Blaze gestured toward the plane and followed her up the pulldown stairs into the cabin. She’d never had a meeting like this before and certainly hadn’t flown in style like this. Commercial first class was nothing compared to the absolute luxury of the Gulfstream 500. From the way the interior was outfitted, it was obvious no expense had been spared. She marveled at the rich scent and feel of the padded leather of the seats, the thick carpet on the floor, the polished mahogany of the trim and the built-in tables, the damask curtains on the windows. It was like having a meeting in someone’s living room.
They certainly must make a boatload of money doing whatever they do. I hope I can afford them.
Nolan hadn’t mentioned their fees and she’d been so excited that she might have found someone who wouldn’t be stonewalled in the search for the truth that she hadn’t asked. Well, no matter. She knew she’d somehow find whatever she needed to pay these people.
And to that end, if she really wanted their help, she’d damn well better control her unexpected and unwanted impulses. Blaze Hamilton probably had women climbing all over him. And much sexier women than she was. She’d do well to remember that.
“Take any seat where you think you’ll be comfortable,” he urged, gesturing. “I’ll be back in a minute. I just need a second with my pilot.”
“Of course.” She chose one of the upholstered armchairs and settled herself into its softness.
Blaze strode forward to the cockpit, then after just a few minutes rejoined her. She’d thought he’d take the seat across from her, but instead he dropped to the couch against the other cabin wall. His presence dominated the confined space, making her feel as if he consumed nearly all the air. Before she could analyze what she was feeling, however, the roar of the powerful engines increased and they were rolling down the runway. She took a deep breath, telling herself to settle down and get her thoughts in order. Once they were aloft, she’d have one chance to tell her story and convince Galaxy to take her case. She’d better make it good.
Blaze smiled at her, the curve of his lips like a warm blanket, easing her tension just the least little bit. “We’ll have coffee as soon as we’re at cruising altitude and maybe you can relax a little. Then we can talk about why you’re taking this plane ride.”
“Thank you. And thanks for agreeing to meet with me.”
He dipped his head in a brief nod. “My brother never recommends anyone to us, so I figured it had to be very important.”
“It is.” She wanted to blurt it all out now, but she knew he’d let her know her when he was ready to listen.
“Do you live in Tampa?”
She shook her head. “San Antonio. But my sister and brother-in-law live here.” Maybe lived, past tense, would be more appropriate, she thought.
“You said this has to do with them?”
“It has everything to do with them.”
If she weren’t so focused on the situation she was here to talk about, how easily she could be seduced by that voice, she thought. It was deep and husky, the kind that made a delicious shiver race over her skin. It shocked her that in the middle of this unbelievable crisis, such thoughts would even enter her mind. She certainly wasn’t here for sex, something that had been absent from her life for longer than she cared to remember. She was here for Brianne. And Dane. To get answers and, hopefully, punish the people who had done this. She’d just have to keep her brain focused and her panties on tight.
She was restless, fidgety, eager to begin the conversation but forced to wait until they reached cruising altitude. At last the pilot’s voice broke the silence.
“Blaze? We’re at thirty thousand feet.”
Blaze unbuckled his seat belt and rose with an easy grace. “That’s our cue. Coffee? Or something stronger? Wine?”
“Coffee is fine,” she told him. “Black, please.”
He lifted a table from a slot in the wall, turned it and her chair so she faced the couch and locked it in place.
“Let me know if you need to adjust this thing. I’m more comfortable if I take the couch. Easier to stretch my legs. Hope you don’t mind.”
“No, of course not. Anything is fine. Truly.”
I don’t care if you stand on your head as long as I can tell you what I need.