Page 83 of Flirty Fall Fling

He steals the fork back and holds a bite to my mouth. I let him feed me, and he watches.

The fire burns down while we talk about nothing. I add more wood, and my eyes get heavy. He pulls the blanket off the back of the couch and spreads it over us. I snuggle into him.

“What time do you have to go?” I ask, barely awake.

“I don’t.”

His heartbeat is steady under my ear. The last thing I remember is his arm wrapping around me, keeping me close as we fall asleep.

20

JAMIE

I’ve planned exactly one date in the last ten years. I’ve spent two days and an obscene amount of money trying to make this absolutely perfect for Blaire. I don’t remember the last time I cared so much.

Friday, I met her at midnight, but she was so exhausted that she fell asleep. I didn’t care. I just wanted to see her.

This morning, I made four phone calls, sent an NDA, and made sure my plane was waiting for us. Blaire had said she wanted all of me. Tonight, I’ll give her a tiny taste of what it’s like to date Jameson Cross.

At four, I text her.

Jamie

I hope you’re ready for tonight.

Blaire

Can’t wait. Should I pack anything?

Jamie

Maybe a change of clothes for tomorrow, but just be yourself.

She reads tarot until eight. I spent the last hour parked behind Charmed Cauldron with my lights off, listening to the sounds of the festival two streets over. When the passenger door finally opens, she drops a duffel into the back seat, then reclines the front flat. She’s wearing a black dress under her green coat. Her dark hair is down, and her lips are red. It takes effort for me to start the car instead of staring at how fucking gorgeous she is.

“Wow.”

“Drive,” she says, giggling. “Unless you want to get caught?”

I drive to the edge of town.

“So, you’re still not going to tell me where we’re going?”

She narrows her eyes as I pass the turnoff for the valley highway and take the airport road instead. There’s nothing out here but runways and a windsock.

She sits up straight. “Uh …”

The private jet waits on the tarmac with its stairs down and lights on. It’s sleek and the size of a school bus. Engines already turning over. I park beside the hangar and come around to open her door. She doesn’t move. She looks at the plane, then at me.

“I thought we’d go on a mini adventure,” I tell her.

“I’m speechless.” She takes my hand and climbs out, eyes never leaving me. “I didn’t expect this.”

“You should expect the unexpected. I do anytime I’m with you.”

The crew greets us at the stairs with smiles and warm welcomes.

“Mr. Cross. Lovely to see you,” the captain says.