Chapter 13
The sun came through the window and she opened her eyes. She snuggled back against the man beside her. He shifted and kissed her shoulder. They were quiet for a while. It was morning. They only had a couple of hours left.
Stacy rolled on her back and looked up at him. Reaching up and stroking his face, wanting to remember every curve of his cheek. Those deep blue eyes that held desire in their depths. Her heart beat faster just knowing she evoked that passion in him.
Slade leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. She rose up and pulled him closer. He groaned and deepened the kiss. All he could think about was taking her right here. He realized just before daylight this morning that his feelings were running deep for the woman in his arms.
They rolled on the bed kissing passionately. Neither could get enough of the other. Finally, he pulled away and jumped out of the bed. He knew that the first time they made love it would be right. There would be time to explore and love all night.
“We’ve got to stop before I lose all sense, which is not far off at this point. I want our first time to be a time to remember. Not a rushed, heated morning. I want it to be special.”
“We do have to get up and get ready. It’s already after eight.” She got up and took a deep breath.
He went to his room and she heard him grunting. She grinned. It was invigorating causing this to feel so passionate.
They met in the kitchen for cinnamon rolls and coffee. She grabbed her camera which she’d forgotten she had. They walked outside and she took pictures of him and he took pictures of her.
“Send me copies. The pictures will have to do until I get back.” He pulled her to him and kissed her. They heard the car coming up the drive. When they walked around to the driveway, Andrew and the driver were getting out.
He smiled. “You two look rested.” He winked at Slade.
“We did get a lot of rest. Especially considering the power was out for most of the time.”
“You’re kidding. Why didn’t you call me? I could have brought out a generator.”
“We didn’t have cell signal either. I think we managed pretty well.” He put his arm around Stacy and they smiled at each other. Andrew whistled and looked away from the couple.
“Well are you guys packed and ready to go?”
“Everything’s inside the door.” The driver walked in to get their bags. They walked in and looked around making sure they didn’t forget anything. Andrew put out the fire and set the thermostat back.
Stacy stood and looked out the window one last time. Her mood was quiet. Slade walked up and put his hands on her shoulders. She looked back and put her hand on his. They didn’t need to speak to get the message across to each other how they felt at that moment.
Andrew stood watching the couple. It was as though he was watching a happily married couple. He saw something special taking place. Smiling, he walked out to give them some privacy.
After a few minutes, they finally went out and got in the SUV. They sat and quietly watched the trees go by. No words were going to make it easier. Andrew noticed this.
When they got to the airport Stacy slowly got out of the vehicle. This was it. Could she be brave and not cry? She doubted it.
He walked around and grabbed her hand. “We’re going to fly you home in my private plane.”
“No Slade, it’s all the way across the country then back to get you home. Thanks, but I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“I insist. It’ll give us a little more time.” He put his arm around her and they followed Andrew to the private entrance at the side of the terminal. They walked up a long hallway and got in an elevator. When they got out of the elevator it was really sinking in how little time they had.
He squeezed her hand and she looked up at him. It only took a few minutes and they were walking out to board his Lear Jet.
When they walked into the main cabin she was pleasantly surprised. It was like a living room. It had two recliners and two couches. On the back of the pilots cabin was a flat screen TV. She noticed a kitchenette on the other end. He walked her to a door at the rear of the plane. When he opened it, she looked in at a private suite. There was a bed and small private bath.
“This is pure luxury.” Her eyes were huge as she looked at the whole plane. He was worth a lot more than she was aware of. She was impressed.
“Well it gets me from place to place without a lot of hassle. I also can rest in between trips.” He led her to one of the couches.
“This is really nice Slade. I don’t even feel like I’m on a plane.” She sat down and felt the plane start moving. It was not like it was on the big airplanes. It was a gentle motion. He grabbed her hand and squeezed gently.
“Let’s watch a movie. I have a pretty good collection from current to classics.” She picked out a classic love story and they sat back to get comfortable. She drifted off to sleep before the movie was over. He carried her to the bed in the back and covered her with the light blanket.
When they were landing he woke her. “Stacy, you’re home.” He said it with more emotion than he’d intended.
She looked out the window and saw the skyline of Atlanta. She was glad to be home, but not the part about leaving him. Tears started to prick the corners of her eyes. She refused to cry.
Slade hugged her to him and held her tight. When the plane taxied to the hangar he stood up and pulled her with him. “My pilot told me we have to make the stop quick. I wish we had more time to say goodbye. He radioed ahead and has someone to pick you up when you get off the plane. They will escort you to your car.”
She looked up at him and he saw her bottom lip tremble. She was trying so hard to be brave, but it was not working. She pulled his head down to hers and they shared a passionate kiss. It left both of them breathless and wanting more.
“That was a nice goodbye. Don’t forget my card is in your wallet. I have yours and I’ll call you tonight. I miss you already.” He already felt an emptiness that was like a black hole in his heart.
“I will be there. It’s going to be a long couple of weeks. Don’t forget me.” She looked into his eyes and he fell hard. He knew then that he was lost forever.
Slade pulled her to him and laughed. “Don’t worry about that. You’ve captured my heart.”
A single tear slipped down her face. He kissed it away. The salty tear was his undoing.
The pilot came through the door. “Mr. Collins, they have us refueled and ready to taxi back out to the runway.”
Slade nodded to his pilot and put his arm around her shoulders. He walked her down the stairs to the tarmac. The car was waiting for her with her luggage already in the trunk.
“You be careful and have a safe flight back to California.” Stacy could hardly look at him.
“I will and you too. I’ll call you as soon as I get back to my house.” He hugged her one last time and helped her into the back seat of the car. She watched him waving as they drove off. He stood there until the car went around the hangar and left. He got back on his plane and they took off.
The Winner Is Love Page 13
