Chapter 9:

I search the sea of drivers waiting for their passengers as I come down the escalator, but I see no one holding a sign with "Waters" written on it, as I was told I would find. I wander the area but see no one as the hordes of passengers make their way to the different carousels. I stand there like an idiot trying to figure out what to do.

Digging my cell phone out of my pocket, I call my corporate office to see if they can get in touch with the limo company and find out where my ride is.

"Trudy! Oh my gosh. I'm so glad I caught you before you left. Do you have a number for the limo service? I can't find the guy anywhere?"

Standing in the middle of chaos, waiting for her to locate the number and call the company, a hand settles on my shoulder and startles the shit out of me. I jump, dropping my phone, and see my flight buddy next to me. I realize just how tall he actually is. He's close to a foot taller than I am, towering over me.

"You scared the crap out of me," I say to him as I squat down to get my phone. I hear Trudy on the other end as I pick it back up.

I hold up a finger asking him to give me a minute. "Trudy, I dropped the phone, I didn't hear what you said." I listen as she tells me they lost the reservation and it will be over an hour before they can have a driver pick me up. "Don't worry about it, tell them not to send one. I'll take a cab to the hotel." She apologizes as we disconnect, but it's not her fault. It's just typical of my travel situations.

"Need a ride?" he asks, now saddled with his own luggage. I'm absolutely mesmerized by him. His eyes are a warm sage green, his smile so inviting, and, holy shit, I want his long arms, wrapped around me. "My driver's pulling up outside. I'd be happy to take you to your hotel."

"Oh no! You've been traveling, too, and want to get home. It's not a big deal. I can take a cab." I wish I was that person who would just jump on opportunities when they present themselves, but I never want to put anyone out.

"Nonsense. Here's Jeff now. He'll get your bag." He waves at an older gentleman in a very nice suit.

"Good evening, Mr. Masters. How was your trip?"

I now have a last name. I stand there awkwardly as they exchange pleasantries, obviously having known each other for quite some time, before Jeff extends his hand for my bag.

"Ma'am, may I take your bag for you?" I look at Mr. Masters for confirmation. After a gentle nod of his head, I release my death grip on the handle, allowing his chauffeur to take my suitcase. Mr. Masters offers me his elbow in escort, which I nervously accept, and we walk to the door.

The limo is crazy. All kinds of tricked out. I've been in limos before, the standard kind you rent for prom sort of thing, and they don't blow me away, but this blows me away. It's a Hummer, leather interior, wood grain accents, beautiful bar, lights that twinkle like Christmas but without the cheesy string. I don't know how to describe it other than lush. I'd be fine living in this space if it had a bathroom.

Settled inside with the partition down between us and Jeff, the driver calls back to me, "Ma'am, where are we heading to this evening?"

"Oh, um, it's Mila, and Hotel Sorella at the City Centre."

Jeff raises the glass, leaving me and Mr. Masters alone in the dimly lit space. "Mila. That's a beautiful name. I'm sorry I haven't given you mine. I'm Tyler." He leans over, extending his hand. When I reach out to shake it, he gently kisses my knuckles, never breaking eye contact.

I smile broadly. "It's nice to meet you, Tyler."

"Likewise." He pauses as if he wants to say something but isn't certain he should.

I hold his gaze, waiting with baited breath. Every word out of his mouth captivates me. I can feel his body heat radiating off him as he sits in the seat next to me. Hell, maybe I'm just like a damn cat in heat needing attention. He shifts his body toward me.

"Do you have any free time while you're in town, Mila? I'd love to take you out...maybe, dinner and dancing?" Uncertainly flashes across his face before he sets his smile.

I'm devastated I don't. This trip is packed with meetings and business dinners. When the company pays for it, they don't give you any extra time, and certainly no additional nights.

"Unfortunately, no, I don't. My meetings start in the morning, company dinner tomorrow night, meetings Saturday, and I fly out Saturday evening." I hear the disappointment in my own voice. "But, I'll be back in two weeks for several days. That trip will be much more casual."

"So you're free tonight?" He raises both eyebrows in question.

"Well, yeah, but you said you'd been traveling for weeks and wanted to get home."

"Home will be available tomorrow, you won't." It's a line, but he sure didn't deliver it as such. "If you're not too tired, I could take you to dinner." He looks hopeful.

I almost say no. It's right there on the tip of my tongue. I know I will screw this up. I know the moment we're in a space where we can move freely, he will see firsthand just how awkward I am, and be irritated he wasted his night when he could have been nestled in the comfort of his own home. Any other time, any other man, my answer would have been a resounding no.

"I'd like that. Do you think it would be possible for me to change first? After my marathon through the airport, I would love some fresh clothes."

Tyler laughs and it's just as sweet a sound as his voice. "Of course. We can get you checked in at the hotel. I'll help you with your bags and you can change. If you don't mind, I'll grab some jeans out of my bag as well."

"Perfect," I coo.