Chapter Nine
Audrey
The second my heels touch the polished steps of the private jet, I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. It’s not because it’s funny, but this is clearly a setup, and the person who did it, isn’t trying to hide it. Why in the world is it so entertaining for a billionaire superstar to match people? I think he needs to be my next blog post. If anyone can get into the mind of the infamous Joseph Anderson, they’ll be able to write their own ticket for the rest of their life.
The lights on the jet are dimmed, casting an intimate glow across the buttery leather of the ultra-comfortable seats that seem to be made for two. The light scent of jasmine hangs in the air, and in the center of it all, as if he belongs, which he seems to, Wolf leans back, a grin on his sexy lips. I shake my head as I slowly move forward, unable to take my gaze from the man this seduction scene is expected to hook me up with.
He’s more than comfortable with one ankle propped on the opposite knee, a glass of something dark in his hand, and a wicked grin that makes my senses short-circuit, resting on his face. Not far from him is a bottle of expensive champagne chilling on ice. I didn’t think this conference was about work, but I’d think Joseph and Sherman would at least want to appear like it’s all legit. Apparently, they aren’t worried about it.
“So, how much of this were you involved in?” I ask as I step forward, my heels clicking on the sleek, polished floor.
“I wish I could take credit since subtlety has never been my strong suit, but this was all set up when I stepped on board,” he tells me as he easily rises from his seat and takes my bag like it weighs nothing at all. He looks around. “I couldn’t have done a better job, though. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t have thought of half of this.”
“Oh, what would you have left out?”
He laughs. “No way could I have come up with the sweet scent in the air. The backdrop of jazz playing in the back isn’t bad either. But, hands down, they got the lighting perfect. I probably would’ve lit candles around the space and caught us on fire at takeoff.”
I can picture this and look at him in horror. “That would certainly be a hot flight,” I say with a laugh.
“We can make it hot without candles,” he tells me with a wink before putting my bag in a cabinet and shutting the door. He moves to the champagne and raises his eyebrow.
“Why not?” I tell him. “Might as well not waste good champagne.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” he says as he begins uncorking the bottle. I step away, knowing this is the dangerous moment in opening champagne. “Careful there or we’ll both get soaked.”
He laughs. “Now you’re making me want to soak you. I bet that white shirt would look great with a good drenching.”
I shake my head and step back farther, not putting it past him. I take in the spacious jet, attuned to the music, noticing a tray with strawberries, brie, dried apricots, crackers, and toasted nuts, which will all pair beautifully with the champagne.
“What exactly is the plan here, Captain Wolf?” Wolf pours two flutes of champagne and hands one over to me as the outer door shuts and the jet’s engines hum to life.
“We enjoy this luxury ride to a beautiful island, flirt a hell of a lot, maybe lose some clothes if the mood hits us, then show up, smile for the cameras, and sneak off to secluded places where I have a much more likely chance of seducing you,” he says, his smile in place, but his eyes intense as if he means every word he’s saying. This sounds like a damn fine plan to me.
“This is work, not pleasure,” I tell him, trying to convince myself. I don’t believe it, but I’m trying to keep a tiny portion of my sanity in place.
“Why people think work and pleasure can’t mix, I’ll never understand,” he tells me as we take our seats and buckle up, only a few inches of space separating us. This is going to be a very long ride, because it’s taking all I have not to rip off some clothes and climb onto his lap.
Before I can answer, the captain speaks. “Buckle up and get ready for a smooth ride. The skies are clear, and it will take us about five hours to arrive at our destination. If you need anything, just push the button on the wall. Other than that, you have the entire back to yourselves. Enjoy.”
Wolf’s smile grows. “Just you and me,” he says, as he holds up his glass. I chuckle again, but raise my glass and clink it against his. Excitement fills me. Maybe I need to let go and allow whatever is going to happen, happen. It can’t be that bad.
A few minutes into the sky, Wolf hands me an envelope. “This was left on the counter for us,” he says.
“What do the puppet masters have to say?” I ask with a chuckle. He shrugs his shoulders.
“We’re about to find out.” I open the envelope to find a beautifully handwritten note. I read aloud:
Wolf and Audrey,
We’re thrilled you’ve agreed to attend the Summit. We think this year will be our most important gathering yet, and we have a few surprises lined up. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the opening events have been delayed by three days. In the meantime, please enjoy the full amenities of the resort. We’ve arranged for your stay at one of our most private villas right on the beach. Rest, explore, and most importantly of all, enjoy each other’s company. We’ll see you soon.
Joseph and Sherman
I gaze at the paper a second longer than necessary before folding it. “Well, that was nice of them to let us know about the delay before we took off,” I say with a shake of my head.
“They are truly kind men,” Wolf says, seeming quite pleased about this change of plans. His wolfish smile lights his eyes. “We aren’t going to need to sneak off anywhere now.”
“You’re a very dangerous man,” I tell him. I finish my champagne, and he refills my glass. I should turn it down, but it’s really good.
“And you’re dangerously tempting,” he counters.
I roll my eyes at his cheesy line, then reach for the platter of goodies, placing some brie and apple on a buttery cracker. “I’m sure you say the same line to all of your kidnapped dates while jetting off to an island.” I take a bite and sigh in happiness.
