God, that didn’t go well. I sounded like a nerdy know-it-all. “Whoops. Guess I sounded like a teacher and we’re not in school.”
Sam chuckled. “I can assure you when I was in school, none of my teachers looked or sounded like you do. I didn’t know that about the car. As you can imagine, the owner is a bit of an old car buff. He can probably tell you more about this gas-guzzling engine than you’d ever want to know.”
Cleo was amazed at the number of people out and about so early. “I’ll bet he could. Doesn’t anyone sleep in this city? There were people all over the place last night and look at them now.”
“It’s the only time of day for some activities, especially at this time of year. It gets too hot in the afternoon to do much walking in the sun. So I’ll see your car facts and raise you one: did you know the first population census of Vegas dated 1900 listed the population in the area at twenty-five? Today there are well over six hundred thousand people who call this place home.”
She giggled. Not a good sign—how many mimosas had she had?
“I wonder how many of them are involved with the casinos.”
“Probably a significant amount since tourism is the city’s bread and butter, but there are a number of technology companies here too as well as the University of Nevada, a major research center. I’ve got a buddy who tends to refer to the place as the ninth Hawaiian Island—apparently it’s a popular retirement destination for the islanders.”
“I can’t imagine giving up a lush, tropical home for a chunk of desert, but to each his own. It’s always been my dream to live by the ocean. Someday, I’d like to visit Hawaii, but with my complexion, I’d probably be better off in Alaska.”
Sam smiled and reached for her hand. “I couldn’t agree more about the ocean. I’ve been to Hawaii and Alaska. Those places each have their own unique beauty. Wait until you see a chunk of glacier falling off into the ocean. There’s nothing like it.”
“I’ll add it to my bucket list.”
He squeezed her fingers, released her hand, and turned back to the road.
Chapter Nine
Sam got on I-15 South, and Cleo watched with interest as Vegas, the areas of the city people rarely saw, flashed by. For all the glitz and glamour of the Strip, it looked like any other city, and some parts were not those you’d want to show off in a travel brochure. Within a few minutes, Sam turned right onto Executive Airport Drive. The helicopters were all parked together at one end of the airport. Some belonged to tour companies; others sported private company logos. She recognized a couple of the mining company emblems she’s seen around Alamo.
Sam drove the length of the airport and along a small road that led to the helicopter maintenance hangar, then parked the car in a reserved spot. A man dressed in a pale blue shirt and jeans, wearing a ball cap and aviator sunglasses, sat in the shade and stood as soon as Sam got out of the convertible. Sam signaled to him, and the man stayed where he was. Sam walked around the car and removed her tote bag, a brown flight bag, her straw hat, and a huge picnic hamper from the trunk.
“Where on earth did you manage to get that?” She indicated the picnic basket.
“I told you my sister works for the hotel. I managed to talk her into getting us some food and drink. You did request a picnic at the bottom of the canyon. How can you have a picnic without a pic-a-nic basket?” He pronounced the word the way the cartoon character Yogi Bear would and she laughed.
“I guess that makes you smarter than the average Chip-and-Dale,” she continued the joke.
Sam set the bags and the basket beside the car and handed her the straw hat she’d brought. “That’s Matt, my buddy, and the chopper’s pilot. Wait here while I tell him what we’ve decided to do today. I won’t be long.”
He bent his head, kissed her quickly, and then walked over to the hangar. The brief touch of his lips made her feel warm and fuzzy. She watched him walk away from her, admiring how he carried himself and the way his brown jeans clung to his muscular thighs and derriere. The man looked good coming and going. She could see him posing for some of the Hellenic marble statues her father found so interesting. No doubt he’d look hot in nothing but a fig leaf.
As Sam approached Matt, the man must have said something funny because Sam laughed. Cleo watched Matt nod a few times, shake his head twice, and then shake Sam’s hand. No doubt they were discussing the exorbitant cost of this grandiose gesture on Sam’s part, but suddenly, she didn’t care. She felt like a kid in the candy store whose owner just told her to help herself. Everyone who knew her well knew she had an incredible sweet tooth, and she intended to satisfy it today. The two men approached.
“Cleo Jones, I’d like you to meet Matt Sauve. He’s an old friend who’s been flying helos for more than twenty years. He’ll take good care of us today.”
She held out her hand. “Pleased to meet you, Matt. I’m excited about this.” She gestured to encompass everything around her. “I’ve never been in a helicopter before. I’ve been in small planes, and I’m not afraid of heights.”
Matt shook her hand. He had a firm grip that inspired trust. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Jones. Whatever you did to convince this guy to take some time off and give me some as well, I appreciate. He works way too hard.”
Something about what he’d just said didn’t sound right, but in her excitement Cleo couldn’t quite figure out what that was. She supposed Sam must take paying customers on tours now and then. Well, at least Matt didn’t think she was some rich bitch trying to buy her way into Sam’s bed. No, she was a poor one hoping for a freebie.
