by E. J. Adams
“Thank you,” I said.
Brandon took my hand and led me up the short steps into the cabin of the plane. I wasn't sure if anyone noticed that Brandon took me by the hand. I suppose they could have figured he was being a gentleman and helping me up the steps.
Perhaps they didn't notice. Perhaps it wasn't their business to notice, or care. It did get me thinking about how we were going to handle the business and personal aspects of our relationship. I was also thinking more about what Chelsea had said to me earlier that morning.
The cabin of the jet smelled of leather and polished wood. There were six large leather seats. They looked more like living room recliners than airplane seats. Between two of the seats was a shiny wood table. There was a also a leather couch that seated three.
Brandon escorted me to one of the seats at the table. He sat in the seat opposite me.
“Once we're at cruising altitude, Linda will get us lunch,” he said.
“This is nice,” I said looking around the plane. I was saying that a lot lately.
“Get's us where we need to go,” said Brandon as he tapped out a text message on his iPhone. Much more convenient than flying commercial.”
He powered off his phone and placed it in his back pocket. I figured even though it was a private flight that the same rules applied about electronic devices. I pulled my phone out of my purse and powered it off.
“After we eat do you want to take a look at some New York apartments online? I can connect you with my real estate agent and he can help you find a great place.”
“Um . . . Yes, I suppose,” I replied. Brandon's question caught me a bit off guard.
I would certainly need to find a place to live. But in that moment, it became another new thing. Another change that was coming fast.
“Is everything okay? You don't sound excited about the idea of apartment hunting.”
Before I had a chance to answer, the flight crew boarded the plane.
“We just need to finish our pre-flight check in the cockpit and then we'll be ready to get underway,” the pilot announced to Brandon.
“How does the flight look to be shaping up?” Brandon asked.
“Clear skies and calm. Should be a smooth flight,” the pilot answered. “I'll give you an update once we reach cruising altitude.”
He and the co-pilot continued into the cockpit and Linda pulled the cabin door shut. She sat in one of the seats at the rear of the plane. The pilot announced that we should fasten our seat belts and prepare for take off.
A truck pulled the plane out of the hanger and then the engines roared to life. After a few minutes of taxiing, our jet accelerated down the runway and we took off. I peered out the window as Santa Barbara became smaller as we climbed into the sky. Once we leveled off, Linda got up and served us drinks and then went to the galley to prepare our lunch.
“So, you didn't have a chance to answer my question,” Brandon said once Linda was in the galley.
“Oh, right...I'm fine. Maybe I'm just starting to feel a little overwhelmed. So much is happening. Just a few days ago I was a recent college graduate and now I have a new career, in a new city, I'm on a private corporate jet with the CEO, and . . . ”
I leaned over the table and lowered my voice to a whisper, “there's whatever is happening between us.”
“I guess when you put it that way,” he said rubbing his chin, “it is a lot to process. I'm so used to charging forward and acting fast to get things done, that I forget not everyone moves at my speed.”
“Well, it's not just that,” I said as I looked over my shoulder. I was pretty sure that Linda couldn't make out what we were saying, but I didn't want to take any chances.
“Maybe we should talk about this later,” I concluded.
“If it's privacy you're concerned about, I can assure you that the crew pays no attention –”
“It is private,” I interjected. I realized there was an edge to my voice. Brandon also noticed.
“Fine. We can talk after lunch. Linda has noise canceling headphones she can wear from her seat at the back of the jet. Will that provide enough privacy for you?”
“Yes. And you don't need to take that tone with me,” I replied. I was hoping this wasn't turning into our first argument.
“You're right. I'm sorry. I just don't know what is troubling you.”
Linda emerged from the galley with our lunch. Brandon and I ate in silence. I did enjoy the food. I don't know why I was so surprised, given the luxury of the jet, but the food was much better than I expected.
After we finished eating, Linda cleared our dishes. She checked to see if we wanted anything else and then sat in her seat at the back of the cabin. She pulled on her headphones, opened up a book, and began reading.
I guess Linda was used to Brandon conducting sensitive business during flights. It was either understood she was wear to the headphones or she just felt more comfortable doing so. I didn't ask which it was.
“Is it safe to speak?” asked Brandon gently to break the ice.
“Yes. I'm sorry. Brandon, these are big changes for me. I have been so caught up in the whirlwind of the past few days. I haven't had much time to think about how much is changing.”
“Okay. And now you are starting to think about it. How can I help?”
The intercom crackled for a few seconds.
“Hold that thought,” Brandon said.
“Mr. Mitchell,” the Pilot's voice came over the intercom, “we have a good tailwind. We are looking to arrive ten minutes ahead of schedule. I'll let you know when we are about to begin our approach into the airport.” The intercom went silent again.
“So, talk to me Ashley. What do we need to work through?”
“I don't know that it's that straightforward. I'm not sure there is a problem, per se, to work through. Something Chelsea said this morning has me thinking.”
“What did Chelsea say?”
