Page 14 of The Billionaire's Obsession

“I don’t believe in impossible. I’m not leaving you and the pilot needs help, so hop on and stop slowing us down with futile protests.”

“Maybe it’s you that’s impossible,” I grumbled, and climbed onto Cole’s back. He hadn’t even acknowledged the kiss. There was something easy and normal about it, like touching was more natural for Cole and me than not.

Apparently, this was really happening.

“Ok, let’s do this, and see those gym muscles in action,” I agreed finally, holding onto his shoulders and trying not to strangle him.

“Maybe if I impress you, you’ll show me those more exciting forms of exercise.”

“Cole!”

“Relax sweetheart, I’ve got you.”

* * *

I didn’t knowhow long we walked, but Cole had to be exhausted by the time the ranger station came into view. We’d trekked along the long stony gully, and then up a less steep slope to join the trail again. Another half hour, more or less down the trail, the ranger station came into sight.

“Holy fuck, thank god,” Cole muttered.

“You should have put me down!” I cringed.

“No, not that, sweetheart. You’re like a feather. I’m worried about the pilot. It’ll be dark soon,” he pointed out and headed toward a bench near the trail, gently lowering me onto it.

“I’m going to go just down there and hopefully find someone. It’ll all be taken care of soon.”

“Ok, I’m here.”

For a second, I thought he was going to kiss me again, but he straightened up and started down the remaining trail to the station. I watched as he knocked and waited and then went inside.

While I was waiting, I turned my face back to the gorgeous valley and the darkening sky. The air smelled sweet and unspoiled, after the LA fumes.

Half an hour later, Cole appeared again, stepping out of the station, grinning at me.

“You called for help?”

“I called all the help.” He sat beside me on the bench. I was grateful we’d been wearing casual clothes for traveling to Napa. Sneakers were the very minimum required shoes for hiking, and dress shoes, like Cole usually wore, would have been a disaster. He slid a hand around the back of the bench, and I felt immediately warmed by the gesture.

“Did you cancel on you uncle?”

“Why would I do that?” Cole asked.

“Because we’re here and clearly not getting to Napa tonight.”

He smiled at me, jolting me right down to my toes. “I told you, I don’t believe in impossible. Now, I know you’re not fond of planes, but where do you stand on helicopters?”

CHAPTER10

Cole

Isat by a roaring fireplace and stared at the flames. A tumbler of whiskey was warming nicely in my hand, and for the first time today, I was relaxed.

We were safely at my uncle’s place. The pilot was in hospital, recovering well, and Riley had had her ankle looked at, and passed out on the helicopter ride.

I hadn’t wanted to wake her when we got to my uncle’s vineyard. She’d looked so tired and bedraggled. Despite my glib words earlier, I felt terribly responsible for everything that had happened. I had wanted to get this woman alone, and it had ended up with an emergency landing and a twisted ankle.

“She’s still asleep?” My uncle Charlie came in, his faithful dog Joe following him like a shadow. I nodded.

“You know, I’d never have believed you’d actually brought a girlfriend if I hadn’t seen you carry her through the doorway myself.” Charlie sat opposite me.

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