Page 26 of Cognac & Cornflowers

“Likewise, and please, call me Becca.”

She got a totally different vibe from Jamie. “Nice to meet you, Becca.” He held her hand a little too tight and trailed his fingers over her palm when he let go.

“And you.” She hoped that her distaste didn’t show on her face, but she couldn’t resist wiping her hand on her jeans. She felt terrible when she saw that Trick had noticed. He caught her gaze for a moment and gave her the slightest hint of a nod.

“I’ll have us filed and be out there in five.”

“Thanks.” Jacob didn’t seem to have noticed anything out of the ordinary, and he took hold of Becca’s hand again as they followed Jamie outside.

She was fascinated that they could just walk out onto the tarmac. They didn’t have to go through any kind of security. Jamie was carrying her bag – it wasn’t sailing off on a conveyor belt somewhere. She wanted to take it back from him – it could surely go in the cabin with her like it did on the big plane.

She sucked in a deep breath when they reached one of the many jets that were all waiting in a line. She had no doubt that it would be gleaming if the sun were still out, but dusk had fallen now, so it just looked sleek and fancy as it sat there waiting for them.

Jamie set her bag down and gestured for them to go up the steps. She was grateful that Jacob let her go ahead of him. She had a slimy kind of feeling that Jamie would be watching her ass if he were the one behind her. She bit back a smile at the thought that she wouldn’t mind one bit if Jacob wanted to watch it. She even put an extra little sway in her hips as she went. She doubted that he’d notice, but it felt good to do it.

Holy crap! She’d never been inside a private jet before; it was … beautiful! It was all cream-colored walls and shiny wood. Walnut maybe? She had no clue what the different woods looked like. And the seats! What she wouldn’t have given for a seat like one of these on one of the three earlier flights she’d taken today. Heck, what she wouldn’t give to have a seat like this in the townhouse! They were huge, comfortable-looking things, all done in cream leather.

“Do you want to sit there?”

Shivers ran down her spine when Jacob’s front brushed against her back as he leaned closer and gestured to one of the big armchairs – that’s what they looked like. There was a group of four of them up here near the front and another group of four beyond them. Wow!

“Thanks.” She looked over her shoulder at him, and he was right there, his nose inches from hers. If that damned Jamie person wasn’t right there behind Jacob, watching them, she would have kissed him again. Instead, she smiled and sat down.

“Wow!” She couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she sank into the plush leather. “Have I died and gone to heaven?”

Jacob chuckled and sat down opposite her. She wished he were beside her, but even then, he wouldn’t be close enough; the seats were huge.

Her smile faded when Jamie winked at her over Jacob’s head. Shesodid not like that guy.

Jacob looked over his shoulder. When he looked back at her, he frowned. Shoot. She didn’t want to get Jamie into trouble. He hadn’t done anything wrong; he just gave her bad vibes. She made herself smile again, and it became genuine when she looked into Jacob’s eyes.

“Thank you so freaking much!”

He laughed. “You are so very welcome. Thankyou.You’ve saved me from an afternoon and evening of worry.”

Jamie was still watching Becca as Jacob spoke. Jacob’s smile disappeared and his head snapped around – making her wonder if he had eyes in the back of it. Jamie’s smirk disappeared when Jacob said “Could you please go and make sure that Miss Taylor’s bag is stowed before Trick gets here?”

“Sir.” Jamie turned on his heel and left.

Becca shuddered as she watched him go.

“What’s the problem?” Jacob asked.

“Nothing. No problem.”

“Becca.” His stern tone sent a shiver of a very different kind down her spine. It was sexy as hell!

She let out a short laugh. “You’re going to be able to make me say and do anything you want if you talk to me like that!”

He looked shocked for a second, but then he burst out laughing. “Good to know.”

“Oh, you! I didn’t mean … I …”

His eyes twinkled as he held her gaze. “You didn’t mean what?”

“You know!” She could feel the heat in her cheeks, but she was enjoying this. Enjoying seeing him being playful.

He certainly looked playful when he waggled his eyebrows. “It’s only fair to tell you that I have logged that particular tone of voice and intend to use it to my advantage in the future.”

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