Page 43 of Phillip

“I meant nine in the morning.”

“That’s pretty early,” she said with a smile dancing in her voice.

He grinned. “I’ll pick you up in a little less than two hours.”

“Phillip,” she asked warily. “What are you up to?”

“Absolutely nothing.” He said goodbye and disconnected the call then wondered how hard it would be to get an unscheduled helicopter on such short notice.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Now that Phillip had an idea of how to celebrate, he couldn’t see anything else. Frustratingly though, that included figuring out how to find a helicopter and pilot on such short notice. Waves crashed over his bare feet as he turned toward the house. Light shown from Uncle Graham’s wing of the estate. He would know if a helicopter was available or where to come up with one if not.

Phillip jogged toward the compound as he mapped out the day.

Showing up with a helicopter would surprise Ashley. She wasn’t necessarily a fan of surprises, but this one was too good to pass up. For the briefest moment, he hesitated, recalling the last time he thought something was a bad idea that was worth it.Goats in a classroom.That had been disastrous. That had also been stupid. That wasn’t a helicopter.

There was nothing stupid about this idea, and he bounded up the stairs from the beach, barely slowing as he let himself in.

After dusting sand from his feet, Phillip headed toward where the lights were on. He raced down the hall and into the quiet, cool room with bookshelf-lined walls. The library still managed to bring the airy King Harbor beach brilliance into the stately room filled with tombs of beautiful hardcover books.

Uncle Graham glanced up from his paper and coffee as Phillip stopped and tried not to pace. “I have a question for you.”

Uncle Graham chuckled. “I assumed you need something, considering the way you ran in here.” He folded his paper as Phillip took a seat. “What has you running down the halls?”

A girl.Phillip grinned before he thought better of saying that. “Can I use a helicopter for the day?”

Uncle Graham tipped his head back and laughed. “How many kids ask to borrow the family helicopter on a given day?”

“I’m serious, Uncle Graham,” Phillip said, uncertain how much detail he should give.

“Where are you taking it?” His uncle teased as if Phillip had asked to borrow the keys to the family station wagon. “And who will you be with? What time will you be home?”

“Uncle Graham…”

His uncle winked. “How about this, then? Business or pleasure?”

That was a good question. They were celebrating a business deal. Obviously business. He was celebrating with Ashley. Obviously not business. “Both.”

“I see.” Uncle Graham took a lazy sip of coffee. “When?”

“In about an hour.”

His uncle’s quiet chuckle became a belly laugh. “Now I’m curious. What are you up to?”

“I promise, I won’t get into any trouble.” Phillip crossed his heart. No stunts. No adrenaline. Nothing other than ice cream and a beautiful woman. Though the combination made his heart race. Ashley wasn’t a punch of adrenaline, but she was absolutely something he couldn’t get enough of.

“I didn’t ask about trouble,” Uncle Graham pointed out.

Impatience vibrated under Phillip’s skin. Uncle Graham had every right to ask about his plans just like Phillip had every right to request use of the helicopter. If he needed to find a new idea, he could, but he didn’t want to let this one go.

“I’ve heard you’ve been spending time with Ashley.”

Phillip straightened, surprised.

“That smile is answer enough.” Uncle Graham sighed, amused. “Yes, you can use the helicopter. Call the Enterprise office, and they will coordinate the quick request.”

“Thank you.” Phillip bounded up.

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