Page 48 of Big Bad Wolfe

The plane bumped and dropped into an air pocket, and she jerked.

Zane’s wrist rotated and he enfolded her fingers, easily tucking her entire hand inside his palm. “You skittish about flying?”

At his intimate touch, champagne bubbles tingled through her bloodstream. “No. I love it, actually.

“You ever been up at night in a small plane?”

“I’ve never been in a small plane at all.”

“It’s incredible. The whole universe is spread out in front of you, limitless and full of potential.” Fascinated, she watched passion animate his expression. “The stars and planets are so close you can reach out and touch them. You’re all alone with the stars and your dreams. Take a chance, grab a star. Anything seems possible.”

Thrilled by the glimpse into his private world, she stared into his hauntingly beautiful eyes.

His gaze locked on hers, and the moment stretched out as silent communication arced between them. His irises darkened, held her captive. Heat-lightning flashed in the smoldering umber depths, warning of a tumultuous summer storm.

Locating her voice took two attempts. “Will you take me sometime?”

“I’d like to show you things you’ve never imagined,” he murmured huskily.

Ensnared by the sudden predatory male claim in his smoldering gaze, she couldn’t breathe. She battled a surge of panic. This was a frightening game she didn’t know how to play. He was a dangerous man she didn’t know how to handle.

She wrenched her gaze away, stared out the window again. “We have another hour until we land. I’d enjoy hearing about your flying adventures. How long did it take you to learn, and when did you start?”

His fingers gently squeezed hers. “You really interested in all that?”

She’d be riveted—and turned on—by listening to Wolfe’s deep, smoky timbre read the dictionary.

Oh, girl, you are in so deep over your head.

“Yes,” she said, willing her voice to emerge steadier than she felt. “I’m very interested learning in everything about you, Zane. I mean …” she backpedaled. “Not in a stalkerish sort of way.”

His deep chuckle vibrated through her, made her thighs tighten. Odd how the more edgy she got, the calmer he became. Once Wolfe had made a decision, he apparently arrowed forward with single-minded, doubt-free determination.

The remaining hour passed quickly. Maybe too quickly.

Their group deplaned in Reno. They’d all foregone checking luggage in favor of quicker carry-ons, which both men insisted on toting for the ladies.

As they strode through the terminal, Zane glanced at his watch. “I’ve arranged for a car. We have to buy our license and I need dress shoes, since the kid yakked in mine. And I suppose for appearances sake, we should exchange rings. Gotta make it look authentic.”

Appearances sake.Melancholy cloaked Jillian in a chilly mist. No matter how it looked, this marriage was just a charade.

“According to my web research,” Zane continued, “the Riverwalk shopping district is ETA six minutes from the marriage license bureau, so we can stop there afterward.” He glanced down at Jillian. “There’s even a florist, so you can get a bouquet if you want. Then it’s about an hour’s drive to Lake Tahoe.”

Jillian tilted her head. “Lake Tahoe?”

“Yeah. You’re not a city girl, and as much as you like the water, I figured you’d prefer …” At her wondering gaze, his words faded. He cleared his throat. “I scheduled the ceremony with time to spare, so we don’t have to rush. This is a business transaction, but it might as well be as pleasant as possible.”

“Hellfire, Wolfe,” Dallas said. “You’ve got this as critically mapped out and detailed as one of our tactical missions.”

Right. Zane was on a mission. Fulfilling his obligation.

Zane led the way outside into the afternoon sunshine. “Our hotel suites are also confirmed, so we can check in and park our bags, then get the ceremony over with.”

Get it over with?Jillian bit her lip. Hardly her ideal wedding to start, it grew more disheartening by the second.

The sight of a sleek, charcoal gray stretch limo outside the terminal brightened Jillian’s mood. “Wow, you rented a limo?”

“I thought it’d be more comfortable for Mia in her condition.”

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