Catch My Breath by Lynn Montagano

questions, kitten,” he teased.
    “Come on,” I pressed. “You mean to tell me you don’t go anywhere?”
    “My life isn’t as glamorous as you may think, Lia.”
    I grumbled to myself and got lost in the music for a bit. I knew what was coming. My curiosity was rather insatiable but I had a crazy need to know everything, especially when it came to people in Alastair’s position. I can blame Nathan for that.
    “Why didn’t you tell me you were the heir to your grandfather’s company?”
    “I didn’t know I had to.”
    “You didn’t. But it’s not a small detail.”
    “You clearly found out on your own,” he answered stiffly, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. Up until this point, I’d been enjoying the way he handled the car; fluidly, controlled and confident. Now, he seemed annoyed.
    “It just would have been nice if you’d told me yourself.”
    “Why does it matter?”
    “I have my reasons,” I said, grinding my teeth. “Or don’t you know them already?“
    “What are you talking about?” His voice was even and calm, but I could sense he was keeping something from me.
    “People in your position often have an insatiable urge to investigate anyone who wants access to their inner circle.“
    Getting involved with a high profile person wasn’t for the faint of heart. Not that we were ‘involved.’ My breakup with Nathan was still fresh and the emotional scars hadn’t healed yet.
    “I’ve been around this before,” I continued. “You probably sent my name to your security team the day we met.”
    The blank expression on his face should have stopped my ramblings. Unfortunately, my insecurities were running wild.
    “Lia, you’re being—”
    “What?” I interrupted, nearly shrieking. “I’m being paranoid? Ridiculous?” Anxiety hijacked my thought process. All my pent up hostility and hurt bubbled to the surface. “You’re all alike. You guys turn stalking into a recreational sport.”
    Heavy silence filled the car. Only the growling drone of the engine made a sound. I sunk my nails into the leather seat, trying like hell to regain some semblance of my dignity.
    We didn’t speak for what seemed like ever. A burning lump slowly worked its way up my throat. I swallowed it down, wincing from the discomfort. Why did I have to say all that?
    “Sorry,” I whispered. Alastair nodded, keeping his eyes glued to the road.
    A young man dressed in a security uniform greeted us at the airport’s security gate.
    “Hello, Mr. Holden. Nice to see you again." He leaned down to the window and peered in. Alastair greeted him and the two exchanged pleasantries. The guard pointed to a parking area by the hangar and directed Alastair to leave his car there. "Enjoy your flight, sir."
    Apprehension seeped out of my pores. I wanted to kick myself for being such a lunatic with all my ridiculous questions and accusations. Goosebumps rose across my skin as a cool breeze gently blew across the tarmac. I stood next to the car, staring at the hangar. Alastair placed his hand at the small of my back, leading me inside.
    Pointed toward the exit was a sleek, white Learjet. Two men were having a conversation by the wing. I blinked and swallowed hard, scanning the plane. It was stunning, like the kind celebrities used when they're jetting off to a premiere in the south of France. On the fuselage written in bold black letters was the name Holden World Media .
    "Alastair, you don't have to do this. I can fly home on a regular plane. This is completely unnecessary.”
    “I promised your friend I’d get you home safely. I’m a man of my word.” He waved someone over. “Kevin, this is Amelia Meyers. She’ll be flying with you tomorrow.”
    Kevin smiled politely, extending his hand. I shook it firmly. “Good to see you, Miss Meyers. I understand you live in Orlando? I may schedule a longer layover for myself once we arrive. The beaches must be lovely this time of year.”
    I laughed in spite of myself.