Even if their marriage was one of convenience, there was no reason not to enjoy it. If there was a lesson learned from Samantha and Blake’s union, it was that denying a physical attraction proved fruitless when the man you desired happened to be your husband.
She pressed her lips to his and tasted his surprise. He pulled her into his arms and deepened their kiss. His hand stroked her bare arm as he moved his lips to her ear. “Are you sure?” he asked.
Eliza glanced at the glass separating them and the driver. “We’re adults, we kinda like each other, and the bonus is we’re married.”
Carter sat back and held her face in his hands. “I never assumed…”
“I know. Which makes it even better.”
He kissed her again this time with more fervor…more desire. Heat swelled in the pit of her stomach and traveled south. Her hand slid inside his jacket, and met with the hard ripple of muscle under his shirt.
Carter moved away, again. “We need to start talking or I’m going to embarrass us both,” he said.
She wiped some of the moisture off her lips and put a bit of distance between them. Carter glanced out the back window to the car that followed.
“How long of a flight do we have?”
“Too long.”
The bodyguards would be on the plane with them, which meant they wouldn’t be alone until they reached the hotel in Kauai.
The driver drove them through the airport and onto the tarmac. He stopped when they arrived at Blake and Samantha’s jet. Much to Eliza’s surprise, there were a half a dozen paparazzi clicking pictures of them as they boarded the plane.
“Looks like news of our nuptials spread.”
Russell and Joe flanked them as they climbed the steps and into the plane. Eliza swiveled at the top of the steps and sent the photographers a presidential wave. Carter shook his head and his eyes crinkled with laughter.
Once inside she asked Carter to help her with the zipper of her dress. He groaned as he slid it down her spine. They both eyed the bed on the plane and smiled at each other. Eliza was sure where his thoughts led. “I don’t think so, Hollywood. Two bodyguards, a pilot, and a copilot are too much of an audience for me.”
“There’s a door.”
“Not a thick one. What if we hit turbulence?”
“Kauai is five hours away,” he debated.
Eliza held her dress up with one arm and placed the other on his chest. “How long have you known me?”
“Over two years.”
She shoved him out the door. “Five more hours won’t kill you.” She shut the door behind him and changed into a more practical dress.
****
Carter felt the ungodly urge to bang his head against the seat of the airplane. Eliza eyed the door to the bedroom more than once. The bodyguards were happily tucked into a service section of the plane and wouldn’t even notice if they slipped into the room. About the time Carter opened his mouth to suggest they “rest” the captain asked them to fasten their seatbelts and to expect some turbulence.
That was two hours ago. Outside of a trip to the bathroom and a refill of sparkling wine, they were glued to their seats.
“I just realized something,” Eliza said as she sipped her wine. “I’ve never been to your house. I didn’t even pack my things. And what is Gwen going to do?”
“I wouldn’t worry about Gwen. I think she likes her new life. And I’m sure Neil will tag a team of watchful eyes on her for safety.”
Eliza hadn’t thought of that. “Gwen will love his attention.”
“What does that mean?”
“Just that. She’ll love Neil’s attention. I think she has a thing for him.”
Carter swiveled in his seat. “For Neil? Are you sure?”
“She hasn’t said so directly. But she does that dopey, girly look whenever she talks about him. Don’t you dare tell him I said that.”
He laughed. “I left high school some time ago. I admit I didn’t see that coming.”
“No one is coming.” Eliza stopped short when she realized what she’d said. “I mean, I don’t think Gwen has done anything about her attraction.”
Carter winked. “Something tells me she won’t. And I can’t imagine Neil initiating a relationship with Blake’s sister.”
“Because he works for Blake?”
“It’s more complicated than that. If there is an attraction then I’m sure Neil will take extra care to insure Gwen’s safety. So don’t worry about her. I can text Jay when we land and have him hire a moving company if you want. Your things can be in my home before we get back.”
“I’d rather do it myself. Besides, I’ll have extra hands around me for a while to help.” She glanced to the front of the plane and the bodyguards that were playing cards. “How long do you think we’ll have to have them around?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
Eliza wasn’t sure either. And when the guards could be moved on, would that mean her marriage to Carter could to? Damn, she wasn’t married a full day and already she wondered how long the union would last.
The aircraft dropped a couple of feet as it hit unstable air, and Eliza clutched the hand rest of her seat. Carter covered her hand with his. “Smaller airplanes have a harder time hiding bumps.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Billings. We will be up here a little longer. The weather in Hawaii isn’t ideal for landing. We are waiting for a break to make our descent.”
Eliza swallowed hard. “Did you fly a lot as a kid?” she asked to take her mind off the nasty flight.
“Holidays when my parents couldn’t avoid the Hammond gathering. You?”
“Not much. I don’t remember any flights with my parents. After, there were a few. But nothing like this.”
“The turbulence or the private jet?”
“Either.”
“If you fly as much as Blake it makes sense to own your own ride.”
They hit another air pocket, and Eliza’s wine glass tipped over.
Carter pushed it way to avoid it soaking her dress.
“You fly all the time.”
He nodded. “I do. Which is why I’ve been talking with Blake about a co-op.”
The plane sunk then leveled out.
Eliza swallowed hard. “You want to own your own plane? Isn’t that expensive?”
“Not if you fly all the time.”
“Please…”
“Okay, yeah, they’re costly. But when I travel, I have people with me. I need to go quickly, and I don’t have time for domestic schedules. Besides, I’ve hitchhiked off Blake enough. It’s time to put some of my slush fund to use.”