Page 26 of Merging with the Billionaire

She jumped and a small squeak came out. Her eyes snapped open as her cheeks turned red with embarrassment. “I don’t know what that was.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just look at the sunset over the ocean. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Tiffany hesitantly did as Conrad suggested. Slowly, her body relaxed, and a smile formed on her lips. “That’s magnificent.”

“This is why we had to leave early. There’s nothing more beautiful than watching the sunset over the water from above.” Then looking over at Tiffany, he amended his statement. “Correction, it’s the second most beautiful view in the world.”

Tiffany’s cheeks tinged red again as her eyes locked with his. He could see she appreciated the compliment, and her eyes were sparkling with joy. If he wasn’t flying a plane, he would be tempted to lean over and kiss her. Since he barely got her to calm down though, he suspected that wouldn’t be the best idea. Besides, there would be plenty of time to kiss Tiffany later tonight.

They spent the next few hours talking about their favorite movies and music as well as their favorite places to eat in Manhattan. The time passed rather quickly, and by the time they arrived at the airport in Key West, both of them were in a terrific mood and ready to spend the rest of the evening on the tropical island.

“Have you ever been here before?” Conrad asked with curiosity.

Tiffany shook her head. “My family tends to vacation in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean when they want to spend time in the tropics.”

Conrad rolled his eyes with a snort. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Hey now, I can’t be judged for where my parents took me for vacation, now can I?”

“I suppose not,” he admitted, opening the car door of the Ferrari that was waiting for them at the airport. “No more than the fact that Key West was the only place we went on vacation growing up because it was within driving distance of Miami where we lived.”

He closed the door and then came around to climb into the driver’s seat. Tiffany looked over at him and smiled. “You look good behind the wheel. I’ve never seen you drive.”

“No need to in Manhattan. It’s much easier just to have a car and a driver.”

“Agreed, if you want to know a secret, I got my license in college just to irritate my parents, but I’ve never used it.”

“Are you serious? You’ve never driven a car?” Conrad looked over and asked with shock.

“Nope, growing up in Manhattan, I never needed to.”

“Well, that changes tonight,” Conrad insisted as he climbed back out of the sports car and came around to her side. He opened the door and gestured for her to get out. “You’re driving.”

Tiffany hesitated for a moment, then got out of the passenger seat. “Be forewarned, I might very well end up wrecking the car.”

“That’s okay. I’ve got great insurance,” Conrad jested.

They got back into the Ferrari and settled into their new spots. Conrad programmed in their location right before Tiffany pushed the button, causing the engine to hum to life.

Gently, she eased the car forward. Conrad could tell she was nervous as she was clenching the steering wheel tightly and her eyes were darting around to make sure she wasn’t near anything she could hit.

“Tiffany, why don’t you calm down a bit and enjoy yourself,” Conrad coaxed. “Let the car do the work. Keeping such a tight grip on the steering wheel won’t make a difference.”

She pressed her lips together, then slowly she loosened her grasp. Her lips curved up in a smile as her speed increased.

“That’s it, now you’re getting what this car is all about,” Conrad encouraged. “Go faster.”

She must have taken the hint because she pressed her foot to the pedal and the car lurched forward, increasing in rapid speed.

“Woohoo!” Tiffany yelled, as the wind whipped through the car, blowing her blonde hair around her face. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

“You sure are,” Conrad shouted back. “Look at you go.”

The GPS dinged, telling Tiffany where to turn until they reached their final destination.

“Where are we?” Tiffany asked as she pulled the car up to the valet and climbed out.

“We’re at my favorite restaurant from my childhood,” Conrad explained, as he took Tiffany’s hand, then placed it in the crook of his arm. He escorted her inside the restaurant where a hostess took them to the rooftop. It was empty except one table, glowing by candlelight, with black linens and fresh roses in the center.

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