I Married a Master(53)
Author: Melanie Marchande

"I’ve got some portfolios," he said. "A few wedding planners that come highly recommended. You can pick your favorite, or just close your eyes and throw a dart. From there, they can pretty much handle everything, and they’ll just come to you with a few choices while they handle all the logistics."

"Wow," I said. "So this is how the other half lives."

He poked at his risotto. "I don’t think hiring a wedding planner is particularly glitterati."

"Well of course, you wouldn’t." I smiled at him, but he just gave me an irritated look.

I figured there was a fifty-fifty chance we’d end up killing each other on our romantic little getaway.

"I’m so going to enjoy arguing about the logistics of our wedding with you," I said, swirling my wine.

"Oh, darling." He leaned back in his chair, smiling indulgently. "I love it when you talk dirty to me."

***

He had a private plane.

Of course he had a private plane. What were we, commoners?

The urge to roll my eyes at everything was extreme, but I managed to suppress it. And yeah, it was pretty convenient that I didn’t have to take off my shoes or shuffle in a line of whining kids with my luggage that had a perpetually broken wheel. I mean – it was nice. It was impossible to keep any level of detachment or cynicism when I walked up the pristine steps, into the beautiful, spacious cabin, and sank into the plush leather seat.

I glanced at Ben as he sat down beside me. He’d never known any other life. This was his reality. Had he even set foot on a commercial airline?

"It’s too bad we couldn’t take the big plane," he sighed, leaning back in his seat. "But we’re flying into a matchbox airport, basically. We’ll just have to make due."

I looked around me, taking in the ridiculously plush surroundings. "You’re…kidding, right?"

He glanced at me sideways, a grin tugging at his mouth. "A little bit."

I laughed, drawing my knees up to my chest. The seat was practically big enough for me to curl up like a cat and nap in the sun. "I’ve never even flown first class before."

Ben made a dismissive gesture. "Not worth the money. Once you fly private jet, you never go back."

"Oh, my God." I turned to look at him, unable to hide my smile, even though I sort of wanted to smack him. "Do you have any idea how you sound?"

Leaning back in his chair, he gestured for the attendant. "People are going to hate me no matter what, so I might as well deserve it." His eyes sparkled. "Mimosa?"

"What the hell." I sat up and accepted a flute from the silent attendant, thanking her, to which she only nodded politely. "I don’t understand why you won’t just tell me where we’re going."

"More fun this way." His eyes darted to mine, as he sipped his drink. "Besides, I like the little wrinkle in your forehead when you’re trying to figure something out."

This seemed like dangerous territory, but the warmth of the champagne spread in my stomach and I forgot exactly why. I probably should have eaten breakfast before we left.

"I’m sure I won’t be able to guess," I said, trying to gently deflect. "I mean, you were content to take the small plane, which means it can’t be very far. If we were taking an overnight trip, I’m assuming you wouldn’t settle for any less than a flying Ritz Carlton."

"The lady knows me." Ben grinned. "You’re correct about that part – it’s a short flight."

"So we’re staying in the northeast." I frowned at my empty champagne flute. When did that happen? "That narrows it down, but not by much."

"You won’t get it out of me," he said. "I promise you that. I’m very stubborn."

I snickered. "No. I hadn’t noticed."

For a moment, our eyes locked, and his smile almost made me forget what we were really doing.

What were we really doing? How was I supposed to behave, on a romantic getaway with a man I was not actually romantically involved with?

I tore my eyes away from his face, determined to be the first person to break the contact. I was afraid of what would happen if one of us didn’t, and I didn’t quite trust him to do it.

"I know this is a little bit strange," said Ben, softly. His tone had taken on a serious undercurrent, something I seldom heard from him. "And I’m sorry for that. If there was an easier way to do it…" He hesitated. "But anyway, I thought you’d enjoy this trip. Even if it’s…awkward."

I stared at the wall in front of me. "Why does it have to be awkward?"

"It doesn’t," he said, quickly. "But I know things could get…you know. If the lines blur. It’s understandable."

My heartbeat was quickening, and I didn’t exactly know why.

He cleared this throat. "I mean you’re – well. You know what you are. You’re trying to be an actress, for God’s sake."

I blinked, trying to follow his train of thought. "So?"

"So, you know what you look like." He was staring at the floor. "You’re about to make a career out of being irresistible."

Laughing in disbelief, I sat up straighter. "There’s a little more to acting than sex appeal, Ben."

"Maybe so." He glanced at me briefly, then back at the floor, barely hiding a smile. "But when I look at you, I’m not thinking about how much I’d like to give you an Oscar."

There was a buzzing in my head, growing ever louder with each passing moment. How was I supposed to pretend like his words weren’t affecting me?

"What do you think about?" I asked, my voice a little husky. Damn it. I didn’t mean to sound so alluring.

Or maybe I did.

"Oh, no." He laughed, gesturing for another drink. "Your honor, I refuse to answer that question, on the basis that it might incriminate me."

Shit. I was completely out of my depth. Flirting was one thing – although I was fairly out of practice, these days – but flirting with a guy I was already going to marry, for completely practical reasons? And one who I absolutely, categorically could not stand as a human being?

Hell, what could possibly go wrong?

"That’s disappointing," I murmured, smiling down at my lap. Another mimosa appeared in front of me, and I let my eyes linger on Ben’s hand as he set it down, his fingers long and nimble and –

Damn it.

"Trust me, it’s for the best," he said. "You’d either kill me, or…" He cleared his throat. "Well, I’m not sure. But either way, I’m pretty positive it wouldn’t be appropriate for the venue."

"You just had to take the small plane, didn’t you?" I leaned my head back, glancing sidelong at him. His eyes widened slightly.