Fighting back tears, Taylor buckled her seatbelt and shifted her attention out the aircraft window.

She and Jagger had said their goodbyes at six that morning. He hadn’t asked her to stay. He hadn’t offered her a job. He’d walked her to her suite, wished her a safe flight, and left.

And that’s when her heart had shattered.

With her assignment completed, she’d head home rather than tack on the time off Colton had offered. If she vacationed alone, she’d mope all week. It would be smarter to immerse herself in everything Mitus and move on.

She fiddled with the sapphire and diamond bracelet dangling from her wrist. It was a bittersweet reminder she’d tuck away in her jewelry box once she returned home. Love just wasn’t enough.

Passengers traipsed down the aisle on their way to business class, but her companion seat in first class remained empty. Fishing her phone from her handbag, she activated “airplane mode” and tossed her things onto the empty seat. When she closed her eyes, Jagger’s chiseled face popped into her head. If she lived to be a hundred, she’d never get over him. His easygoing smile was etched into her soul. And that mouth…the way he kissed her, held her. I’m a mess.

To distract herself, she watched baggage handlers hoist luggage onto the conveyor belt. Again, her thoughts drifted back to him.

Jagger had helped her take the first step in conquering lifelong insecurities. And for that, she’d always be grateful.

She loved working with him and helping him overcome his own challenges. Her chest tightened. We made a great team.

“Excuse me.” She whipped her head toward the familiar voice, and her heart leapt into her throat. “Your handbag is in my seat.” With a wicked grin, Jagger offered it to her.

She absentmindedly took it, disbelieving he was actually standing there.

“Hello, beautiful.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek before sitting. “You didn’t think I was going to let you return to Virginia without me, did you?”

“I…I did.” She stroked his arm. Had to confirm he was really there.

Shaking his head, his sexy smile said it all. “Not a chance. When you know, you know.”

Her heart skipped a beat and she flashed him a grin. “How long will you be staying?”

“Long enough for you to resign and pack your bags.”

She gaped at him. “Did you just offer me a job?”

“Yes, and I’m about to offer you a hell of a lot more than that.” He pulled something from his jacket pocket, knelt in the aisle, and opened a ring box. “I love you. So damned much. I can’t live without you and I don’t want to run Loving without you by my side. Please marry me, Taylor.”

“Ohmygod,” she whispered.

In mid-sentence, the flight attendant stopped instructing passengers on safety precautions. “Ladies and gentleman, we have a proposal.”

The cabin grew quiet. Taylor’s heart pounded a frenzied rhythm, the excitement threatening to explode. “Yes, I will. Absolutely, yes!”

Passengers seated nearby clapped. He kissed her again before slipping the diamond on her finger. “I will cherish you for the rest of my life,” he whispered.

With a triumphant smile, he rose and gave the thumbs-up sign. “She said ‘Yes’!”

The cabin erupted in applause as he took his seat and the flight attendant resumed her preflight instructions.

He cupped her face, pulled her close, and kissed her again. “I love you so much. Will you be my forever Valentine?”

“I love you, too,” she said, tears spilling from her. “You’ve made me so happy.” She pressed her hand to her chest and sucked in a jagged breath.

“Me, too.”

As the plane taxied toward the runway, she admired her diamond. “This is gorgeous.”

“That ring is a placeholder, honey. We’re going ring shopping.”

She loved how the double halo of sparkling, round diamonds complemented the brilliance of the large solitaire. “Did you pick this out?”

“Yes, but it’s from my hotel, Taylor.”

“Even better,” she said, weaving her fingers through his. “I love this ring that you picked out at your hotel. It’s perfect.”

He leaned close. “Do you know how happy I am that you said ‘Yes’?”

“Yeah, I think I do,” she said and kissed him. “So, about that job…are you offering me the position of Event Director at Loving Malibu?”

“Hell, no, that’s not nearly big enough for someone with your skills, intelligence, and determination. I’m thinking more like Vice President of Events for Loving Resorts, worldwide.”

“What? You can’t be serious?” she asked as the plane sped down the runway and lifted into the sky.

“Of course I am. I need your loving touch at all my properties, so I’m creating this position just for you. Plus, I have plans for a fifth in Marco Island that we can develop together from the ground up.”

“I would love that.” Her gleeful expression faltered and she broke eye contact.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m going to miss everyone at Mitus.”

“Take some time to decide. It’s a lot to digest.”

Bold choices. “No time needed. I’m following my heart. And my heart is with you. And… I’ve gotta admit, this is a great career move for me.”

He chuffed out a laugh. “For us both.”

The flight attendant appeared with two mini champagne bottles and two flutes perched on a tray. “On behalf of the captain and flight crew, congratulations on your engagement.”

“Thank you,” Taylor said. “That’s so nice of you, but we don’t drink. Do you have sparkling water?”

“Be right back with that.” The flight attendant retreated to the front of the cabin.

“You don’t have to stop drinking because of me,” he said.

“I might have a glass of wine on occasion, but I want to support you in your sobriety.”

His eyes softened. “You’re an angel, you know that?”

She leaned close, kissed him. “There is something I’d love to do and you’re the perfect man for the job.”

“Name it.”

Pressing her mouth to his ear, she whispered, “Become a member of the ‘Mile High Club’.”

His breathing hitched. “Aren’t you a naughty girl?”

With a smirk, she nodded.

“I’m not a member of that club, either,” he murmured. “But I don’t have any condoms with me.”

“I can wait until the return flight,” she said, and squeezed his hand.

His loving kiss melted her heart and lit her insides on fire. “So can I, my love. So can I.”

* * *