Flying is safer than driving."
"And you don't think the airline industry paid for the compilation of those statistics?" Pausing to smack him in the shoulder with a laugh, I glanced at the amazingly opulent interior and felt more than a little awe.
I'd seen my share of private planes over the years, but as usual, Gideon went to lengths to which few could afford to go.
The cabin was spacious, with a wide center aisle.
The underlying palette was neutral with accents of chocolate brown and ice blue.
Deep, swiveling bucket seats with tables were positioned on the left, while a sectional sofa sat on the right.
Each chair had a private entertainment console beside it.
I knew a bedroom would be found at the back of the plane and a luxurious bathroom or two.
A male flight attendant took my duffel bag and Cary's, then gestured for us to take a seat at one of the groupings of chairs that had a table.
"Mr.
Cross is expected within the next ten minutes," he said.
"In the meantime, can I serve you something to drink?" "Water for me, please."
I glanced at my watch.
It was just past seven thirty.
"Bloody Mary," Cary ordered, "if you've got it."
The steward smiled.
"We've got everything."
Cary caught my look.
"What? I haven't had dinner.
The tomato juice will hold me over until we eat, and the alcohol will help the Dramamine kick in faster."
"I didn't say anything," I protested.
I turned to look out the window at the evening sky, and my thoughts settled on Gideon, as usual.
He'd been quiet all day, starting with when he'd woken up.
The ride to work had been made in silence, and when my day ended at five, he'd called just long enough to tell me that Angus would take me home alone, then drive me and Cary to the airport where he'd meet us.
I opted to walk home instead, since I hadn't hit the gym the night before and didn't have time to work out prior to the flight.
Angus had cautioned that Gideon wouldn't like me refusing the ride, even though I'd done it politely and with good reason.
I think Angus thought I was still upset with him for giving Corinne a ride, which I kind of was.
I was sorry to say that a tiny part of me hoped he'd feel bad about it.
A bigger part of me hated that I could be that petty.
As I'd walked through Central Park, taking a meandering path through tall trees, I had determined that I wasn't going to be small over a guy.