“Flying in a luxury helicopter like this one is a real treat,” said Matt. “You’re going to love the view, and the places Sam wants to show you are among the most picturesque in the Mojave. I’ll be flying between seven hundred and a thousand feet above the ground most of the time, although I’ll drop down to five hundred feet in Death Valley. Matt’s mentioned a few stops to me, but if you need to get out and stretch your legs, we can add others. I’ll circle back over Vegas on our way to the dam since we’ll be returning after dark. If you’re ready, the bird’s just over there.” He indicated the aircraft on her left.
The helicopter, a beautiful white and black Agusta-Westland AW139, had plenty of windows to ensure she’d have an incredible view. Matt opened the door and helped her into the air-conditioned interior. The cabin resembled that of a small private jet. The cockpit was in a separate area, and when Matt shut the door between it and the cabin, she and Sam were alone in this tiny enclave of incredible luxury.
A beige and brown Berber carpet covered the floor. Four magnificent tan leather swivel recliners faced one another, two to a side, and were separated by mahogany tables that could open into desks. There was a small, flat screen television attached to the wall above the table on the cockpit side of the cabin, and a refreshment area built into the table beneath it. Sam motioned that she take the chair on the far left. She sat in the smooth, supple leather lounger and automatically fastened her seat belt.
She’d never imagined such luxury and doubted she’d have believed it possible if she hadn’t seen it for herself. She was Alice, and she’d fallen down the rabbit hole. Sam flipped a switch and the tarmac beneath them appeared on the screen.
“There are cameras mounted below that let you see exactly what’s under you. I think you’ll enjoy them, especially when we go down into the canyon.”
Sam turned away from her and busied himself with the picnic basket he’d placed beside the bar.
“Wow. Who travels like this?”
“Company executives, oil barons, movie stars—the rich and famous. The company acquired it three years ago. It provides the CEO with an office in the air for hard-to-reach places. It’s been used in relief situations, too. Like it?”
“Like it? What’s not to like? The only things it needs are a bathroom and bedroom, and someone could easily live in it. It’s more luxurious than my own living room.”
He chuckled. “There’s a
chemical toilet behind you in the baggage compartment. The boss occasionally has to fly into some fairly remote, desolate areas. Since maximum flying time is five hours, it’s rarely used. As for beds …” He flipped a switch on the side of her chair, and the recliner flattened out. “It’s quite comfy. I’ve managed to grab a couple of hours of shut-eye myself. Maybe we can test it out later. We can work on our own version of the Mile High Club.”
Cleo looked away. She knew the Mile High Club referred to those who managed to have sex in airplanes, although how such a thing was possible on commercial flights boggled the mind. In her mind’s eye, she saw him naked over a woman, and desire filled her. She wanted to be that woman more than she’d ever wanted anything in her life.
Need must have shown on her face because Sam released her seat belt and pulled her into his arms. His mouth captured hers and desire flamed within her. Unlike last night’s kisses, there was a hungry urgency to this one. His tongue moved along her lips, seeking admission to her mouth, and when she willingly opened to him, it was as if a starving man were being fed for the first time. The long kiss was intoxicating, and in their need he dragged wave after wave of emotion from her, leaving her weak and wanting everything he promised. She moaned, and the sound of the cabin phone ringing startled them apart.
Sam reluctantly released her and picked up the handset.
“Yes, Matt?”
Like hers, Sam’s breathing was ragged and there was frustration in his voice. He listened for a moment. “Whenever you’re ready.” He hung up the phone and turned to her.
He seemed to have pulled himself together, while she was still a quivering mass of overstimulated nerve endings. He restored the chair to a sitting position, and smiled at her, his eyes promising that what had just happened between them wasn’t over.
“Sit here. You’ll have the best view as we fly over the city and approach the dam. You can change places once we’re in the air. The ride is amazingly smooth.”
Cleo fought a losing battle to return to normal. Her heart pounded so hard, it must surely show. Last night’s first kiss had stunned her, the second had left her confused, but this one clearly spoke of his need and desire for her. What she couldn’t understand was how he could sit there and behave as if nothing had happened.
He’d run his fingers through his hair, messing it, and reminding her of an adorable little boy. Her fingers itched to do the same. She’d heard the irritation in his voice when he’d answered the phone, but now he seemed cool, calm, and collected. Was this the way the rich and famous behaved? As if the fact that the Earth had changed orbits made no difference at all?
“To whom does this helicopter belong? Are you sure it’s okay for us to use it like this?” She strived for a normal tone of voice, trying to be blasé, but knowing she’d failed miserably.
She didn’t dare mention the incredible kiss. She wasn’t sure her heart could take it if he said anything to shatter her perception of how wonderful it had been. She also avoided commenting on the Mile High Club idea, but if he suggested it again, she’d be out of her clothes in a second.
“The chopper belongs to LJS Enterprises. It’s a real estate development company with interests all over the world. The owner’s a friend of the family. Do you like it?”
“Is he the one who owns the car, too?”
Sam nodded, and Cleo was grateful that he didn’t seem aware of how aroused she still was.
“I’m glad he’s letting us use it today. You’re really lucky to have a friend like that. Not many people do. Mitch and I have been friends since kindergarten. She’d do anything for me, just as I would for her.”
She buckled the seat belt around her again while Sam busied himself at the bar in front of her.
