Surrender 01 - Surrender

you.”
    The conversation ceased during the drive to her apartment. It was nice not having to fight the busy city traffic or take public transportation. She could seriously get used to being chauffeured around.
    They reached her apartment in about fifteen minutes, and she ran up the stairs to throw a few items together. She hadn’t been told anything about the trip and thus was unsure what to pack. She didn’t have any dinner dresses, so that was out. She hoped she wasn’t expected to attend anything formal. But if she were, she’d just have to buy something.
    She wouldn’t like cutting into her savings, but she would be in New York, and it would almost be a shame for her not to do at least a little bit of shopping. Her optimism rose as she took a moment to think about it.
    This could be a great trip. She’d probably be sitting in on meetings during the day, taking notes, and then typing things up. She was certainly good at that. Her nights would most likely be her own to do with as she pleased. If they were going to be there several days, maybe she’d even be able to take in a Broadway show . The best part of all was that she’d be on the other side of the country — far from Rafe. She was still unsure what his surprise visit was about yesterday.
    Ari made sure she had her ID and a few changes of clothing, and then she double-checked all her windows, making sure they were locked. Her next task of business was to call the hospital. Her fears were assuaged when the doctor assured her that her mother wouldn’t be released until at least Tuesday. She’d have plenty of time to get home. Luckily, she didn’t have any pets to worry about, so she was back down to the car within twenty minutes.
    “That was much faster than I’m used to,” the driver said with a smile as he again held open her door.
    “I don’t like to waste time. There was only so much to pack,” she said as she handed him her bag and then slid into the back seat. He stowed her luggage in the back, then came around, and the car was back on the road.
    Ari wanted to fill the silence with conversation, but she didn’t know what to talk about, so she just sat back and enjoyed the ride. It was a beautiful and sunny day, perfect for seeing the view out the jet’s windows as they took off.
    When the driver skirted the main airport, Ari grew concerned. As worse-case scenarios began to play out in her mind, he turned down a connecting road and approached a private facility next door.
    “Why are we here?”
    “This is where the corporate jets are stored. They use a separate runway.”
    “Oh, that makes sense.”
    “Right this way, please,” he said as he helped her from the car and then led her to the building, straight through and out the back door.
    Ari gasped at the size of the jet in front of her. It was as large as a commercial aircraft. This had to be the wrong one. Private jets were small and sleek.
    “Is something wrong?” the driver asked.
    “Is that what I’m traveling in?”
    “I know, it’s a bit large. I’ve always wanted to ride in her. It’s a 747, picked up right from the factory and converted into a beautiful private jet. It has a large master bedroom, two other sleeping quarters, a conference room, general meeting area, kitchen and two more bathrooms. If you’re going to travel, this is the way to do it.”
    “Wow. I had no idea the company I work for had this kind of wealth. The offices are nice, but they’re not that nice,” she said with a whistle as she started to move forward again.
    She missed the incredulous look he gave her. Had she stopped and listened to him a few more moments, she never would have stepped inside the jet, and then never been thrown the hardest choice of her life.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

    Rafe stayed where he was like a panther preparing to leap. What amazed him were the nerves coursing through his body. He didn’t succumb to such weakness — he was Rafe Palazzo and nothing could affect him.
    He sat back in his comfortable lounge chair and watched Ari’s shadow edge into the jet, showing him she was now walking up the stairs.
    He waited.
    Taking a sip of his bourbon, he leaned farther back in his seat, casually placing one foot across the top of his opposite knee. He was the picture of cool confidence, though the fire raging in his eyes could certainly quash the rumors that he was a man of ice.
    Finally, Ari stepped inside. His eyes never left her face as she glanced around at her