Page 48 of Risk

“I can have a jet ready for you by ten pm, Cali time.”

His words hang in the air like a pendulum swinging. Or an anvil.

“Very cute, Mason.”

“I’m not being cute. I’m being serious.”

My brow furrows. “I can’t just hop on a plane and come to you.”

“It’s a private jet and yes, you can.”

My adrenaline spikes. “What?”

“You heard me, Leah. Say the word and I’ll have it arranged. You can be to me in just a few hours.”

“I…” This is ludicrous. “I can’t just come there.”

“Why not?”

I have no idea why not. This is all so sudden and crazy and… okay, I could call out sick from work if I really wanted to. But do I?

“We can tour a vineyard. Shop.” I can hear Mason’s smile. “Massages, fancy restaurants, you name it.”

“I thought you were there for work?”

“I am. But I’ll make time for you.”

I don’t see how. I barely make time for anything else besides my jobs, and his is far more demanding than mine. “I don’t want to intrude. You’re busy, and being a distraction will only make me feel like shit.”

“You can come with me to my meetings if you want.”

“Hard pass.”

“I’ll make the trip out here worth it.”

I bet being anywhere with this man would be worth it. “Mason, this is a big step.”

“It’s a plane ride to Cali for a few days, not a month-long vacation on a yacht through the Caribbean.”

“That’s… very specific.” And now I’m fantasizing about going on one of those and what it would be like. Ugh, I’d never be able to afford that level of luxury. Damn him for even putting that thought in my overactive brain.

“What do you say, Leah?”

I say this is a very bad idea. “I’ll come.”

Mason laughs and it’s music to my ears. “Yes. You. Will. Princess.”

We hang up and a half hour later; he texts me all the information I need. He’s also booked a car service to pick me up.

“I’m out of my mind.”

After packing a carryon, I sit on my front porch and turn my brain off, so I don’t back out of this plan.

Chapter 16

Mason

Sometimes I come on a little too strong and my ideas get big and crazy. This wasn’t one of those times. But the fact that I’m already checking out what it takes to rent a fully crewed yacht to sail us through the Caribbean says I’m not far from going overboard.