Three Thousand Miles (22 page)

“Where are we going?” I ask him in a curios voice.

“We are going to my airplane.” He smugly says. I smile at him and I realise that, of
course, he has his own private jet. The elevator stops and the glass doors open onto the runway. The wind and the chill in the air took me by surprise when Adrian escorts me out. He notices that I am cold and he pulls me tighter.

“Just think in two hours you will be in sunny Miami.” He says as he rubs my arms trying to bring the heat back into them. We walk over to Adrian
’s
private jet and he quickly ushers me up the steps. I walk into the airplane and I smile at the sight. There are huge leather seats and a massive sofa. The lighting is soft and there is a private bar, which is st
ock
ed with every type of beverage
that
you can mention. Adrian walks me over to the seats and we sit side by side. A blonde
-
haired
,
airhostess quickly makes her way down the aisle and she is carrying a bunch of red roses. Adrian smiles at her and I stare at him as he does.

“Mandy, how are you today?” H
e asks, the woman quickly smiles at him and she says.

“
Working hard Adrian, and you?” S
he says in a sweet British accent. I stare at her and I wonder why she addressed him so informal. Surly it is unprofessional to call your employer by his first name. I stare at her and her face lights up as she talks to him. I do not say a word and I feel a little jealous.

“Mandy this is my Alanna.” Adrian says and I feel that he has noticed my shyness and has figured out why. The airhostess turns me and she has a very cheesy grin on her face.

“Hello Alanna, it is nice to meet you. These are for you,” she says as she hands me the large bouquet of roses. I smile at her and I glance at Adrian.

“Thanks for the flowers and it’s nice to meet you too.” I say softly.

“Would you like a drink before take-off?” Mandy asks us.

“I will have a water and Alanna what would you like?” I place the flowers onto the seat next to me and glare up at Mandy.

“I will have the same, thanks.” Mandy quickly glides up the aisle and returns with our drinks.

I sit nervously as the plane begins to make its way down the runway. As it picks up speed, I grip my hand into the seat. Adrian responds to my actions and he takes my hand.

“Are you okay?” H
e asks gently. I smile at him and I feel embarrassed to let him know that I am terrified of flying.

“I am a nervous flyer.” I admit. Adrian pulls me closer to him and he whispers in my ear.

“Baby, you are safe, I won’t let anything happen to you.” I smile at his reassurance and he gently kisses me on the forehead. The plane takes off and I clutch onto him even harder. He gently laughs and I begin to giggle.

“Hey it’s not funny.” I insist. Adrian lets out a louder laugh and I begin to giggle more. I gently slap him on his chest and he straightens his face.

“I am sorry baby,” he says as he bursts out laughing
-
again. I slap him again and he leans back into his seat as he carries on laughing.

“Adrian it’s not funny,” I say firmly.

“I know it’s not, but I just cannot stop.” He says as he tries to straighten himself out. I pout at him and he jerks me forward.

“Kiss me, Alanna.” He strongly asks. I smile at him but I do not do as he says. I watch him as he waits impatiently. His stare into his green eyes and I cannot resist any longer. I lunge forward and I kiss him passionately on his full lips. He finally pulls back after what seems like forever.

“How is your family?” H
e asks. I lean back from him and I suddenly remember that I have forgotten to tell my parents that I have gone away for a few days. I search in my bag for my phone and I quickly dial my mom’s number. Adrian looks at me and I can see that he is confused.

“I forgot to tell my parents that I was going away for the weekend. I better give my mom a call just so that she doesn’t worry.” Adrian smiles at me and I am again reminded about his childhood. I wrinkle my face at the thought and I focus on my phone.

“Shoot, I can’t use my phone!” I say in an annoyed voice. Adrian smiles at me and he quickly hands me a slender, black phone. I roll my eyes briefly, as of course his jet would have a built in phone. I again dial my mom’s number and I wait for her to answer.   

