He gave it all he could. Now, five years later, he felt burnt out. Surely there was more to it all than this. Over the years, he had invested a lot of money in ventures that had, fortunately enough, turned a neat profit, so he finally found himself in a position to seriously consider a complete change of scenery.
With an unwavering certainty, he was determined that his own life would be conducted in a much different vein, that his brother’s career choices would not reflect his own. And Olivia would be a huge part of the picture he had made up in his mind. She needed somebody who could appreciate her for who she was. In his eves, she was the epitome of femininity and sensuality. She would make one guy a lucky man indeed, and there was no doubt in his mind that he would be that guy.
When they shook hands, something shifted inside of him. It wasn’t like him to be so affected by a woman’s touch or even to pursue a woman so relentlessly, but who was he kidding? He didn’t know how it happened, but it was as if he had always known that Olivia would mean more to him than any other woman he had met.
His feelings for her had grown from a distance. He had felt the connection that day six months ago, and he hadn’t so much as said a single word to her. He just couldn’t get her out of his mind. If there was one thing he had learned from life, it was the fact that it wasn’t a good idea to ignore his instincts—and this time, his instincts told him that Olivia was right for him. It wasn’t even worth his time to try to rationalize his feelings. He wanted to know all there was to know about her, and he wanted her and the rest of the world to know she belonged to him.
Have her he would—body, mind and spirit. It wouldn’t be long before he’d allow her to see how much he desired her. She was in for a big surprise over the next few days.
Chapter Three
Five minutes gone, two more hours to go. The dratted “Fasten Seat Belt” sign was flashing again, perhaps for the millionth time. Of course, she did have to end up on the Guinness world record of “turbulent flights.” Would her luck ever end?
Oh Geez! Why the hell didn’t I get the train? It would only have taken me eighteen hours to travel from NYC to Atlanta. This is going to make me sick. She squeezed her eyes shut, sighed and wondered why she’d even bothered to unfasten the blasted thing anyway. Might as well just shackle herself to the damned seat. Not an entirely unpleasant thought, that. It conjured up all kinds of vivid fantasies, what with Mr. You-Are-So-Fucking-Gorgeous-I-Want-To-Oh-Eat-You-All-Up Cole Evans sitting right beside her on the aisle seat. She supposed this could be one of those times when flying could have its compensations. She gave herself an imaginary slap on the head.
All of a sudden, warm, strong fingers closed over hers in reassurance.
“It’ll be alright, pet.”
For the second time that day, he squeezed her hand and then retreated, a touch too slowly.
Did he just call her pet? She squirmed in her seat, closed her eyes and let the sensation from his touch swarm all over her. Oh my. This man was doing something to her insides—and no, it wasn’t the flight.
Once more, those overwhelming ruminations of sizzling kisses and sex made her feel feverish and dizzy. Thoughts that involved her, a mouth-wateringly masculine travel companion, a king-size bed, a pair of handcuffs and a huge…
This flight was muddling her brain. Somehow, she would have to try to maintain some shred of dignity, at least attempt to not make an utter fool of herself. Surely she could retain her composure for the next few hours. When they got off the plane, she’d put as much distance as possible between her and the dark Viking. What had possessed her to agree to staying overnight in Atlanta with him? He had told her they were almost family so they should spend time together. Family, her ass. As if the thoughts she had about him would classify as sisterly. Hah! Blast the man.
It wasn’t as if he would notice her, of course. Oh no, not plain old fat Olivia Marsden. Well, she wasn’t exactly plain, but men liked Fiona, not Olivia. Life just wasn’t fair! She hadn’t missed the lusty looks the stewardesses kept throwing his way, either. Who could ignore such a god? How she wished she could be a size four with slim, gazelle legs and neat, petite curves, just for one day! This day would be perfect if anyone was in the mood to answer her prayers.
Okay, enough of that self-pitying bullshit. Perhaps she could try a conversation.
“How long have you been living in New York City?”
“About eleven years, I’d say. I moved there after graduating from college. How about you?”
“I went to NYU and never made it back to Georgia after graduation. I suppose I got a taste of the city and never looked back.”