“She just wondered if it is all to good to be true. You have to admit that it could look that way. A fabulous new job, an amazing night of passionate sex with the billionaire CEO, a quick trip up the coast on the private corporate jet . . . ”
“I've already explained why I sought you out for the job. Jacqueline provides generous compensation packages to hire and retain the best in the industry. Your salary is not out of line with positions of equal responsibility. I've tried my best to express my attraction to you. I'll let last night speak for itself.”
“Yes. I know that. I appreciate what went on in screening my application. I understand the thought that went into making a decision to hire me. I'm happy to have the position, and the salary, and I know I will do a great job to earn it. As for last night, it was amazing. The best of my life.”
“Then what, exactly, is the problem, Ashley?'
“If last night was the start of something, how do we handle it?”
“In what way?”
“At work, for starters?”
“We each have our jobs to do. We will conduct them with the utmost professionalism. I won't show favoritism when it comes to making business decisions. People will find out about us. I don't care. You shouldn't either. We can have both a successful professional and personal relationship if we work at it. I try not to complicate things.”
Everything Brandon said made sense to me. I understood what he was saying and couldn't find any disagreement with it. Chelsea was still in my head. She was there because I wanted her to be there.
“Chelsea doesn't want to see me get hurt. I don't want to get hurt either.”
“Hurt by what? Your dream job? A more than generous salary? All expenses paid travel? The sex? Tell me what could harm you in any of that?” Brandon's voice now had an edge to it. He seemed affronted. He wasn't happy with direction of the conversation.
I looked into Brandon's eyes. Those amazing blue eyes that so captivated my attention. Those blue eyes that could reach deep inside and stir my greatest passion and desire. In that moment they did
none of those things. They were angry.
“By you. Hurt by you,” I finally said.
“By me?! Look, Ashley, I told you that I can't make any promises about where this is all going. If you're honest, neither can you. One step at a time. Remember? But I'm not out to hurt you. You believe me, right?”
I nodded my head.
“Ashley, I need to hear you say it.” The edge was gone in his voice, but there was still a seriousness to his tone.
“Yes. I believe you.”
While it had been less than 48 hours since I first met Brandon in person, he hadn't given me a reason not to believe him. I couldn't deny what he said about my job at Jacqueline. It wouldn't make any business sense to pursue and hire me if he didn't believe I was the right person for the job.
I also couldn't deny my attraction to him. Nor did he need to be with me if he didn't have a similar attraction. There was no way I could ever deny or forget that we had mind-blowing sex. No, it was earth-shattering sex that liberated me. Sex that gave me a whole new level of awareness and pleasure.
“So, are we good?” Brandon asked, wanting to be done with the conversation.
“We're good,” I said as I put my hand on his. “We are better than good. I think I'll even have a toothbrush for you at my new apartment in New York.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Why don't we take a look and get some ideas about where I might live,” I said.
“Alright, then,” he said as he took out his iPad. The glimmer was back in his eyes. It was so easy to get lost in his eyes and how handsome he was. I wasn't sure that I would never lose the sexual intensity I felt for him. I didn't want to.
Chapter 10
Brandon's investment meeting only lasted about an hour and I had a nice tour of the company. We strolled around the area for the afternoon and enjoyed a casual dinner before returning to Santa Barbara. The sex that night was just as incredible as our first time together.
I kept my promise to Chelsea and we had a wonderful spa day just for the girls the following afternoon. We talked and she was more comfortable about my new job. She even felt better that I had spoken with Brandon about our situation. She jumped out of her chair when I showed her some of the apartments I was considering in Manhattan.
She was over the moon that we would be rooming together. She had a hard time accepting that she wouldn't need to pay rent, but was appreciative. Chelsea was a realist and knew that her financial aid would go much further without having to pay rent. We agreed that she could chip in toward utilities and food.
I called my family and told them about my new job and move to New York. I left out any mention of Brandon beyond the job offer. It was much to soon.
I knew how my mother was. She'd want to know all about him and how serious it was. I told them that I would be home for Thanksgiving.
I visited with Maria to say goodbye. She told me it wasn't “addio” (“goodbye”), but rather “arrivederci” (“see you later”). She also reminded me not to forget her little dress boutique when I made it big in the fashion world.
I had one day to pack before Brandon and I left for New York. Chelsea was staying in Santa Barbara until our lease ended in August. I told her I would write her a check to cover my half of the remaining rent as soon as I got my first paycheck.
“I can't believe you only have one day to pack,” Chelsea said as she helped me pull my large suitcase down from the closet.
“Well, this apartment came furnished. So, I am only packing clothes and personal belongings. I don't have that much.”
“I'm going to miss you,” said Chelsea with sadness in her voice.
“It's only two months, then we'll be roomies again. Except in New York City.”
“I know. It will all be different, though.”
“Don't get all sentimental on me. You know I'm a big baby and cry at the drop of a hat,” I reminded her.
“I'll try.”