He chuckles. “Maybe, but I wouldn’t mean it with anyone other than you.” Damn, this man makes my stomach flutter. I look away and grow very interested in a chocolate-covered strawberry. I might get very fat on this flight, stuffing my face.
“I might have to keep track of all your lines,” I tell him, needing more laughter.
“We could make a blog of the best lines and which ones to stay away from,” he suggests. I laugh again. It’s impossible not to have fun with this man. I’m definitely in serious trouble. The weirdest part is that I’m not worried about it... quite the opposite, in fact.
For the next few hours, we snack and drink, our conversation flowing easily. We argue about the best places in Seattle for coffee, the best foods, where our favorite places to travel are, and who has the craziest family. I’m not sure which of us wins any of the battles. I just know I’m having a great time as the miles disappear faster than ever.
The ride is so smooth we’re able to get up and move around, use the bathroom, and try out different seats in the roomy space. I should take a private jet to every destination I blog, but I think it’s silly to waste so much fuel on personal flights. Once a year isn’t that bad, is it? I hate feeling guilty for what I have, but I’m very conscious that I’m blessed when so many others aren’t. I guess it’s public transport for me, minus some rare exceptions like this one.
“Have you had any close calls as a pilot?” I ask.
“I’ve had a few close calls, but I’m a damn good pilot, so I’ve never been scared,” he assures me.
“You’re incredibly humble too,” I say with as straight a face as I can manage.
“It’s very difficult to be this good and humble too,” he says as if it’s a rough life. This man is keeping my stomach hurting I’m laughing so much.
“I did have to make an emergency landing in Argentina once, but that turned out really well because I ended up dancing all night with a tango instructor. I learned some moves I’d love to show you,” he says with a wink.
“You want to use moves you used on another woman with me?” I say with mock outrage.
“You’ll be shocked to hear I only danced with her until sunrise, then went to bed alone. I love the tango. It’s sexy as hell.”
“I might have to agree with you on that,” I say, not adverse to doing the dance with him. Then again, I’m growing less and less adverse to doing anything with him. The more time I spend with him, the more I want to. I also love that he didn’t sleep with the tango instructor, which is stupid as we didn’t know each other then. Even now, it’s not like we’re a couple. We’re simply... flirting as we contemplate an affair.
“I love an agreeable woman,” he says, trying to get a rise out of me.
“Don’t get used to it around me. It won’t happen too often.”
“I’d be bored if it did,” he assures me. “Tell me something that defines who you are.”
This question stops me for a moment. It’s something no one has ever asked me before. I have many moments I think could define me, but what’s something that stands out? I munch on another cracker with cheese as I think. I love that he doesn’t rush me.
I smile as a story comes forward. “I was at a writer’s retreat and had a story flowing through my head, which means I wasn’t paying attention to anything around me. There were people all over the place, and I fell face-first into a koi pond.” He covers his mouth as he tries to hold back laughter.
“So, you’re telling me you’re a klutz?”
“No, it’s how I handled it that defines who I am. I got out of the pond, took a bow, and told those looking at me with their mouths hanging open that I’m writing a new story and wanted to make sure I described the scene perfectly, so it was all planned, wet, soggy clothes and all.”
He stares at me for a moment before his grin grows. “Damn, I love your confidence, and love that you don’t let things get to you that would ruin most people’s day.”
“There are too many things in life to fret about, so I don’t let silly things upset me. Sure, I can get mad if I burn dinner, scrape my knee, or fall into a pond, but are those things I’ll even think about a week later, much less years later? No. I only allow myself to get upset at the things that will alter my life or the lives of others. I sometimes fail to keep this philosophy, but I really do try to live this way.”
“I do the same, though I didn’t realize that until hearing you say it,” he says. I’ve forgotten how easy it is to enjoy a moment when in the company of someone you get along with so well. We have no expectations, no pressure, and no promises. This is great.
By the time we land in Maui, it’s well after ten. The humid night air is thick and sweet, curling around us as we step off the jet and find an SUV waiting for us. There isn’t a single thing that wasn’t planned well for this trip. We climb inside and I keep my window down and gaze at the night scenery as we make our way down the road, the lights on the island twinkling like they’re as drunk on champagne as we are.
“Have you been here before?” he asks, his fingers brushing against mine where our hands rest on the center console.
“Yes, and I love it each time I come,” I tell him.
“I hope this will be the best visit of all,” he says.
“It’s starting out pretty dang well,” I admit.
We’re taken straight to a private villa, no need to check in at the front desk. I laugh again. I’m used to being catered to, growing up wealthy, but this is over the top. I like it right now, but I don’t need it in my everyday life.
We step inside the large villa, and my stomach clenches again. The entire front wall of the place is open to the ocean, the breeze floating in, carrying salt and possibilities. White linens, soft lighting, flickering candles, roses, more champagne, chocolates, fruit... and a massive, inviting bed in the center of it all.
I look over at Wolf, who’s staring at me as if barely in control. “They seem really invested in us getting naked,” I say with a laugh.
