Page 101 of Tempting Miles
“The guy driving us to the heliport.”
The moment my words register, she whips around to face me, both hands landing on my chest with a thud.
Good thing I gave her coffee in a travel mug, otherwise I’d be wearing most of it right now.
“Miles, you don’t need to spend a ridiculous amount of money on me,” she whisper-shouts. “You know I’d be perfectly happy spending the day here with you. Good food,wine, relaxing in the tub…” Her eyes widen meaningfully, like she’s trying to make a point without actually saying the words out loud.
“Hey, it’s okay.” I tuck a few strands of her hair behind her ears. “I told you today was about indulgence. All the benefits.”
Her eyes flutter closed under my touch.
“And don’t even start with this whole ‘too expensive for a blue-collar guy’ thing,” I add in a tone that leaves no room for argument. “I might not be a millionaire, but I’ve got enough to spoil you from time to time.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean—”
“Boss, it’s okay.” I cut her off gently. “I know who you are, I know who I am. No need for apologies. We’re just two adults enjoying each other.”
I give her a reassuring smile.
“Thank you,” she murmurs before pressing her lips against my chest.
I help her into the back of the SUV, and instead of buckling her seat belt right away, she curls into my side and rests her head on my shoulder.
When she sighs happily, completely relaxed against me, I feel like I’m the king of these fucking mountains.
The distant thump of helicopter blades cuts through the quiet a few minutes later.
I’ve never ridden in a helicopter before, so by the time we’re standing in front of Gio’s bird, I’m swallowing hard.
The roar of the blades is so loud and intense it rattles through my chest.
Then Penny slips her fingers through mine, squeezing gently.
“Hey,” she says softly. “It’s okay. Julian’s a great pilot.”
There’s no mocking, no teasing in her voice—just warmth.
Just Penny.
I inhale deeply through my nose before slowly letting the breath back out.
And somehow, with one of the strongest people I know standing beside me, I know I’ll be okay.
The ride ends up being smooth the entire way to Raleigh, where we quickly board Gio’s private jet.
“Miles, this is so exciting.” Penny practically vibrates in her seat. “I have no clue where we’re going, but the anticipation is killing me.”
Her eyes are bright, her cheeks flushed pink from excitement. She looks gorgeous.
And the best part?
She’s smiling like this because of something I planned for her.
Granted, I’m pretty sure most women would enjoy getting whisked away on a private jet for Valentine’s Day.
But Penny grew up around this kind of luxury. None of this is new to her.
“The only thing I know,” she says thoughtfully, “is that we’re probably not going to Vegas.”
