Work Like You Don't Need the Money (9 page)

“ATC are telling me we're about to hit some turbulent air here, it might get quite rough for a while. You're going need to put those belts back on.”

Pete looked up at her. “Want to finish this first?”

Holly shook her head. She didn't mind the turbulence, but hearing the pilot's voice like that had been a rude reminder that they weren't really alone after all. She let out a deep breath.

“Later.” She straightened herself up while Pete got rid of the condom and pulled up his pants. She watched regretfully as he fastened his shirt. Once they were both presentable, she turned to head back to the seats up front. Pete caught her arm and crushed her to his chest, kissing her deeply.

He lifted his head and captured her eyes. “Not too much later, Sweetheart. I need you.”

Holly nodded, she felt the same way. She fastened herself back in while Pete poured them more champagne then came to sit opposite her.

“Jack and Emma aren't expecting us until later, we won't have to wait too long.”

Holly tipped her glass to him. “I'll drink to that.”

As the wheels touched down on the runway, Smoke's voice came through again. “Hope that wasn't too rough for you. We'll be taxiing over to the FBO where Jack and Emma are meeting you.”

Pete tapped a button on the arm of his chair, “What?! I asked for a taxi!”

“I know, but I talked to Jack this morning and once he knew you were coming he told me to cancel it. Wanted to pick you up himself.”

Holly couldn't help but smile at the thunderous look on Pete's face. After a long silence, Smoke's voice came again.

“Sorry.”

Pete rolled his eyes as Holly continued to smirk at him.

“No problem, Smoke. It's not your fault, you didn't know any better.” He looked at Holly and said, “It's a conspiracy!”

She laughed. “We're only here because of Emma and Jack, remember? Anything else is a side issue.”

Pete glowered at her. “A side issue?! Do you think I've been thinking about Jack and Emma all week? Or even thinking about the house I'm building? No! I've been thinking about you, Sweetheart. All. Damned. Week. And now you've got me all hot and horny and we can't do anything about it!”

Holly's heart leaped. He'd been thinking about her all week? Okay, so it was no doubt only about the sex, but he was admitting she was getting to him. Just like he was getting to her.

“You're not the only one who is frustrated here, Bigshot. We'll just have to seize our moment when we can. I'm sure the others won't mind if we disappear for a while.”

“But the others don't know.”

“And we're not going to tell them?”

“What would we say? You want me to ask our best friend and my partner to just excuse me while I go screw the Maid of Honor?”

“So I'm good enough to sleep with, but not good enough to tell your friends about? Is that what you're saying?” Damn him, he was harsh!

“No, Holly! That's not what I'm saying at all. I...”

Yet again, they were interrupted by Smoke as the engines powered down. “Okay folks, I'll be right out, the FBO guys will meet you and take you and your bags in.”

“Holly, I'm saying..” Pete tried to continue, but stopped when Smoke appeared and came through the cabin. He opened the door and let down the steps to where a young man on a golf cart waited to ferry them to the building.

Holly hastily thanked Smoke and went down the steps. She took the front seat of the cart, next to the driver. Pete climbed on behind her. He put a hand on her shoulder.

“I didn't mean it like that Holly. I meant I didn't want the others to think, to know, that we're only sleeping together.”

The drivers eyes widened, but to his credit he kept them fixed straight ahead.

“But I'm just using you for sex, remember?” Holly snapped.

The driver let out a small strangled sound that they both ignored.

“Apparently you are!” Pete snapped back. “But I don't think that's your usual style, and I know it's not mine. I don't want the others getting the wrong idea. About either of us.”

The cart came to a halt in front of the FBO building. Holly could see Emma and Jack inside, smiling and waving. The driver ran around to get their bags, but Pete took them from him. He looked at the wide eyed youngster.

“You do not, repeat, mention or gossip about ANYTHING you just heard. Understood?”

The kid nodded his head, looking terrified now. Holly felt sorry for him. An angry Pete was a powerful force. She could see how anyone who didn't know him would be totally intimidated. But she did know him, at least she'd thought she did. She wasn't intimidated. Just good and mad! What was she, his dirty little secret? No thanks!

