“I am,” he replied firmly. “What do I need to do?”
“Um…here. Let me have your laptop,” she said, reaching for it and turning it toward her. Ryder watched as her perfectly-manicured fingers flew over the keyboard and in less than a minute she turned it back toward him. “There’s the site. You can look it over and have your assistant fill everything out and pay and they’ll send a packet to you. There’s a link on there for local hotels. I’m sure a lot of them are booked, but…”
“Not a problem,” he assured her as he began filling out the info.
“What are you doing?”
“Filling out the registration. Why?”
“I just thought…”
With a grin, he looked up as he continued to type. “Peyton, believe it or not, I can handle registering for an event on my own. That would be a waste of my assistant’s time. Plus, why wait? Besides, it looks like registration closes tomorrow.”
Wordlessly, she nodded.
Once he finished, he looked up at her again. “Where are you flying out from and where are you staying?”
“Oh, um…” She glanced down at her hands, and Ryder had a feeling she was hesitating for a reason.
“You’re still going, aren’t you?”
She shrugged. “I mean…I still have my registration packet and passes, but…I canceled my hotel and never booked my flight to begin with, so…”
Waving her off, he shut his laptop. “Not a problem. I’ll fly us out and I’ll handle our hotel reservations.”
“But…” Her eyes were wide and she didn’t look convinced, but that didn’t deter him.
“Peyton, do you want to go to the show?”
“Of course I do! I just don’t need you to do all of that. I’m perfectly fine flying out on my own and making reservations for myself. I’m sure you’re used to staying at the kind of places I can’t even afford.”
“The trip is on me because we’re going together for the sake of my resort,” he explained. “Consider this all part of the whole consultation package. Besides, I have a company plane for this exact reason. Why not utilize it?”
That seemed to make her relax. “Well, okay. If you’re sure. Just know I have no problem making my own arrangements and…”
“Peyton?” he interrupted.
“Yes?”
“Just say ‘thank you’ and let’s move on,” he said with a smile.
She blushed prettily as she smiled back at him. “Thank you, Ryder.” After a small pause, she added, “And for what it’s worth, I think you’re going to really enjoy the show and learn a lot about everything we’re going to be working toward.”
“I’m counting on it.”
After that, they started talking about concepts for the resort restaurant and potential menu ideas before moving on to discuss the poolside café and what that would entail. The entire vibe was different from the night before and rather than snarking back and forth at each other, they had a very interesting and informational conversation that he was enjoying immensely. It seemed like she was as well, which was why he was surprised when she stood and began gathering her things.
“Is something wrong?” he asked as he came to his feet.
Peyton smiled at him as she adjusted the satchel strap over her shoulder. “It’s getting late and I need to get going.”
Glancing at his watch, Ryder was shocked to see it was after six.
“I think we accomplished a lot here today,” she told him. “We’re off to a good start and I’m going to think a bit on a couple of different ideas for both resort eateries.”
“We can keep talking,” he offered. “Can I take you to dinner?” It was an attempt to prolong their time together under the guise of business, but deep down, Ryder knew he was doing it because he was enjoying her company.
“I appreciate the offer, but I have plans tonight.” Reaching out, she shook his hand. “You have my number and I’ll text you my email address. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.”
“O-kay…” He kept her hand in his, unwilling to let it go just yet.
“And if you wouldn’t mind letting me know about the travel arrangements, I’d appreciate it. I’m a stickler about itineraries,” she said with a small laugh. “I love to know where I need to be and when.”
“I get that,” he replied and appreciated her honesty, and realized he was still holding her hand. “I’ll get all of that to you once the reservations are made.”
“Thank you,” she said softly as she gently pulled her hand from his. “I look forward to hearing from you.”
He walked her to the door and wished her a good night, and then stood by the door and watched as she drove away.
“I am in big trouble,” he murmured as he shut the door.
Going to the trade show made perfect business sense.
Being away with Peyton for a week could only wreak havoc on him and test his self-control in ways it hadn’t been tested before.
He just wasn’t sure he was up for the challenge.
And that scared him more than anything.
6
Two weeks later, Peyton stood on the tarmac of the local airport in disbelief.
“I don’t understand,” she said, staring at the small plane in front of her.
“I told you I had a company plane…”
“You didn’t mention how small it was, Ryder!” she cried, nearing hysteria. “It doesn’t look safe!”
Beside her, he chuckled softly as he kept walking. “Believe me, it’s very safe.” When he noticed she wasn’t following, he paused. “Peyton, are you afraid of flying?”
“No,” she replied defensively. “Not on a normal plane. But this is…it’s just not what I expected.” Silently, she willed herself to calm down because she knew it had to be safe. There was no way someone like Ryder would have a subpar jet. It wasn’t possible. Letting out a steadying breath, she nodded. “Okay. I’m fine. I’m good. I promise.”
If only she truly believed it…
“Come on,” he said softly. “I think you’ll be very impressed.” Then, leading them up the airstairs. “It’s a six-passenger–including pilot and crew–and has a restroom. Our flight time is four hours and I can guarantee you’ll be very comfortable.”
Peyton wasn’t quite so sure. Right now she felt a little like she was going to be sick, so all she did was nod.
“Our luggage is being loaded and we’ll be taking off in about twenty minutes.”
Looking around the small and luxurious interior did not make her feel any better. “Um…where’s the pilot?”
“You’re looking at him.”
A nervous laugh was out before she could stop it. “Um…no. No, no, no. You are not flying us. Just…no.”
Frowning, he stared down at her like she was crazy. “Why not?”
“Because you’re not a pilot, Ryder! It’s bad enough I’m flying in this teeny-tiny plane! I can’t do this with you as the pilot! It’s crazy!”