in that. I wasn’t sure what would be best for tramping around an aircraft hangar.”
“I can’t decide if you really believe what you’re saying, or you’re afraid to admit (even to yourself) what’s happening here.”
Robin grabbed her purse off the bed and walked over to where Kait stood just inside the door. “The only place something is happening is right there,” she said, pointing to Kait’s head. “Don’t force me to put you in the same category as Giselle when it comes to having a vivid imagination.”
“At least I’m not in denial. Miles and I won’t be back for dinner. His favorite performer doesn’t take the stage until six. If you should happen to get invited to go somewhere with Reece after the tour, do yourself a favor and accept.”
“I think I heard Miles’s car pull up outside.”
“Nice try. He had the muffler fixed this morning.”
“About time. Owen has been getting an education watching you two say goodnight.”
“That’s not a bad thing,” Kait said, grinning. “It’ll be less of a shock when he sees you kissing a certain pilot.”
The doorbell sounded.
Robin laughed. “I told you Miles was here.”
Kait turned to go. “You got lucky.”
Poor Kait. She was going to be disappointed when she realized Reece’s return to the scene was temporary. So would Owen. The two of them had hit it off from their first meeting. As for herself, she had no problem admitting she enjoyed spending time with Reece. But Kait’s assumption that there was something else brewing was pure fantasy.
* * * * *
Reece had only been in his office a few minutes when Sylvie arrived. She was as dedicated to Diamond Jet’s interests as she accused him of being. There hadn’t been a chance to tell her about the tour he was giving this afternoon. After lunch with his aunt yesterday, Reece had flown a group of company executives to New York City. By the time he returned, Sylvie had gone home for the day.
“Have fun in the Big Apple?” she asked, dropping down in the chair in front of his desk.
He smiled. “As much fun as one can have when never leaving the airport.”
“I’ve always wondered why it’s called that. New York isn’t shaped like an apple.”
“I used to think it was a reference to New York producing more apples than any other state. Then I read somewhere that the term dates back to the early 1900s when it was used by a sports writer covering horseracing.”
“Interesting. Your neighbor reserved a plane for tomorrow afternoon. Looks like we won’t be rid of him until he gets his own.”
The fact that she wouldn’t say Hollis’s name spoke volumes. Sylvie had been excited about the opportunity to see her idol up close until she realized he was the ‘real deal’ as far as a playboy billionaire was concerned. He’d worked his way through both Reece’s female flight instructors and one of his flight attendants. Such behavior had been impossible to justify even for so dedicated a fan as Sylvie.
“I’m sorry he disappointed you.”
“Why didn’t you clue me in?” she grumbled. “I thought he was like you: someone unjustly vilified on social media. Did you get a kick out of hearing me rave about him?”
Reece tilted back in his chair. “Hollis and I are acquaintances, not close friends. Until recently, all I had to go on regarding his reputation with women was rumor. Knowing what it’s like to be the target of gossip, I couldn’t in all conscience judge him without proof.”
She rolled her eyes. “Which he was only too happy to provide. It would serve him right to fall in love with someone who won’t have him.”
“For all we know, that might have already happened.”
“If so, that only makes his attitude and actions even more dirtbaggish. Did you swap with someone? Last time I checked the schedule, you didn’t have a flight today.”
“I’m following up on my offer to give Owen and Robin a tour. They’ll be here around two.”
She looked as if she wanted to laugh. “That’s quite a concession on your part. You usually ask me to handle the tours.”
“This one will be a little different from the norm.”
“I imagine so,” she agreed, no longer bothering to hide her amusement. “I’ll get one of the gift bags I keep for the kids who fly with us. You can give it to Owen to take home.”
“That would be nice. Thank you.”
“Anything to help the cause.”
“Excuse me?”
“You can stop pretending. Your secret is out. Someone saw you at