Pete slipped the kid a tip and visibly calmed himself.

“But, sir, it's a...”

“I know. Take it and beat it!” Pete turned toward the building, leaving the driver staring at the hundred dollar bill in his hand. Holly fell in step beside him.

Emma and Jack met them at the door with hugs and smiles.

“Yo Bro! You should've let me know you got everything squared away with Papa Charlie.”

Holly and Emma looked at each other. “Papa Charlie?” asked Emma.

“The plane,” explained Jack. “The last two letters of its tail number are P.C. Which in the phonetic alphabet is Papa Charlie.”

“I only finalized everything this morning,” said Pete.

Jack smiled. “Good job. I talked to Smoke then, isn't it?”

“Yeah, great,” said Pete, looking anything but pleased. “So, since you're here, what's the plan?”

Holly stood fuming to herself. Watching the exchange, but saying nothing. She hadn't given any thought to what the others would think. What did it matter? They were their friends. She felt insulted that Pete didn't want to tell them anything. Was he ashamed of her or something? She was angry with him, confused, and worst of all, she still wanted him. She needed to finish what they'd started on the plane.

“You're welcome, partner.” Jack playfully punched Pete's arm. “A little thank you wouldn't hurt. What's eating you?”

Holly saw Pete's fist clench and unclench at his side. “Sorry. I'm a bit wound up.” he looked straight at her and said, “My head is aching. I had some stuff build up that I haven't been able to deal with yet.” His blue gaze penetrated her. “You know me though, I'll get on top of it soon.”

“Well do that on your own time,” said Emma, oblivious to the undercurrent between Holly and Pete. “The plan is, you and Jack can go deal with whatever house stuff you need to. Holly and I are going to talk girly wedding details, then we'll meet you at the Boathouse later. Ben wanted us to eat there, but then everyone's coming up to North Cove afterwards.

Pete nodded slowly. “Are we all staying at your place then?”

Emma nodded. “I'm hoping so.”

“Sounds like a plan. Come on then.” Pete picked up their bags and the four of them walked out to Emma's car, which was parked next to Jack's truck.

“Okay ladies. See you later.” Jack pulled Emma to him and pecked her lips.

“Oh, please!” said Pete, “Stop pawing at her!”

“Nope.” Jack smiled and dropped his head to kiss Emma more fully. Her arms came up around his neck and they kissed like a pair of teenagers about to be parted for the summer.

While they were so distracted, Pete murmured to Holly, “We'll finish this later, Sweetheart.”

“We already did, Bigshot. If you're ashamed of me, there's nothing else to say.”

His eyes darkened and he leaned closer. “I am NOT...” he began, then stopped himself. Catching hold of her wrist he called over his shoulder, “We'll be back, guys. Holly left something in the plane.” He pulled her back toward the building.

What the..? Holly didn't want to go with him, but she could hardly start struggling with him in the parking lot. His grip was strong as he marched her back into the building. He led her down a corridor then pulled her into a room filled with screens displaying weather maps and flight information. He closed the door behind them and leaned back against it glaring at her.

“We are not going anywhere, until we get this straightened out, Sweetheart,” his voice was low and controlled.

Holly paced the little room. “What the hell do you think you're doing, Pete?”

“I am trying to apologize for YOUR misunderstanding and to figure out how we are going to handle this.”

“Apology accepted,” she snapped. “All handled, see? Now let's go.” She reached past him for the door handle, wanting to leave while her anger was still stronger than her desire for him. He caught her wrist and pulled her to him, turning to trap her against the door and leaning the full weight of his body against her. 

“Pete! I...”

“You what, Sweetheart?” he asked with that damned half smile as he ground his hips against her. Every nerve ending in her body responded to him as his hardness pressed into her.  He laced his fingers through hers and brought both hands up above her head where he held them against the door.

“I...” her words were lost as he gently bit her bottom lip. Thrusting his tongue into her mouth, he transferred both her hands into one of his own and stroked the other down her neck, trailing his fingers down the valley between her breasts. He teased her nipple, then squeezed it hard as he thrust his hips against her. She gasped and freed her hands from his so she could grasp his hard ass and pull him closer still as she rubbed herself against him. Her anger didn't stand a chance against her need for him.

