smiled, liking that Clara had emphasized discretion. Of course, Holly would learn all about his plans soon enough. “Let me know if you uncover anything noteworthy.”
“I will.” She once more picked up her tablet.
Why was she working so hard on this? Surely she wasn’t this thorough normally. There had to be something driving her. Was she afraid of disappointing him?
Or more likely, she was doing whatever she could to ignore him.
Just then the plane started to vibrate. Finn glanced over at Holly and noticed that she had the armrests in a death grip. “Don’t worry. It’s just some turbulence.”
She looked at him, her eyes as big as saucers. “Maybe we should land until it passes over.”
“You don’t fly much, do you?”
She shook her head. “Never had much reason. Anyplace I’ve ever wanted to go I can get to by train or car.”
“Well, relax. Turbulence is common. It’s nothing to worry about.”
“Easy for you to say,” she said in a huff.
He suppressed a chuckle. She did have spirit. Maybe that was what he liked so much about her. Otherwise, why would he have agreed to this completely unorthodox arrangement?
Perhaps if he could get her talking, she’d temporarily forget about the turbulence. “Where are these places you visit by car or train?”
She glanced at him with an Are you serious? look. He continued staring at her, prompting her to talk.
“I...I don’t go away often.”
“But when you do travel, where do you go?”
“The ocean.”
It wasn’t much, but it was a start. “Which beach is your favorite?”
“Ocean City and...” The plane shook again. Her fingers tightened on the armrests. Her knuckles were white.
“I must admit I’ve never been to Ocean City. Is there much to do there?” When she didn’t respond, he said, “Holly?”
“Um, yes. Ah, there’s plenty to do along the boardwalk. But I like to take a book and sit on the beach.”
“What do you read?”
“Mysteries. Some thrillers.”
He continued talking books and authors with her. He found that she was truly passionate about books. As she talked about a series of suspense novels she was in the process of reading, his attention was drawn to her lips—her tempting lips. It’d be so easy to forget the reason for this trip and the fact she was helping him out.
What would she say if he were to take her in his arms and press his lips to hers?
His phone buzzed again. After a brief conversation with the pilot, he turned to Holly. “The pilot believes we’re past the bad weather. You can relax. It should be smooth flying from here on out.”
The tension visibly drained from her as her shoulders relaxed and her hands released the armrests. “That’s good news. I guess I’m not a very good flyer.”
“Oh, trust me, you’re doing fine. I’ve experienced worse. Much worse.” He inwardly shuddered, recalling a couple of experiences while flying commercial airlines.
His attention returned to his laptop. He was surprised the break had him feeling refreshed. His fingers flew over the keyboard. Some time had passed when he grew thirsty.
He got up from his seat. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“That sounds good. But I can get it.”
She stood up and followed him to the front of the plane where there was a small kitchenette. “I’m surprised you don’t have any staff on board.”
“Staff? For just me?” He shook his head. “I don’t need anyone standing around, waiting for something to do. Besides, I appreciate the time alone.”
“Oh.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I’m happy having you along.”
“You are?” Her eyes widened. And was that a smile playing at the corners of her lips?
“I am. You’re doing me a big favor. This meeting can’t be rescheduled. It’s time sensitive. And I didn’t want to ruin Clara’s wedding.”
“Seems it all worked out.”
He arched a brow. “Did it? Are you really okay with being here?”
“I—”
The plane violently shuddered. Then the plane dipped. A gasp tore from Holly’s lips. Her body swayed forward. He sprang into action, catching her.
“It’ll be okay.”
The fear in her eyes said she didn’t believe him.
As the pilot guided the plane through a particularly rough patch of airspace, Finn held on to Holly, who in turn held on to him. This was the exact thing he’d told himself that wouldn’t occur on this trip, but fate seemed to have other plans.
He looked down at her as she lifted her chin. Their gazes met and held. Even when the plane leveled out, he continued to hold her. The emotions reflected in her eyes were intense. Or was he reading what he wanted to see in them?
He did know one thing—having her this close was doing all sorts of crazy things to his body. He caught a whiff of her soft floral scent and inhaled deeper. The pleasing scent swept him back to that not-so-long-ago night. Maybe playing it safe was overrated.
The plane started to vibrate again. Her wide-eyed gaze reflected fear. He knew how to distract her. His head dipped. His lips swooped in, claiming hers. She didn’t move at first as though surprised by his actions. But in seconds her lips moved beneath his.
Holly was amazing. He’d never met a woman who intrigued him both mentally and physically. Her lips parted and his tongue slipped inside. She tasted of mint with a hint of chocolate. A moan swelled in his throat.
His thoughts turned toward the big bed in the back of the plane. Should he even entertain such an idea? But with the heat of their kiss, it wasn’t out of bounds. All he had to do was scoop her up in his arms. It wasn’t like it’d be their first time. Or even their second.
There was a sound. But he brushed it off, not wanting anything to ruin this moment. And yet there it was again. He concentrated for a second and realized it was the private line from the cockpit.
With great regret, he pulled back. “I better get that. It’s the pilot.”
Her lips were rosy and slightly swollen. And her eyes were slightly dilated. He’d never seen a more tempting sight. And yet his mind told him the interruption was exactly what they needed. It would give them time to come to their senses.
“THIS IS YOUR PLACE?”
Holly exited the helicopter that had transported them from the airstrip on the big island to Finn’s private island. The landing zone sat atop a hill. It was the only place on the small island cleared of greenery except for the white sandy beach.
Finn moved to her side. “Do you like it?”
“I do. I’ve only ever seen places like this on television or on the internet. I never imagined I would one day step foot in paradise.”
“Paradise?”
“Yes. You don’t think so?”
“I never really thought about it.” He rolled her suitcase to the edge of the helipad. “I’m afraid we