“Mom, it’s Alanna,” I say as she picks up the phone. My mom’s voice sounds panicked and I quickly reassure her that everything is okay.

“I am just calling to let you know that I have gone away for a few days.”

“
Okay, where are you off to?”

“Miami,”

“Okay, tell Sophie that I said hello and have fun Alanna.”

“Mom
,
Sophie is not with me.”

“Then who have you gone away with?” I pause at her words and I do not know how to answer her question. My
m
om was not the most supportive when Adrian left and I fear what her reaction might be.

“I was meaning to tell yo
u that I am back with Adrian.” T
he phone is silent and I await her response.

“I see, and when did this happen?”

“A few days ago, but mom I have never been happier and I hope that you can be supportive of us?” I glance to Adrian as I say those words and he quickly smiles at me. I focus again on the phone and I listen to my mom’s words. 

“I don’t like what he did, but I know how you feel about him, therefore I will be supportive of you.”

“Thanks mom, it means a lot to me that you understand.”

“Yes well, please be careful and remember to put on sunscreen I hear that Miami is having a heat wave.”

“Oh I can’t wait its freezing in New York right now.” I end the call and I place my phone into my lap. Adrian quickly rises up from the seat and he walks over to the sofa. He gently pats the cushion and I take that as signal that he wants me to come over. I slowly get up and walk over to him. He smiles at me and I sit next to him. He stretches out onto the sofa and he huddles me into his chest. He places one arm around me and he rests the other under his head. I hear him breathe deeply and I wonder if there is something bothering him. I do not want to spoil the moment so I resist the urge to ask him.

“Alanna
,
what was your mother saying about me?” He asks gently. I turn my head to
the
green eyes that are staring at me.

“My mom doesn’t like the fact that you left me while I was in the hospital. But she knows how I feel about you and don’t worry she is fine with everything.” I try to reassure him but something in his eyes is informing me that he is not reassured. He gently strokes my hair as he thinks.

“Can I meet your family?”

“Yes, I would love for you to meet them. Just say when and I will make it happen.” I gush. Adrian leans downs and kisses me on my forehead.

“When
we return to New York, is that okay?” H
e asks and I am flattered that he wants to meet my family.

“Yes that’s fine.” I answer. Adrian slides himself up onto the sofa and I adjust to his new position.

“Have you thought anymore about Emma?” I bravely ask. He pushes back his hair and he turns to face me.

“Yes I have, I will meet her when we return to New York. Do you still want to come with me?” Adrian asks and his voice sounds shallow. I gently graze his cheek as I feel that he needs a little comfort right now.

“Absolutely I am there.” I move nervously at my last words as I remember what Dr James told me about Emma. I gaze at Adrian and I feel that now is the right time to let him know about the new information that I
have
found out about his sister.

“Don’t get mad at me but I have something to tell you about Emma.” He looks at me and says.

“I could never be mad at you, but please tell me what you know.” He says confidently. I break free from his grasp and I sit up straight. I look into his eyes and I melt.

“My doctor at the hospital dated Emma. He told me that he was head
-
over
-
heels in love with her but her mom, Maggie, would not let them be together. Emma kept their relationship a secret and she was worried about what her mother would say.” Adrian looks at me and again his eyes are staring blankly at me.

“Why haven’t you told me this?” He asks and I feel that perhaps he is annoyed with me.

“I don’t know, I guess that I was just waiting for the right moment to tell you. I am sorry if you feel that I kept this from you. That was not my intention.” Adrian places his hand on my leg and he gently caresses my dress.

“It’s
okay, I know you were just doing what you felt was right. What is this bloke like?”

“He is a nice guy, he really loves Emma but she won’t admit that she feels the same way. I feel sorry for him and I wish that they could sort things out. He would make a wonderful boyfriend and I am guessing that Emma knows that too.” Adrian nods and I c
an tell that
my speech
does not impress him
. He runs his fingers through his hair and he checks the time on his watch.

