

The airport Ridge pulls up to is tiny.

“Are we sure this is the right place?” Leo asks, leaning forward in his seat.

Ridge chuckles darkly. “The boss didn’t tell you?”

“Tell us what?” Shaw growls.

“Easton sprung for a private flight. We’re flying back to the States in style.” Ridge continues chuckling. “He said to tell you it’s your wedding present.” The big fucker pulls into a parking spot and cuts off the SUV before turning to face the back of the vehicle. “I’m betting it’s because of the perfuming omega, but let him call it a wedding gift.”

“Thank fucking God,” Shaw mutters, turning toward Ridge from where he sits in the passenger seat. “Private airlines never give any trouble about documents. Why the hell did you wait until now to tell us?”

Leo nods. “You know how anxious we’ve been.”

“Stop your bitching.” Ridge snorts. “Come on. I cannot wait to be back on American soil.”

“Does this mean we’ll have the whole plane to ourselves?” Saylor asks.

“Yup, but no fucking mid-flight if it can be helped,” Ridge says, tossing open his door. “I’ve got plans to catch up on my sleep, and my earplugs didn’t stand a chance last night.”

She was quite loud. The walls at the hotel were also thin. I bet he did have a terrible time trying to sleep.

My head falls back, and a relieved laugh escapes.

Thank fuck.

Maybe now my hands will stop shaking.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

Saylor

Honest to God, I don’t want to know how much this flight cost. The plane is huge, and there are only six of us on it, which might be a good thing.

I still get sick when flying.

The flight attendant shows us all the areas. There are four plush seats that almost look like recliners. Two sets of seats facing each other on either side of the aisle. Just past that is a couch that takes up the entire left side of the plane, and beyond that are four more seats in the same configuration as the one we passed by coming in.

“The lavatory and bed are at the back of the plane.” She gestures that way with two fingers. “You won’t be able to use the bedroom during takeoff or landing.” She points again, this time to where I assume the cockpit is. “We won’t need to stop for fuel. It’s a nine-hour flight until we land in New York. I’ve been instructed that you would like to be left to your own devices while we’re in the air, meaning you’ll need to hit the call button if you’d like in-flight service. We have food and refreshments. You’ll be served lunch only if you request it.”

Ridge nods. “I’m going to wantallthe food options.” He turns toward the rest of us. “I’m claiming up by the cockpit. See you assholes in about nine hours.” It’s hard to tell, when he’s always in those shiny aviators, but I think he winks at me. “Not talking about you, sweetheart. Enjoy your introduction to the mile-high club, but for the love of God, keep it down this time. I require regular beauty sleep to keep up all of this.” He gestures to his face, snorts, and takes off down the aisle of the plane.

The flight attendant watches him walk away, but she quickly turns back to us. “I need everyone in a seat belt for takeoff.”

I’m still wrapped in the same down comforter I’ve been in for days, and I have no idea why my instincts decide she’s going to try to take it from me.

I have to bite my cheek to keep from hissing at her, and I end up burying my nose in Leo’s chest. At least if I do something ridiculous, like growl at the beautiful woman, it’ll be muffled.

“Everyone needs to be strapped in,” Shaw says. “But you’re not gonna give us hell if one of us holds her for takeoff, right?”

She doesn’t reply for so long that I tilt my head to see what’s happening. Her eyes narrow. “That’s against airline?—”

“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you don’t see a thing,” Leo says.

---