Tailored for Trouble (Happy Pants #1) - Mimi Jean Pamfiloff Page 0,29
they pulled into the private airport parking lot where the security guard greeted Bennett with a fist bump. “Skydiving today, Mr. W?”
“Not today, Dave. Just business,” Bennett replied.
The security guard, a large man with black hair, glanced at Taylor and winked. “Whatever you say, Mr. W. Have a nice flight.”
Bennett gave him a nod and they continued on into a large hangar. The door was open, so he drove right inside, parking his Jeep in the corner. Inside were six different planes—one about the size of a small commercial jet and several other sleek-looking models with longer, narrower bodies. They all said Wade Enterprises on the side.
“They’re all yours?” she asked.
Bennett turned off the engine and got out. “I like planes.”
“Ya think?” But honestly, having three older brothers and a father who was crazy about cars—he had at least ten antiques—she knew all about boys and their toys. It didn’t really surprise her.
He grabbed her suitcase from the back and effortlessly lifted it out with one hand. Once again, Taylor found herself watching with fascination as those biceps flexed into half-cantaloupe-sized bulges. Oh, come on. That’s not fair. She also noticed that he wore a pair of well-loved brown leather boots that looked like something one might wear hiking through a jungle. Or while kicking the crap out of pompous a-holes named Charles.
The man is definitely sexy. Not that I care.
He plunked the bag down, extended the handle, and headed for the larger plane. Immediately, two blond women in pilot’s uniforms appeared in the plane’s doorway at the top of the stairs. Of course! Lady pilots! She bet he was dating them, too.
“Ladies, this is Taylor Reed—a consultant who’s working with me on some coaching techniques.” Bennett moved up the stairs and flashed a glance over his shoulder at Taylor. “Ms. Reed, these are Brianna and Joanne, my pilots.”
“Oh, I thought you flew your own planes—with Frank.”
“Short flights are one thing, but it’s easier to let the ex–Air Force pros handle these longer trips. I need to get work done and get some sleep. Otherwise I’m shot by the time we land.”
Ex–Air Force. Impressive. But weren’t Air Force pilots supposed to be smart? Because smart women wouldn’t sleep with this guy.
Taylor gave both women a smile as she passed them and went inside.
The first thing she saw was Candy’s welcoming face in the forward galley. “Ms. Reed, so nice to see you again, honey!” She had a bottle of champagne uncorked, set in a silver bucket, and two filled glasses ready to go.
Candy shoved a glass into Taylor’s hand and then handed one to Bennett, who plunked down in the front row, removed his sunglasses, and held the drink against his black eye.
“Oh, Mr. Wade,” Candy said. “I heard all about it on the news. Let me get you some ice.”
He held up his hand. “No, it’s alright, Candy. Ice won’t do anything at this point.”
He sipped the champagne and then set it down on the little tray next to the seat. He glanced up at Taylor who still stood near the door holding a glass of champagne, dumbly gawking at his beautifulness.
“Well, Ms. Reed,” he said. “We haven’t got all day. Take a seat so we can get started.”
The way Bennett had stretched out his long muscular legs, slouching a bit, made her realize he might have some bruised ribs too.
“You sure you’re okay?” Taylor asked him.
“Fine. And in much better shape than Charles—asshole.”
Taylor lifted her brows. She was definitely going to get the story from him before the two weeks were up. “Okay. Well, I’ll get the questionnaire pulled up, and we can begin.”
“Great.” He nodded. “Hey, Joanne,” he called out. “We need to make a quick stop in Napa.”
“Yes, sir,” she responded from the cockpit. “Anywhere you like.”
It didn’t escape Taylor’s attention how these women were so ready to serve his needs, like they’d do it for free if he decided to stop paying them. God, how could anyone worship this man?
Thirty minutes later they were up in the air, and Taylor couldn’t bring herself to wake Bennett. He’d fallen asleep within seconds of taking off. Frankly, he looked like he could use a quick nap, and she hadn’t gotten very far on her fake training module last night, so she welcomed the extra time.
Bennett suddenly began mumbling. She couldn’t make out the words, but he sounded angry, like he was yelling at someone.
What a surprise, the guy’s a dick to people even in his sleep. “Don’t