through my briefcase. When I found what I was looking for, I slid it out. "Here's my own list of locations, just as promised. We might have some of the same places marked." I gave his list a once-over.
A startled gasp parted my lips. What the hell? "A cabin in Colorado?" I gazed up with wide eyes. "A resort in Maine? A cottage in Connecticut? But I only work in the Dallas area."
He shrugged innocently. "My mother will only turn sixty once, and I want to celebrate right."
"Surely you can find a place here. What about your home? Or Linda's?" I asked, a desperate quality entering my voice.
"I'll consider my place if the sites I have listed don't pan out. We need to check them out ASAP."
"Okay, well, I'll make a few calls, search the Internet, and-"
"No, I believe in a personal touch. So we'll visit them personally. Starting with the cabin in Colorado."
"And just how do you plan to get us there?" Don't say we'll fly. Don't say we'll fly.
"I'll fly us, of course."
"Of course." My fingers curled around the arm of the chair, clenching so tightly my knuckles turned white. All color drained from my face. "What do you plan to fly us in?" Don't say airplane. Don't say airplane.
"A Cessna Turbo 210," he replied, a proud grin lighting his features. "It's the Ferrari of small aircraft."
"How-lovely." I swallowed back bile.
Dread. Panic. Terror. All three blasted through me. I hated planes with a passion. Always had.
He caught my alarm, paused and studied me. "Is there a problem, Naomi?"
I felt a scream of fear lodge in the back of my throat but somehow managed to silence it. "Can't you be content with one of the hotels I've mentioned?" My voice was weak, shaky.
"Don't look so scared." He reached out and squeezed my shoulder, his hand strong and hot and infinitely tender. "I've had my pilot's license for years. I'll get us there and back safely."
"Why don't you view the cabin alone?" I gulped. "You can take pictures while you're there, maybe measure the dimensions. I'll go over your notes and let you know if it will actually work."
I didn't add that the sites he'd listed would be suitable over my cold, dead body. The only location I would approve was in Dallas.
"I don't think so." He went behind his desk and eased into his seat, a satisfied glint in his sexy blue eyes. He looked as calm and relaxed as a man who'd just finished a vigorous bout of lovemaking. Destroying my sense of safety must make for a real orgasmic moment.
"You have to go with me, sweetheart," he said. "What if I forget something?"
I straightened hopefully. "I'll make you a list of the things you need to do. That way, you won't forget anything."
"There's no need for a list. Not when I have you."
"I see."
"No, you don't, but I'm not going to explain it at the moment."
"You're willing to put my life at risk just so I can look at a stupid cabin?"
"Yes. We leave on Saturday. Six sharp. I expect you to be ready."
Triple Cs needed to rot in hell for all eternity. "How long will we be gone?" I ground out.
"One night." He grinned, and that single action was loaded with all kinds of sensual meaning. "Two if you insist."
One night.
With Royce.
In a cabin.
Alone? Together?
I shivered. If I survived the plane crash I knew was coming, I'd never be able to resist him. He'd try to kiss me, judging by that wicked twinkle, and I'd offer my lips on a bed of silk, judging by the ache between my legs, and then we'd tear each other's clothes off and do all kinds of naughty things to each other. I bet he'd even bring a wall harness and try to tie me up like the kinky little sex puppet I suspected he was.
What woman could truly say no to that?
His gaze raked over me. "Why do you still look so pale? Are you going to be sick?"
Deep breath in. Slowly let it out. I needed to find a calm center, my meadow of happiness. No, I needed my inner Tigress. Where the hell was she? This entire situation could be resolved with a little of her clawing, growling and screaming. Was the bitch taking a nap?
"I'll need my own room in the cabin," I said.
"Of course." He worked a hand over his jaw. "But that's not what has you worried. I've never seen you so pale. Besides