Ryan stepped inside the plane and tried not to salivate at the smell of new leather. It was like a new car, only, well… it was an airplane.

Other than Noah, he would be the first to pilot this gorgeous Gulfstream G650. Technically, the first to copilot since Noah had made Jameson the pilot. Close enough.

Buying this plane was a bold move on Noah’s part. It opened them up to international flights for one – a huge step.

Noah had assured them that he would find a flight attendant. Ryan didn’t need a flight attendant. He could take care of the passengers himself. In fact, he’d rather do it himself. A flight attendant was just one more thing to worry about. But Noah was out to impress the Dallas socialite Mike Kinsella.

Ryan rolled his eyes. No matter where he went, he couldn’t seem to get away from socialites. It was times like this when he missed his high school and college buddies. A time when they could just have a beer and make stupid jokes with each other. Where nobody was worried about image.

We need to take a break. Sariah’s words played over and over in his head. What did that even mean? Take a break. When he pressed her on it, she walked away, leaving him standing in her foyer as she went upstairs. He stood there and listened as she closed the door to her bedroom. She could have at least slammed the door. Sometimes a little emotion indicated that a person at least gave a damn.

He’d let himself out of her condo and gone home.

He sighed. He wasn’t in the right frame of mind at the moment, but he was in the world of his choosing. Flying involved portraying a certain image. Especially flying for Noah Worthington. Noah’s company had grown quickly over the past few years. Between Noah and his wife Savannah, they had created an image around Skye Travels that no one else could emulate.

They had top notch pilots, the latest airplanes and technology, and Ryan had to admit, an impeccable image.

He looked at his watch. The passengers were going to be here any minute.

He checked the ice tray, the soda supply, and the liquor cabinet. Whoever had stocked the plane had done a thorough job. Noah probably had it done last night. He might even have done it himself. The man’s energy level was never ending.

He went back to the cockpit and he and Jameson began going through the preflight checklist.

He did a double-take when he saw Noah’s SUV heading toward them. What was so important that Noah hadn’t called or sent a text?

Noah stepped out, went around and opened the trunk. He pulled out a duffel bag and tossed it over his shoulder.

Jameson looked up and exchanged a glance with Ryan. “What the-?”

Ryan shrugged. “Maybe Noah’s coming along. He might not want the plane out of his sight yet.”

“Maybe.” He put a check mark on the next item on the list. “I thought he was headed to Alabama for the weekend.”

The passenger door opened and Ryan didn’t hear anything else Jameson said.

It was her. The girl he’d seen last night standing on the other side of the elevator.

He glanced at Jameson to see if he saw her too.

“What’s she doing here?” Jameson asked.

“Who is she?” Ryan asked.

“I don’t know.” Obviously unaffected, he turned his attention back to the checklist. “I think she’s the scheduler.”

Noah escorted the girl toward the plane. Ryan got up and went to stand in the open doorway.

“Ryan,” Noah said, looking up at him. “This is Charlotte. She’s your flight attendant for the trip.”