“I’m pretty invested in that myself,” he says.
“There isn’t a single time in my life I’ve had someone try this hard to set me up, and my mom’s been bugging me for years to give her a grandchild or two.” I laugh, but humor isn’t what I’m feeling in this moment.
“I haven’t hidden the fact that I want you, Audrey. I also respect you and won’t push you to do anything you don’t want to do.” He pauses for a moment. “However, if there’s any way I can sway your decision in my favor, I’m not above doing that.” He’s standing back as if afraid of trusting himself. I know the feeling. I think I’ll go up in flames with one single touch from him at this point.
“We do have three full days with nothing on our schedules, no rules, no people, just this very enticing room,” I breathe, my stomach flipping and my blood on fire. I should step up to him and make the first move, but I can’t seem to make myself do it.
He smiles, as if reading my mind. He takes a step toward me. I don’t move, my breathing growing heavier. I finally take a small step to meet him. That’s all he needs. He quickly closes the distance and pulls me into his arms as if he’s done it a million times before.
The kiss happens with an explosion of pleasure and heat that’s sure to consume us both. The night sky is shining into the villa, adding to the mood. We’re starting something we might not be able to walk away from, but I push these thoughts aside. I’m going to live in the moment.
My hands wrap around his wide shoulders as he pulls me tight, his arousal pressing against me, making my knees shake. We start moving as the kiss continues. My legs hit the back of the bed. If I don’t want this, now’s the time to stop.
That’s not going to happen. I’d regret it for the rest of my life. From the first moment we met two months earlier, this has been inevitable. Sure, we’ve had a helping hand, but it was always going to happen. I’ve accepted this now.
Wolf pulls back, his eyes on fire, his breathing heavy. He looks at me, assessing my expression, confidence pouring off of him like steam has to be rising from me. I lift my hand and begin unbuttoning my blouse. His eyes widen, and I see his body tense.
“You’re killing me,” he whispers, his voice guttural.
“I want you, Wolf. I’m done denying it,” I say, my voice unrecognizable. I’ve never wanted another person as much as I want him. No more speaking happens as he begins shedding his clothes. We’re both in a race, this moment having taken too long already. I want to be skin to skin with the man.
Somehow, our clothes are thrown to the side, then he’s lifting me, placing me on the bed, his body covering mine. Finally, his lips find mine again, but this time it’s so much better. This time, we’re pressed together, zero barriers between us.
I run my hands up and down his back, feeling his muscles flex beneath my fingers as he pushes his hips against me, his thickness rubbing my heat, making my clit throb as my body begs for release.
He breaks our kiss and tries to move down my neck. I grip him tighter, liking him right where he is. His eyes meet mine. I’m confident, happy, and so damn turned on.
“No foreplay. I need you buried inside me. We have time to slow it down later,” I tell him. A shudder runs through his body. I feel him rub his thick length against me. We’re both losing our minds.
“Protection,” he squeaks. I’d completely forgotten about it. I gaze up at him. Do I trust this man? Yes, I do. Maybe it’s foolish, but I wouldn’t be having sex with him if I didn’t.
“I’m protected and clean,” I tell him.
He smiles. “Me too.”
That’s the end of the conversation. He grips my ass, lines himself up, then plunges within me in a hard, perfect thrust that takes the wind right out of me. My body tenses as raw pleasure flows through me.
He begins moving as I meet him thrust for thrust, our bodies growing damp, our hearts beating as one. He leans forward, and our mouths connect again as moans rip from our throats. We’re one in this moment, our minds, hearts, and bodies in perfect sync. Time stops having meaning, and I’m lost with this man.
He pumps harder, his fingers gripping my hip tightly, his thrusts growing more rapid, urgency building in both of our bodies. I rip my mouth from his as my scream fills the air when an explosion overtakes me, my entire body tightening as wave after wave of pleasure washes through me, crashing and burning with so much force I may never walk again.
Wolf groans as he shakes above me, finding his own pleasure as we soar together. It lasts for an eternity, and yet not long enough before we start coming down the other side of the wave. Neither of us speaks for minutes as we gain control of our breathing. He twists his body and turns, pulling me close to him. My desire starts building again.
It’s been a very long time since I’ve experienced this much pleasure. Okay, honestly, I’ve never experienced this much pleasure before. I want more. He’s opened a door for me, and I may never exit it again.
His hand begins rubbing me from the top of my shoulders to my butt and back up again, his fingers skimming the side of my breasts, making me tingle all over once more.
“That was the appetizer. Now, it’s time for dinner,” he says, a smile in his voice. “And, of course, we can’t forget about dessert.”
I chuckle. “Mmm, stamina. I never knew how important that was in a man,” I say.
He suddenly rises and lifts me from the bed as if I weigh nothing. He moves through the bedroom, straight into the bathroom, where a huge shower with multiple heads awaits. He starts them all, then pulls us inside and presses me against the wall.
Our night is only just beginning, and I’ll be shocked if we get to sleep before the sun rises. Or, at least, I hope we don’t. He’s awakened something within me, and I don’t want it to go to sleep again. I’m glad we waited, because this much anticipation has made it all worth it.