Page 25 of Merging with the Billionaire

Conrad spent the rest of the afternoon putting together the plans he had in mind. By the time he arrived at Tiffany’s apartment, he was charged with drive to make this the best night of Tiffany’s life. If he got only one chance to impress her and convince her they should be together, he was going to pull out all the stops.

He climbed out of the limo, greeted the doorman, and made his way up to her penthouse apartment. He knew it was old-fashioned to want to escort her to the car, but he wanted to treat Tiffany like the lady that she was.

Conrad knocked on the door and waited for Tiffany to answer. When she did, his mouth fell open in admiration. She looked gorgeous in a plum knee-length dress that hugged her body in all the right places.

“Wow, you look amazing.”

“Thank you,” she returned as she came out and locked the door behind her. “I kind of had to guess what to wear, considering you wouldn’t tell me where you were taking me.”

“You know, I figured it would be more fun to surprise you.”

“You’re lucky I don’t mind surprises. Well, at least in my personal life. When it comes to business, I like everything planned out.”

“I noticed that, but I took a chance and hoped you might be a little more relaxed off-duty.”

Tiffany laughed as she shook her head, causing her golden hair to move around her face in the most alluring way. He wanted to reach out and pull a lock through his fingers but realized it might be a little too soon for a move like that.

“You make me sound like a cop,” she joked.

“Well, you’re definitely the warden when we’re at work,” he pointed out, then gave her a mischievous smile. “Not that I mind it. You can lock me up any time.”

Conrad escorted Tiffany downstairs, then helped her into the waiting limo. He climbed in beside her, then told the driver they were ready to go.

The limo weaved through traffic along the streets of Manhattan until they arrived at the airport an hour later.

“We’re flying somewhere?”

“We sure are,” he said with a giant grin as the limo took them to a private hangar where a Lear jet was waiting. “We’re going to fly in that?”

He nodded. “I figured you’ve been on hundreds of massive private jets with all the bells and whistles, why not try something different.”

“I’m not sure I’m up for something different. Is it safe? I don’t think I’ve ever flown in a plane that tiny.”

“It’s not the size that matters,” Conrad harassed with a smirk. “It’s the quality of the pilot.”

“You had better have hired a great one then. Who’s even going to fly us?”

“I am,” Conrad revealed with pride. “I got my private pilot’s license and bought my first plane when I made my initial million. It was always a dream of mine.”

“Please Lord, don’t let me die,” she prayed as they climbed the set of metal steps that led to the jet.

Tiffany glanced around, and Conrad could tell she was trying to figure out where to sit.

“Why don’t you come up into the cockpit with me. I could use a co-pilot.”

“Seriously? I don’t know if I want to watch where we’re flying. I might be better off in the back.”

“No way, you want to be in the front. It’s the best view, trust me,” he said, taking her by the hand and pulling her forward. He took his position behind the control wheel, placed his headphones on his ears, and handed a set to Tiffany.

“Take the seat next to me and put those on,” he gently ordered with a grin. “Relax, this is going to be fun.”

Conrad went through the pre-flight checklist, making sure everything was in order for their flight. He had a team of mechanics and pilots that kept his fleet of planes in perfect working order, but he always liked to check things himself before each flight. When he was done, he radioed the tower, informing them they were ready for departure.

A few minutes later, they were high in the sky and cruising along the coastline.

Conrad looked over at Tiffany, who was gripping the edge of her chair so tight her knuckles were white. Her eyes were squeezed tight, and she looked like she might pass out at any moment.

“Tiffany, relax,” he whispered as he reached out and patted her hand.

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