“Will we be able to speak while we’re in the air or will it be too noisy?”
“You can talk normally. If you have a question I can’t answer, you can ask Matt, using the phone on the wall beside you. The cabin is soundproof, so you won’t hear any engine sounds. The rotors are spinning now, see?”
He indicated the shadow outside the window.
“How fast does this travel?”
“It can maintain a speed of one hundred and ninety-three miles an hour for about five hours. We’ve got a full tank of gas, but we’ll gas up at least once. Consider this your magic carpet for the day; I want to be the genie who grants your every wish.”
She saw the heat smoldering in his eyes. He turned back to the bar, and she heard the pop of a cork. A few moments later, Sam handed her a mimosa.
“Here’s to a magical day, princess.”
He clinked his glass against hers and sat down in the lounger beside her. He sipped his drink, never taking his heated gaze off of her.
“To a memorable day.” And night, she added silently and sipped her drink. She was so excited, she tingled. There was no way she could act as if what was happening didn’t thrill her. This was her once-upon-a-time moment. There was no going back.
• • •
Sam watched the look of wonder and excitement on Cleo’s face as she peered out the window at the earth below. How many times had he sat in this chair and not cared what was happening around him? Seeing her joy brought back the pleasure he’d had when he’d first bought this fourteen million dollar aircraft. It had been an extravagant purchase, but he’d needed a flying office, one capable of landing almost anywhere, and this fit the bill. Today was the first time he was using the craft for pleasure, and he realized he’d get as much fun out of it as she would.
Cleo turned from the window and watched the screen. Her tawny eyes glowed with delight, and he warmed to know he was the one making her happy. He’d been a selfish bastard lately, putting his wants and needs above others. He hadn’t taken time to realize how his single-minded work schedule—seven days a week, month after month—affected his staff, the people he’d come to rely on. Matt had been so grateful for the next couple of days off, Sam had been embarrassed. How could he have forgotten the man had a new baby at home? Of course he’d want to spend time with his family. Sam had forgotten how to be nice to others—he’d forgotten how good it felt to do the right thing. Regardless of what came after this weekend, he’d do his best not to forget that again. He thought of Liz’s comment on the phone. Lena had hurt him, but the damage shouldn’t be permanent. “Well, what do you think?”
She’d turned back to the window, her nose pressed against the glass like a child, and he chuckled.
“It’s amazing. Thank you so much, Sam, for giving me this experience. Look! That’s our hotel over there.”
Her enthusiasm was infectious. Sam flipped up the arm on her chair, unbuckled her seat belt, and nudged her to move over a bit so he could sit in the same chair with her.
“It’s behind us now. You’re missing an incredible view.” Her voice was animated and she turned away from the window to smile at him.
“From where I sit, the view is just great.”
He put his arm around her, snuggled her into him and unlocked the swivel mechanism on the chair, turning it to face the window. “How’s this?”
“It’s great. Look, I can see Hoover Dam.” She pointed into the distance. “I thought it was much farther away.”
“It’s thirty-two miles by car, about forty minutes, but because we can go cross-country, it’s only ten minutes away at this speed. Matt’s going to land over near the dam. He radioed for permission earlier this morning, so you should be able to see everything and take all the pictures your heart desires. We can’t stay long though.”
“Okay. I’ve read a lot about the dam, and I’ve seen pictures, but it’s not the same. Did you see Vegas Vacation? Do you remember the scene where they visited this place?”
“I did, and I do.” He laughed. “Let me guess. You want to take some dam pictures. Honey, you can take all the dam pictures you want, and you don’t need a tour guide’s permission either.”
They laughed at the shared joke, and Sam let out a contented sigh. Ho
w could he let her walk away from him on Monday? He didn’t want to give this up. She’d made him remember there is still magic in the everyday moments.
“You can get out any time.” Matt had opened the door between the cockpit and the cabin. “We have an hour landing clearance before the next heli-tour comes in. Will that be enough time?”
“That should be fine, Matt. We’ll be back in fifty minutes.”
Sam offered his hand to Cleo, who still sat in the chair.
“I didn’t even feel us land.” She giggled. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to this.”
Cleo finished the last of her mimosa and stood. Sam held out his hand and escorted her to the cabin door. He stepped out and put his hands on her waist to lift her down.
“You didn’t have to do that. I could have jumped. It’s barely a foot and a half.”
“I know, but then I wouldn’t have had the chance to do this.”
He bent his head and kissed her again, just a sweet, tender brush of his lips against hers but enough to enflame him. When he made love to her for the first time, he hoped it would be in a bed with all the time in the world, but if she continued to look as delectable as she did, it might well be in a helicopter recliner flying over the canyon. He put her down and pulled away from her.
“Come on. Time’s ticking. Let’s go see everything there is to see about the world-famous Hoover Dam,” she said, taking his hand in hers.
Sam followed for the next half hour while she roamed the area, her camera firmly in hand. Occasionally, he’d fill in a fact or two about something that caught her interest. “Do you want to go and see the visitor center? There are lots of pictures and things, or do you want to wait for another time when we can drive over?” he asked.
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