this ends here.â
âWhat is this? â she asked, unwilling to admit that she found him attractive. She knew he was out of her league.
âI have no idea, but I donât want to let you go. I want to spend the next day with you, exploring the attraction between us.â
His words combined with the fire in his eyes melted her resistance. She knew that this was going to lead to heartache. They were so different. But she wanted to spend more time with him.
Â
Santa Barbara, California, was perfect for his needs. Roxy was quiet as he drove them to the private airport and his waiting Learjet.
âOkay, where are we going?â
âFor breakfast on the beach. I want to watch the day begin with you.â
He could tell by her expression that she was overwhelmed and that pleased him. Heâd been overwhelmed by a need to be with her ever since theyâd met.
âThe sun rises in Vegas, too,â she said vaguely.
âTrust me, this is one you donât want to miss.â
âIs this a normal thing for you?â she asked as they boarded the jet.
âWelcome aboard, Mr. Williams and Ms. OâMalley,â Lourdes said.
âRoxy, this is Lourdes, our pilot. Sheâs been working for me for five years now.â
âNice to meet you.â
âYou, too,â Lourdes said. âBuzz me when youâre ready to go, Mr. Williams.â
He nodded. Lourdes went into the cockpit and left them alone. Max crossed to the bar and poured a glass of California sparkling wine and orange juice for each of them. Roxy stayed just inside the jet, her gaze sweeping over the plush carpet and leather seats. She took a step inside and then stopped completely.
âThis is not going to work,â she said.
He knew she meant the two of them, but Max had already felt that irresistible pull toward her and knew that for him to walk away was impossible. Even if the only thing between them was this heat, then heâd be happy to explore it. But he sensed there was something more. The restlessness that had become a part of him was goneâat least temporarily.
âGive me this morning and then we can discuss our differences on the way back. I think youâll find we have a lot in common.â He set the champagne flutes down and pulled her into his arms. She inhaled and held her body stiff. He rubbed his hands down her back, enjoying the feel of her in his arms.
âThatâs kind of presumptuous.â
âSometimes my instincts get the better of my manners. Please come to breakfast with me.â
She nodded.
âHave a seat and Iâll let Lourdes know weâre ready to go.â
He spoke to the pilot via an intercom and returned to Roxyâs side. He handed her a glass of the sparkling wine and O.J., and relaxed deeper into the leather seat as they took off.
âMost people go to the Grand Canyon for quick flights.â
âHave you been there?â he asked. He wanted to analyze her as he would a company he was thinking of taking over. He needed to figure out what her strengths and weaknesses were. Then heâd figure out how to make her his completely. That one brief kiss wasnât enough.
If he played it right, she could also give him the edge he needed in his merger with Harron. Roxy would dazzle the businessman and Max could finally close the deal. He knew sheâd dazzle Harron, because sheâd dazzled him without even trying.
âYes. I met a gambler one time who came to the show and saw me dance and then won five hundred thousand dollars. He took me on a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon.â
Max was doubly glad heâd chosen the beach. He didnât want to be lumped together with some gambler. âAnd you said you werenât lucky,â Max said, not liking the jealousy he felt at her story.
She gave him a wry smile and took a sip of her sparkling wine. âIâm not, really. When we returned he asked me to
Lexy Timms, B+r Publishing, Book Cover By Design