I gulped. “Yeah…but you said…”
“That I wouldn’t push. And I won’t. Neither will my brothers and sister. But something has come up in the case, and we need you now more than ever.”
“Reid, I—”
“I’m leaving this evening. I want you to come with me.”
“My show…”
“Do you have any PTO?”
“Paid time off? Yeah, but they like a little more than an hour’s notice.”
“I can take care of it for you.”
“You don’t know my director.”
He smiled. “Your director doesn’t know me.”
I had no answer for that. He was no doubt right. The Wolfes made things happen on a daily basis. He might pay off my director. We had subs who were available at a moment’s notice. This could definitely happen.
Still, I had a work ethic. This wasn’t me.
“I’m not asking you to take time off for a luxury cruise or something,” Reid continued. “This is important. My family is at stake here. One of us could go down for something we didn’t do.”
“I don’t know, Reid.”
“If you say no, I’ll let it drop,” he said. “But please, Zee. Please.”
20
Reid
“It means a flight in our private jet,” I prodded.
Then I wanted to punch myself. Money and luxury didn’t matter to Zee. A simple life where she was safe and comfortable did.
That was the weapon I needed to use.
“Look,” I said. “If you come, and we can get the other guy who hurt you behind bars, you won’t have to be afraid anymore.”
She still didn’t look up at me.
Time to give up. I cared for her, and I’d promised I wouldn’t push.
“Never mind.” I forced a smile and squeezed her hand. “I understand. I’m sorry I have to leave so soon. I was hoping we’d get to spend a little more time together.”
“I’d have liked that.”
“Me too.” I let her hand go and took a sip of coffee.
“I suppose…”
“What?”
“You don’t want me to go to the spa appointment now.”
Was she kidding? “Zee, of course I want you to go. It’s a gift. It’s nothing compared to what you’ve been through with my father. Please. Go. I want you to go.”
She nodded. “Okay. Thank you again.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“When are you leaving?”
“This evening. Five p.m.”
She nodded again.
If you change your mind… The words hovered on the tip of my tongue. I wanted her to change her mind, but not for the reasons she was thinking.
I wanted more time with Zee. Wanted to get to know her better.
Wanted to get her into bed, for sure, but if that didn’t happen, I was okay. I actually didn’t mind the idea of going slowly with her.
Not on brand at all for the Wolfe of Manhattan.
Really weird.
But I’d promised her I’d let it drop if she said no.
We finished our breakfast, and I signed the check. Then we stood and left the restaurant. I brushed my lips over hers. “Enjoy your appointment.”
“I will. Thank you again.”
She headed away, following the signs to the salon and spa.
My gut ached when I realized I wouldn’t see her again before I left.
And maybe not ever.
I sat on the jet, which was parked at one of the private terminals at McCarran Airport. The pilot was awaiting final instructions from the air traffic controller, when my phone buzzed with a text.
Zee’s number.
I changed my mind. May I still come?
My heart jumped as I lunged out of my seat and ran into the cockpit. “Captain,” I said to the pilot. “How long do we have?”
“About twenty minutes until we’ll be cleared to leave the gate, but that could change.”
“Great. We may have to delay. We’re going to have another passenger.”
“I’ve already filed the flight plan, Mr. Wolfe.”
“I know, I know. I’ll take care of the paperwork. Hold tight, will you?”
I quickly texted Zee.
Yes. Where are you?
At the airport.
Perfect. If she was already here, we could definitely make this work.
I had to buy a ticket, her text continued. They wouldn’t let me through security without one. I’ll send you my flight information.
I texted back. Don’t be silly. You’ll fly with me. I’ll send someone to escort you to the private terminal. Where are you?
Heading toward my D gate.
Okay. Stay where you are. Someone will escort you to where I am.
I hastily made the arrangements and told the pilot to stand by. He didn’t look too happy with me, but he nodded. He was well paid to be on call for our family.
My heart was pounding and my skin tingling like an adolescent schoolboy whose crush had just said she liked him too.
Really off brand.
She texted again. How will I know if he’s legit?
Good question. Zee wouldn’t go off with just anyone. She knew better from experience.
He’ll have my number. Ask him to call me, and then ask to speak to me.
Okay.
Good. That seemed to work for her. No way would I let anything happen to her. That was why she was flying to New York with me and not on some commercial flight.
Ten minutes passed. The captain was updating the flight manifest and dealing with air traffic control. The flight attendants were seated, waiting for further instructions.
My phone buzzed.
“Mr. Wolfe, this is Ron James with airport security. I’m here with Ms. Jones. She’d like to speak with you.”
“Yes, please put her on.”
“Reid?”
Her voice. How happy I was to hear her voice.
“It’s me,” I said.
“So this guy’s cool?”
“Yes, you’ll be safe with him. He’ll bring you to the jet. See you in a bit.”
“Okay. Thanks, Reid. Bye.”
I headed to the cockpit to let the pilot know our passenger was on her way. “She’s in D concourse. A security guy is escorting her.”
“That’s about another twenty minutes, if they hurry,” he said. “I’ll update air traffic control.”
“Thanks.”
I conferred with the flight attendants quickly, ordering bottled water for Zee when she arrived.
The rest of the time passed slowly, as if I were a child waiting those last few days before Christmas.
Crazy, how Zee was affecting me.
Finally, she and her escort walked through the gate and onto the plane.
And my eyes nearly popped out of my head.
21
Zee
Several hours earlier…
“Good morning, Ms. Jones,” the receptionist at the salon and spa greeted me. “Have you had a chance to look at our brochure?”
“No, I’m afraid not.”
“Mr. Wolfe said we’re to give you whatever services you’d like over the next four hours.” She smiled and handed me a paper. “Everything’s listed here. Please let me know what you’d like, and I’ll tell your stylist and therapist.”