like this. It was the greatest gift she could give.
Brackish no longer hesitated. He stepped up to her, took her coffee cup away and set it down, then gathered her in his arms. “Thank you. Thank you for that. The entire thing is already forgotten,” he said, holding her close and looking her in the eyes so she could read the truth of his words.
She smiled, this time a real smile as light shone from her eyes.
“Just like that?” she asked.
“Just like that,” he told her. “Now kiss me, woman. It’s been way too long.”
“Thank you,” she said. And then she kissed him, a soft kiss at first, her lips brushing against his. But then his arms tightened around her, and her fingers dug into his neck, and things heated up real quick.
They remained locked in each other’s arms for several minutes before Brackish heard a loud clearing of someone’s throat. He wanted to punch the person daring to interrupt them when he finally had Erin back in his arms. It took a lot of effort, but he managed to pull away. Erin looked confused when he turned. Then she looked slightly mortified when she realized they weren’t alone.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but we’re ready to board,” a man said, looking away while trying to hide a smile. Brackish was sure the man had seen many lovers embracing in this airport.
“Thank you,” Brackish said. He reluctantly let Erin go, grabbed the handle of her bag, then his own, and waited for her to step out in front of him as they followed the man out the back door of the small building.
“Where’s security?” Erin asked as they moved outside and began walking toward the steps of the enormous private jet before them.
“This is a private hangar. No security required,” Brackish told her.
“Wow. I’ve never done anything like this before,” Erin said. “I’m seriously glad Joseph talked me into it.”
“Me too,” Brackish said.
“I’ll have the bags loaded,” the man leading them said. You can follow me onboard and I’ll makes sure the luggage is placed in your room.”
“Thank you,” Brackish told him, releasing the handles of the bags. The man grabbed them and jogged up the stairs into the jet, disappearing.
“Are you ready for this?” Brackish asked Erin as he took her hand. It felt damn good to have it in his again.
“More than ready,” she told him.
He placed his hand on her back as she began moving up the steps, then he ran into her back when she stopped just inside the entrance to the plane.
“Oh . . . my . . . gosh!” she exclaimed. He looked over her head, and had to admit he was a bit in awe himself. He’d flown all over the world during his missions, but this had to be the nicest jet he’d ever stepped inside. Brackish might have a lot of money, but he was smart with it. He had no problem flying commercial. That might change after this trip, damn it.
The inside of the jet was large, and perfectly set up with a few chairs in a circle, surrounding a table in the main room. Beyond that room was a hallway that must lead back into the bedroom the man had spoken of. Brackish was sure there’d be a nice shower and kitchen on board as well. One thing he’d learned about Joseph Anderson was the man spared no expense.
“Your bags are in the back room,” the man said as he joined them again. “Go ahead and take a seat. The flight attendant will be out shortly.” Brackish reached into his pocket to tip the man. “No, no, but thank you,” he quickly said. “We’ve already been generously taken care of.” And then, before Brackish could argue, he was gone.
The flight attendant showed up as if on cue. “Good morning, Erin and Steve. I apologize for using your first names, but I wasn’t offered last ones, which happens with a lot of clients on this jet,” she added with a friendly smile. “My name is Kennedy. Would you like to sit and relax or have a tour? The captain will be ready for takeoff soon.”
“I’d love a tour, Kennedy. Thank you,” Erin said. “And I prefer my first name used.”
She walked them through the jet, impressing Brackish, and leaving Erin in awe. The technology, of course, was beyond impressive, but so was the furniture and the color scheme. The jet screamed of money but comfort as well, just like Joseph’s home.