He broke the kiss, his breath coming hard, “So?”

She smiled up at him. There was no way she was going to be able to resist this man, or anything he wanted from her. “Yes,” she replied.

“Good.” He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. “We'd better get back out there, but we'll continue this later.”

She nodded.

“And, Holly. I was thinking of YOUR reputation, not mine. I need you to understand that.” His eyes bored into her; he still held her in the circle of his arms.

“How so?” She really didn't understand that part.

“I don't want them to think you're the kind of girl who is just in it for the sex.”

She let out a harsh little laugh. “Even though you know I am?”

“I don't think you are though, Sweetheart. Despite what you say. You obviously have your reasons about why that's all you want from me. I respect that. But no, I KNOW you are not that kind of girl and I guess I just didn't want anyone else to think that you were.” He stroked a strand of hair away from her face and ran a crooked finger down her cheek. “You're special, Sweetheart.”

Holly leaned her face against his hand for a moment, overcome by a rush of emotions and wants that were so much more than just physical. She closed her eyes and pulled herself together.

“Thanks, Pete.” She kissed his fingertips and smiled. “Now we really better get back.” She opened the door and stepped out into the corridor, needing to escape the intensity of the moment, the intensity of his eyes.

Outside, Jack was leaning against his truck, arms around Emma who stood between his legs. They didn't even notice Holly and Pete return, they were so engrossed in one another. Pete ran a hand down Holly's back then squeezed her backside.

“See, we would have had time.”

She smiled back at him, but said nothing.

“Oy, Benson. Put her down now. We've got work to do. Get your ass in that truck and let's go see what progress you've made with my house!”

Jack laughed, “Yes, sir! Peter, sir!” He saluted then gave Emma one more kiss.

Holly waved as they drove away. Pete blew her a kiss while Emma's eyes followed Jack.

Chapter Seven

Pete drummed his fingers on the truck door while he waited for Jack to get off the phone. They'd spent the last couple of hours going over the plans for his new house. They'd walked the lot, Jack explaining again how the way he'd oriented the home site would give Pete the best views and more or less sunlight at different times of day and year. Pete was more excited than he chose to let on. He was eager to get the place built and finished. Growing up in Summer Lake, he'd always known that one day he'd build a house of his own here. He wanted his own kids to know the kind of carefree childhood he had. Building this place was completing another stage of his plan.

 His thoughts drifted back to Holly. It was a pity she didn't fit the plan. Apart from lusting after her pretty much since the moment he'd met her, he liked her immensely as a person, too. She was fun, funny, down to earth and smart. She was great with people as he'd witnessed with Alonso and his family, with her staff, and with Albert. Even when they'd had lunch the other day, the people in the restaurant, from the owner to the busboy, had all known and obviously liked her. She had a smile and a kind word for everyone. At the same time, she didn't take any crap. She certainly wasn't afraid to call him out. Unlike so many women he'd known, who went out of their way to please him and win his approval, she spoke her mind and told it like it was.

In short, he admired her. She was the kind of woman he wanted in his life. Just not yet. He wished he could meet her four years from now. Who knew what might happen between them then? He stared out at the lake. That was crazy talk. He'd met her now. The only thing she was offering was sex, and how could he complain? He couldn't offer her anything more than sex either. Not for the next four years. He'd be stupid to think she'd still be available by the time he was ready. Some lucky guy was bound to come along and make her his own. He clenched his fist against the wave of anger that thought caused him.

“Do we need to get ready to go into town?” Jack's voice cut into his thoughts.

“I guess we do. Mind if I shower in the RV?”

Jack nodded. He was supposedly living in his brother's motor coach, which he'd parked on Pete's lot while he oversaw the construction of the house. In reality though, he'd effectively moved in with Emma. Her house stood on the same headland as Pete's lot. He smiled to think that soon they'd be neighbors up here, sharing the headland and the beach that lined the North Cove.

After they were both freshly showered and shaved, Jack said,

“Let's go. We don't want to keep the ladies waiting.”