She sucked her lower lip between her teeth. “Wow, let me think. I’ve never done anything like this before—gone off and left Piper. But it sounds amazing. You know how much I like the Cowboys. Can I let you know tomorrow?”
Ethan followed Dallas back inside, wanting to kick his heels in the air. The excitement in her eyes was unmistakable. He figured there was a ninety-percent chance she’d say yes. He’d make sure every detail was nailed down and show her the best time of her life. Let that cowboy match this!
THE FOLLOWING WEEK, Dallas clicked her wine glass with Ethan’s and leaned her head back into the lush, butter-soft leather seat of the limo Ethan had rented for their two-hour ride to the Dallas airport. When she walked out of the office and he led her to the long, shining black car, her mouth fell open. She assumed Ethan would drive to the airport and hire a car for their time in California. This was an unheard-of extravagance.
Her day had been hectic. The temp covering her desk tomorrow would do little more than answer phones so Dallas had tried to cram two days’ work into one before leaving today. All the while, she anxiously considered what impact her long absence would have on Piper. And if the nanny would be the same one they had before, as the agency had promised. Or if Piper would get sick while she was gone. Basically, she worried herself to death the whole day long.
Realizing her forehead was scrunched, she reached up to smooth it with her palm.
Ethan frowned. “You okay? What’s wrong?”
“I’m tired. Today was crazy. And I spent the day concerned about things I can’t do anything about.”
He gave her hand a squeeze. “Relax and enjoy yourself, Dallas. You deserve this.”
He was right. Smiling, she returned the pressure of his hand. “I will. No more worries.”
They arrived at the airport just in time. Ethan had booked them in first class, so they were able to board right away. As the plane rose above the city, it was as if her troubles dropped away with the ground below. First class served dinner once they were settled into their flight, and Ethan ordered wine. And, as always, he kept up an interesting conversation. She was quite relaxed by the time the pilot turned on the fasten seat belt signs for landing.
While the plane taxied to the terminal, Ethan called their driver, letting him know they had landed. As they exited the building, the town car pulled over to the curb and the driver got out, holding up a sign with Ethan’s last name on it.
Ethan waved to him.
The driver was dressed in a black suit and tie and extended his hand as he approached. “Mr. Keys?” At Ethan’s nod, he continued, “I’m Killian. Let me get those bags for you.” Ethan and Dallas had each only brought a carry-on to save the whole baggage-claim thing.
She leaned her head back and closed her eyes as the car sped off into the night. Ethan’s hand settled over hers, and she squeezed it, thankful for this wonderful experience. He led such an exciting life. How lucky she was to be included in it this time.
Ethan rubbed his thumb across hers. “What are you thinking?
She opened her eyes and stared dreamily at him. “Nothing, really. And that’s amazing. I’m just relaxed ... and happy. I’m glad I came.”
He tilted his head back and laughed. “I’m happy, too. I can’t tell you how glad I am you’re here with me, Dallas.” He increased the pressure on her hand, encouraging her to slide close to him. Then he wrapped his arm around her.
Leaning her head on his shoulder, she closed her eyes again. Maybe it was the wine, but this was heaven.
When they arrived at the hotel, they agreed to meet in the suite after dropping off their bags in their rooms.
Dallas checked her makeup in the mirror, stalling for time. Now that she’d arrived at the hotel, everything had changed. Suddenly, she was aware that she and Ethan would be sleeping with a single shared suite between them. Why hadn’t she thought of that before? It had seemed okay until she got here. Now, it was all too intimate, too personal. What had she gotten herself into? What was he expecting? Oh, why had she drunk so much wine? Her hand shook as she applied more lipstick.
She couldn’t put it off any longer. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to the suite.
Ethan turned and smiled at her. “There you are. I wondered if you fell asleep.” He held out a glass of wine.
Dallas shook her head. “Oh, no, I don’t care for any.”
“Oh, come on. You’ll like this one. I insist.”
Reluctantly, she accepted the glass and took a small sip. At Ethan’s inquiring gaze, she said, “It’s quite good.”
He smiled and led her to the dining table. “The dinner on the plane was small, so I ordered something to snack on. There are several types of cheese.”
After cutting a slice, he laid it on a cracker and placed it on a napkin in front of her. All the while, he carried on a breezy conversation.
Dallas took a nibble and tuned in to Ethan. He was so easy to talk to. It was no wonder his clients liked him. The knot in her belly slowly unwound. She was being silly. This was Ethan, and he was the same kind man she’d worked with for years. Smiling, she took a sip of wine.
Ethan still looked as fresh and put together as he had when he arrived at work this morning. Her gaze traveled over him as he walked to the sink. Unlike Cash, whose muscles swelled through his clothes, Ethan’s lithe muscular body hinted at its strength in his grace of movement and the stillness he could hold when he listened
