Page 50 of Pressure

His embrace calmed her still racing heart and she nodded. “Sorry if I freaked you out. It just spooked me.”

One finger trailed down her cheek as he examined her face. “With good reason. Why don’t you go grab a shower? I didn’t get to order breakfast. We’ll just get something on the way to the plane.”

“OK. That sounds good.

When they approached his private jet an hour later, Marissa let out a whistle. “Jesus. No wonder you made it to the top of the sexiest man list last year.”

Lance laughed. “So, you don’t think my looks had anything to do with it?” he asked as they walked up the steps together.

“I mean obviously you have that in spades. But the jet definitely increases your sex appeal. I notice you wore your glasses for that photo shoot.”

He grinned as he motioned her into a seat. “The stylists said it played well with the people who had sexy geek fantasies.”

Marissa laughed as she settled into her seat.

“I’m surprised you saw that,” Lance said as he tucked his tech bag underneath his seat.

Marissa looked out the window. “I wouldn’t have. You know those magazines aren’t my thing. But I went to have lunch at mom’s house, and she gave me a copy. ‘Marissa honey, isn’t this that boy you used to date?’ she said as she handed it to me. And then moaned about how I let you get away. She’s quite convinced I’ll never give her grandchildren.”

Lance smirked. “Your mom did always like me.”

“She liked that you were a boy and you weren’t facing prison time unlike my previous two partners.”

“Ah yes. I do remember your mom telling me she was convinced you were a lesbian when you were in high school.”

Marissa’s mouth fell open. “Shetoldyou that? She’s finally learning to not be a fucking bigot but yeah, it used to cause her to lose sleep at night because for some reason the way I dressed and combed my hair made her think I liked girls.”

“Well I’m glad she’s learning to be more open minded. I believe the word lesbian was whispered when she talked to me about it.”

Marissa groaned. “I regret introducing you to her.”

Lance picked up her hand. “I don’t regret it. I regret a lot of things where you’re concerned but meeting your family isn’t one of them.”

She pulled her hand away and busied herself with her phone. She wasn’t ready to talk about the past yet and judging by his tone, he wanted to get serious.

“Sorry,” he muttered. “I guess it’s still a little too early for heavy conversations.”

She nodded and gave him a small smile. “I’ll come around. Just let me enjoy being playful with you for now.”

He nodded. “Done. You’ll let me know when you’re ready.”

Marissa just hoped she would be ready someday.

---