Aiden felt like he couldn’t breathe. In a little more than twenty-four hours, he’d be alone in Miami with Sarah and her dangerous dress. How he loved peril, especially at the hand of a beautiful woman. “Have her send you a swimsuit, too. We can’t go to Florida without some fun in the sun.”
Nine
Between leaving Oliver overnight, and knowing that in twelve hours she’d have to dazzle Sylvia Hodge at a fashion event most people would kill to attend, Sarah was so worked up she thought she might be sick. “I hope I haven’t forgotten anything.” Yesterday had been such a whirlwind, it’d be a modern miracle if she hadn’t messed up something. Oliver’d had a fussy day, which probably meant he had another tooth coming in. Aiden had been shuttered in his home office for hours, coming out long enough to say no to three more nanny candidates.
Sarah had dealt with a million other details beyond that, including having Tessa, her assistant, overnight her gown and a few more clothes to the hotel in Miami. That meant she was in the same black sundress she’d had on the day she met Aiden. She didn’t feel confident at all, but she’d only packed a weekend’s worth of clothes when she’d come to New York. Two days had always been her plan.
“If we have any questions, we’ll call you.” Anna eased herself into a chair at the kitchen table. “I just want you to go to Miami and kick some serious butt.”
“Any last-minute advice before we head to the airport? You worked in the garment industry for years. I really wish you could be there to make me look less incompetent.”
Anna sat up straighter and reached across the table, placing her hand on Sarah’s. “From the moment I met you, you struck me as nothing less than cool determination. You will have no problem with Sylvia Hodge. She’s drawn to people who have a vision. Show her what you see for your future and everything else will fall into place. I promise.”
Sarah blew out a breath. What a coup it was to have Anna’s help, and Aiden’s for that matter. He was bankrolling this venture, after all. But knowing he was putting so much money into it only made the pressure that much more intense.
“Ready?” Aiden strode into the room. In dark gray dress pants and a white dress shirt, he looked so good he could’ve sold her a magic bag of beans.
Jacob followed, holding Oliver. He’d just had his first diaper-changing lesson, courtesy of Aiden. The former daddy-in-training was teaching the daddy-to-be.
“You look extra handsome holding a baby,” Anna said to Jacob, slowly pushing herself up out of the chair.
Jacob flashed his dazzling smile. “It’s the ultimate fashion accessory. Women go crazy for it.”
Anna rolled her eyes and sidled up next to them. “Don’t push it.”
Aiden watched Anna and Jacob with Oliver. He was anxious—Sarah could see it. That made a small part of her melt on the inside. There was nothing sexier than a man who was on edge about leaving his child.
For Aiden’s sake, Sarah started the goodbyes. “Okay, sweet boy. Anna and Jacob are going to take very good care of you. We’ll see you tomorrow when we get back.” She kissed his forehead. Emotion washed over her. In a few short days she’d be doing this for real.
“Goodbye, buddy.” Aiden’s voice wobbled as he cupped the back of Oliver’s head and kissed his cheek.
Aiden’s driver John was waiting outside in the black SUV, idling at the curb. The ride to the private terminal in Teterboro, New Jersey, took nearly an hour with traffic. Aiden made work calls, leaving no time for them to talk. The way he laid down the law with people was inspiring and intimidating. Would she ever be that in control? Could she grow her company and give herself security, command respect and just tell people what she wanted? She had a hard time imagining she could muster that much mojo.
The car went through a security gate and drove up alongside the sleek white jet, tastefully marked with the royal blue LangTel logo. The plane’s boarding stairs had been lowered to the tarmac. Aiden’s driver opened the door for Sarah, and she dug her fingernails into the tender heels of her hands, reminding herself that this wasn’t a movie. This was really happening. “Thank you so much, John. I don’t know how you navigate traffic in this giant car, but I’m glad you can.”
“Thank you, Ms. Daltrey.”
She gently swiped at his arm. “Please, call me Sarah. It’s only fair since I call you John.”
An amused smile crossed his lips. “You’re very gracious, Sarah. Excuse me while I retrieve the bags. I’ll see you on board.”
“Oh. You’re joining us?”