Page 115 of Flirting with the CEO

"So, which one of you is more excited?"

"I think that would be me," I replied, looking up at Colton.

He brought his mouth to my ear. "I love making you smile like this."

Once again, I wanted to jump his bones, but we weren't alone. He had such a strange effect on me. I was giddy by the time we reached the balloon.

"Wait, it's just the two of us?" I asked.

"Yes," Ron said proudly. "Mr. Whitley here requested a private tour."

"You can call me Colton," he said.

"Well, Colton here asked us to make it happen."

I felt even giddier than before as we stepped inside. It was big enough for ten people—at least that's what it felt like to me.

Ron explained security details, but I was only half listening. My heart was beating so fast that I could barely make out words.

A few minutes later, we took off. It was the strangest feeling. I’d never experienced anything like it. I sometimes got a bit sick whenever a plane started off the ground, but I wasn't even the least bit nauseous.

I looked out as we lifted farther away from ground.

“This is beautiful,” I exclaimed.

“I agree,” Colton replied.

Ron stopped talking as he maneuvered the balloon and we floated. I glanced at the trees below us. Some were green, but a lot were also golden and red.

"Are you cold?" Colton asked.

"Just a bit, but I don't want a jacket," I said.

I took a deep breath. The air changed as we went up higher. It felt almost humid, like dunking my head into water. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against Colton.

I could swear that I felt his heartbeat against mine even though I didn't think that was truly possible because I had my back against his chest. But I felt deeply connected to him, especially when he interlaced our fingers.

Twenty minutes later, Ron started our descent. Colton kept his arms around me all the way down.

As soon as we stepped out of the balloon, Ron said, "Can I interest you in some champagne? We offer that with every ride. It's free." He sounded extremely proud. "But I know some guests don't want that in the middle of the day."

I wanted some champagne, but I wanted to be alone with Colton even more.

He put his arm firmly around my lower back, looking down at me. Since I was wearing sneakers, I had to tilt my head back more than usual to see him. I loved that he towered over me like this.

"Your call," he said.

I shook my head. "I'm good. We can go."

His eyes darkened.

"All right, then. It was great having you as my customers." Ron gave me two cards. "If you liked the experience, please leave a review on Tripadvisor or Yelp."

"I will," I said, carefully tucking them into my pocket.

We bid Ron goodbye and headed straight to our car. There was only one other in the parking lot.

"I loved, loved, loved that," I informed Colton as he opened the door to my car.

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