Page 86 of The VIP Package

“What did you tell her?”

“At the risk of alarming her, I explained that I’d like a mechanic to look at that dent on the wing. I assured her it’s a routine procedure.”

Poor Camille. On top of everything, I’ve left her concerned about safety. “How did she handle it?”

“As calmly as possible, sir.” She pauses. “I believe her exact words were, ‘just my fucking luck.’ But she doesn’t appear to be panicking. She’s got her earbuds in, listening to a guided meditation.”

“Well done.” I reduce engine power, adjusting the angle as I start my own descent toward the southwestern tip of the island. “I’ll be on the ground in twenty minutes.”

“Yes, sir.” There’s another short pause. “And may I just say, it’s an honor to be part of this mission. Over.”

An odd little frizzle of joy rolls through me. While I made preparations for my flight, Kora coordinated the jet’s unscheduled landing.

“Tell the pilot whatever you need to tell her,” I said as I hurriedly packed for the journey. “Anything it takes to get that plane on the ground in a place I can speak with Camille.”

Kora’s brow furrowed. “Will you permit me to share some more personal details?”

“Whatever it takes.” And I meant it.

Which means Kora quite likely told the pilot a story of love and loss and the missteps I’ve made. Some small, private part of me feels self-conscious and exposed, but that’s the least of my worries right now.

If winning her back means professing my love by writing the words on my forehead, I’ll grab a damn Sharpie right now and ink it myself. I’d tattoo it if necessary.

First, I should focus on landing the plane.

As I taxi to the end of the runway, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Whatever comes next, I’ll have given it my best shot. I’m determined to win back the trust of the woman I love. To open myself up to passion and joy, and hope to God Camille wants the same. I know I hurt her badly, and I won’t blame her if she’s already given up on me.

But I have to try. I owe it to Camille, the woman I love more than anything.

I owe it to my son and late wife.

I owe it to myself.

As I switch off the engines, I unhook my seatbelt and turn to the back of the plane. My passenger sits in an oversized cage looking pissed off and ruffled and edgy.

“Are you ready, McFly?”

The bird shakes his feathers.“Triceratops.”

“Perhaps later.” I stand and pick up his cage. “Right now, we’ve got a woman to win back.”

CHAPTER 17

CAMILLE

“Is something wrong?” I unbuckle my seatbelt as the pilot shoves open the door. “Should I get off, or?—”

“Wait here.” She scans the horizon, pausing her gaze on a red and white plane that must’ve just landed. “I need to speak with someone.”

She descends the steps before I reply.

“Okay.” My heart’s pounding hard, despite spending the last twenty minutes with my meditation app. I check for a wifi signal. Maybe watching cat videos can help take my mind off things.

My palms feel clammy and my whole body’s sticky like I just ran a mile. I stress-ate an entire pack of Skittles, and the deodorant I put on this morning has been working overtime. I should write a testimonial for Secret Invisible Solid.

On the bright side, worrying about crashing and dying distracted me from heartache. From the fact that Ashton couldn’t find some way to want me. Or to work through his issues and give us a shot at a future together. But now that I’m here all alone?—

Huh. Where is that music coming from?

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