“Yes. It will be different. But it is a new adventure. We'll still be us and we'll have fun. Just like always,” I said as I wrapped my arms around Chelsea for a hug. “Now, help me pack,” I said.
We finished packing and ordered takeout from our favorite Chinese restaurant. We talked, and laughed, and cried about our four years at Santa Barbara University. I was looking forward to talking, and laughing, and even crying, with Chelsea in New York. Life was better with my BFF.
Morning came and Brandon and I took the company jet cross country. The view of the New York skyline was spectacular as we approached the airport. Brandon pointed out various landmarks.
After we had landed and pulled into a private hanger at the airport, Brandon escorted me to the company helicopter waiting on the nearby runway. We flew to Davenport Media headquarters. The view of the skyline was even more spectacular from the helicopter. It was all so surreal.
We landed on the roof of the building and the rotors of the helicopter slowed. The man who guided the helicopter onto the landing pad opened the door to the helicopter. Brandon stepped out and then took my hand and assisted me out.
“Good evening, Mr. Mitchell,” the man shouted over the engine as it whined down.
“Good evening, Ray.” Brandon didn't bother introducing me over the noise.
Once we were alone inside the rooftop elevator, Brandon turned to me and took me into his arms. He reached out and pushed the stop button and the elevator jolted to a halt.
“I've been waiting to get you alone all day,” he said as he kissed me hard on the lips.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up. Since I spent the previous night at the apartment with Chelsea, it had been well over 24 hours since Brandon and I last had sex. I know, not that long. But after spending our first two nights together, not having sex a third night in a row felt like a punishment.
“Welcome to New York, Ms. Sullivan.”
“Why, thank you, Mr. Mitchell.”
Brandon bit his lip, took in a breath and then exhaled.
“I hate to do this to you on your first night in the city . . . ”
“What is it?”
“I'm leaving in fifteen minutes for Toronto. I have an early morning meeting and it makes more sense to fly up there tonight. The good news is that I will be back tomorrow afternoon.”
I pouted and then kissed him on the cheek.
“It's okay. I understand. Besides, I'll want to get a good nights sleep before my first day tomorrow.”
“And don't worry about tomorrow,” he said. “It will just be filling out forms for payroll, meeting some of the staff, and getting settled into your new office.”
I hadn't even thought about exactly where I was going to be working.
“I get an office?” I asked with glee.
“For my Director of Digital and Social Media? Of course. It's not huge, but it has a pretty nice view. And, it has a prime location in the building.”
“Where's that?”
“Just down the hall from my office.”
“Ooh! I like the sound of that. Just try to avoid the pop-in, or I won't get anything done,” I said as I rested my head against his chest.
“The great thing about being the CEO, is that I can pop-in whenever I want and no one can say anything about it. Including you,” Brandon said as he kissed me on top of my head.
I looked up at him.
“Brandon, I don't want special treatment. And I don't want people talking more than they already will be. I want to be taken seriously for my work. I want to do a great job for the company.”
“And you will. Don't worry. If anything, we'll be lucky to be able steal even a few minutes alone together during the day.”
“And after hours?”
“As much as possible.”
“Good.”
“Before I forget, I had my assistant book you into a hotel for the evening. The car service will take you there tonight and pick you up from the hotel in the morning.”
“You're sweet.”
“I'd like to think a little spicy as well.” I already knew the look that Brandon was giving me. As much as I wanted sex, I didn't want to get all revved up and then him leave before we could do anything about it.
“Brandon, we don't have time. You need to leave for Toronto in what? Ten minutes?”
“Another good thing about being the CEO. They'll wait for me.”
“So what, a little love in the elevator? Livin' it up as we're goin' down?”
Brandon laughed and shook his head.
“You did not just say that. No. We will not be living out an Aerosmith song. Not tonight, anyway. I have a comfy couch in my office that I would like to introduce you to,” he said as he hit the start button on the elevator.
“Are you sure you have time?” I asked.
“Yes. I can't stand the thought of a second night without touching your naked body.”
“I'm so glad you said that,” I said as I kissed him.
As always, Brandon tasted so delicious. I ran my hand over his five o'clock shadow. It's roughness against my skin was edgy and inviting. I was aching to feel Brandon inside of me.
Chapter 11
It didn't take long for us to reach the executive floor of the building. Lights were on in just a couple of the offices. Most people had already gone home for the evening. Brandon led me through a set of heavy glass doors into the CEO suite. The outer office had an impressive desk, a leather couch, and two leather chairs.
Brandon pulled out a key card and swiped it over the panel next to a large door with his name on it. He pushed the door open and a light came on.
“After you, Ms. Sullivan,” he said as he waived me to enter his office.
Brandon's office was impressive. It was modern chic. A large window offered a magnificent view of the Manhattan skyline. The city lights twinkled outside.
There was a large glass and stainless steel desk with a black leather chair that commanded respect for anyone who sat in it. There were two leather chairs facing the front of the desk. Off to the side was the large leather couch. Centered in front of the couch was a coffee table that matched Brandon's desk.