Page 8 of Boss

The driver laughed. He cut the wheel sharp left and she nearly slid across the seat to the other door. And then he slammed on his brakes. Her seatbelt tightened to the point of choking her.

“Ha! We made it!” he pumped on his horn.

“Crazy!” she huffed. The young man got out of the car laughing. She checked her makeup to make sure she looked flawless. Kassidy swallowed her nerves. It was a risky plan. But nothing gained came without risk.

2.

Tarek rubbed the tension from his brow. He needed sleep and time alone to think. Instead of staying for the closing meetings, he called for the family jet. If the board was going to turn on him he had to be ready. His brothers would have to wait for it to return or find another way home.

“We're here sir,” his driver said.

The car entered the gates of the private airport. Tarek looked over to his right. He wasn't sure why, but he did. At that moment he thought he saw the woman he had drinks with earlier. She was walking through the doors of the private airport in a coat pulling along her luggage. The moment was fleeting.

Instead of being taken to the runway, he was brought to the back right side of the airport that led to the airstrip. He typically didn't board until the plane was fueled and ready. The driver opened the door and Tarek stepped out into the chill. He walked into the airport and was greeted.

“Mr. Marshall, we're almost ready for you sir. Can I offer you a drink while you wait?”

“No,” he said. The woman gave him a polite smile and backed away. He glanced out to the plane and then turned away to find a seat. And again he saw her. She paced over by a plotted plant. Outside of the dim lighting of the restaurant, he was able to get a better look at her. She was average in height, but he guessed her to be short, since the heels on her shoes were so tall. She had nice legs. It was all he could see of her since her coat stopped at her knee. Her hair was jet-black and trimmed into a short pageboy style. The bangs were evenly cut and covered her brow. And she seemed distressed.

“Damn it,” she said loud enough for everyone to hear. She dramatically ended her call with her hand to her brow and a few more expletives. This one had a mouth on her. She hadn't seen him yet. Or at least she wanted him to think she hadn't. Tarek watched her with mild amusement. And then she glanced his way. She gave him a surprised look. He waited for her next move.

“Mr. Marshall, hi?” she said, walking over.

Tarek stood.

“Angela, hello.”

“Are you leaving?”

“I am. And you?” he asked.

She sighed. “I was supposed to fly out with one of my associates. I was told this was the airport. I just learned that he is leaving out of Midway. So I've missed the flight.”

“Pity,” Tarek said.

“I'm headed to Texas, Dallas.”

“Isn't that interesting, I'm heading to Dallas too,” Tarek said.

She flashed him a beautiful smile. It was indeed ranked high with her best features. Sexual attraction can make a fool out of even the most astute of men. Tarek was no fool. But he had three vices, and a woman like her could be one of them.

“That's not just interesting. It's fate! I know this is inappropriate, but I would be so appreciative if you'd be a gentleman, and offer a lady in distress a ride.”

“Appreciative?”

“Never mind. That must really sound weird. I... I'm stuck and... well, I think we got off on the wrong foot.”

“It's no problem. I'd enjoy the company Ms. Brown. By all means, join me,” he said.

“Really?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Mr. Marshall, we’re ready for you sir,” the airport attendant announced.

“Your things?” he asked.

“Oh, it's right there, just that rolling bag,” she smiled. He nodded and picked it up. And the woman walked off ahead of him. He handed the bag to the attendant, and followed her to the plane. She boarded first, he came on after her. The Cessna had relaxed seating with large, peanut butter brown soft leather chairs that reclined and adjusted for your comfort. The passengers were able to face each other. He sat across from her. She smiled and buckled in. Soon they were taxing to lift off.

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