“Maybe she just doesn’t love the bloke and he can’t get over it.” His words sting and I almost feel that they are directed at Michael. I pretend that I did not notice his comment and I quickly change the subject.

“I noticed you told Jeff that you would be back soon?” I say intensely. Adrian smirks at me and rolls his fingers along my leg.

“Baby, I have to go back sometime. The company needs me and it’s not fair for me to put everything on Jeff.” I roll my eyes slightly because I know that what he is saying is correct. Adrian has
his
own company and he cannot rely
on other people
to run it for him.

“I know
,
I understand but I will miss you. When are you leaving?”

“Not for a while yet, I want to meet your family and I also want to get to know Emma
. Alanna, when is graduation?” H
e asks politely. I smile at him and I move a little closer to him.

“Graduation is in May, why?” I ask him as I slide my hand along his broad chest. H
e smiles at my touch
.

“I want you to spend two weeks with me in London over the summer.” I sit up at his words and I cannot contain the huge smile that has plastered my face.

“Really, I would love to.” I say in a loud and happy voice. Adrian lets out a husky laugh.

“I am glad that you like my idea,” he says very sarcastically.

“I absolutely adore London; I cannot wait to go back.”

“Alanna, I am honoured that you have agreed to this. However, I work a lot, I will not be around during the day, and that is the case most days. I feel that you should ask your friend Sophie to join you.” I consider his option and I wonder if Sophie would agree to this. She has never fully said that she would like to go to London. However, I know that she does crave a different setting and the chance to meet new guys. Two weeks in London would be just the right thing for us to rekindle our friendship.

“Yeah that is a good idea, I will ask her.”

The airplane comes into land and I brace myself. I clutch Adrian’s hand as the plane touches down and I let out a giggle when the aircraft finally comes to a stop. Adrian quickly ushers me from the seat and places his hand on my waist
as we wait for Mandy to open the doors. She slowly lifts the door and the sun is blinding. I step out and the hot air hits me in the face. I smile and I walk swiftly down the steps. I wait for Adrian as I see that has not made his way down yet. I notice that he is having a rather lengthy conversation with Mandy
-
the airhostess. I glare up at them and I can tell that she is flirting with him. She gently touches his arm as she speaks and I can see that she is letting out soft giggles. Adrian catches me staring and I quickly turn the other way. I hold my hand over my eyes to shelter them from the sunlight. I focus and I see a white car heading towards me. I glance at the car and I see the driver get out.

“Hello miss, may I take your bags?” He asks. I hand over my bags and I feel a hand on my back. Adrian leans in and he kisses me softly on my cheek. I
squint
my eyes as I look at him and I notice that he is wearing a pair of aviator sunglasses. I sigh at the sight and I am annoyed that I forgot to bring mine. With one swift movement, my prayers are answered. Adrian opens the Louis Vuitton suitcase and he pulls out a long black Chanel sunglass box. He hands me the box and I open it instantly. I take out the large black sunglasses and I carefully put them on. My eyes rest immediately and I glare through the sunglasses at Adrian.

“I told you I have everything
that
you need.” He says smugly. Adrian walks me over to the car and I notice that
the
car is
a
Bentley. I shake my head at the luxury car but I soon remember that Ad
rian is a m
illionaire and I should not expect him to drive around in anything other than these over
-
the
-
top expensive cars. Adrian opens the door for me and I smile at how much of a gentleman he is. I slide into the front seat of car and Adrian quickly gets into the driver’s side. I smile at him and I realise that this is the first time that I will see him driving. He starts the engine and he instantly drops the hood. He pushes his sunglasses back onto to his face and he runs his fingers through his tousled hair as he checks himself in the mirror. I stare and I feel as if my eyes are going to fall from the socket at the sight of him. He places his hand coolly
onto the
steering wheel and his gold Rolex sparkles in the Miami sun. He looks at me and he has a devilish smirk on his face. He clicks the car into drive, he pushes his foot down on the accelerator, and I fall back into my seat as the car speeds off.