Hard Impact: An Alpha Billionaire Romance Novel by Helen Grey Read Free Book Online Page B

sorry for the inconvenience, but I wasn’t told that this would be an overnight trip or I would have been prepared.” I was glad I had decided on slacks. At least I hadn’t opted for the skirt.
    “Nothing to do about it now,” he said, stepping from around the desk.
    I stood as well, my heart thumping and my mind racing. Good thing I didn’t have any pets or goldfish to feed. I wasn’t sure if Angela’s failure to tell me about the overnight trip was accidental… or was it possibly on purpose? I didn’t know why it would have been on purpose. As far as I knew, I hadn’t done anything to get on her bad side.
    I was surprised to realize how tall Blake was. He had to be at least a few inches over six feet. I was no slouch at five-seven but he was quite a bit taller than me. Of course, I was wearing flats, but still. His shoulders seemed wider, his chest broader, his arms longer. It wasn’t like I was intimidated, not really, but I was a bit nervous about going off with him. Would anyone else be coming along?
    “You’re not afraid of flying, are you?”
    He stood in front of me, his legs slightly spread, his arms once again crossed over his chest as he gazed down at me, assessing me in much the same way I’d just assessed him. For the second time. I clutched the satchel to my chest, not sure how to reply. Flying wasn’t exactly my favorite mode of travel, but I’d only been on an airplane a couple of times.
    “Where exactly are we going?” I asked, avoiding the question.
    “Southern Oregon,” he said shortly, then gestured for me to exit through the office door in front of him. As we stepped from his office, he spoke to his receptionist.
    “Jill, we’re off. If anything comes up, or if Matt needs anything, give me a call. If I don’t get reception, I’ll just call later this evening when we get to the ranch.”
    Ranch? I watched as Jill smiled and nodded at Blake, and then offered me a small hand wave. I offered an uncertain smile in return.
    “Follow me.”
    I could do nothing but tag behind him as Blake strode down the hallway, passing numerous doors as he headed for the exit sign. The door opened onto a stairwell. He took the steps quickly and I hurried after him, grateful once again that I had opted against a skirt and heels.
    “My ride’s at the Commodore Heliport,” he said as we reached the ground floor. He quickly stepped toward a heavy metal door and opened it. We emerged in the parking garage beneath the building.
    I said nothing because the comment didn’t require a response, my mind still spinning. At least I had my laptop, thank goodness for small favors, but I felt uncomfortable flying, period. Especially flying anywhere with him, alone. I supposed I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. There might be others waiting for him on the plane, no, helicopter. It couldn’t be a long flight, not if he was taking a helicopter. I had no idea how fast a helicopter could go. I’d never ridden in one before, no idea what to expect. It couldn’t be worse than flying, could it? Not that I was petrified of flying, but I didn’t like the feeling of air turbulence or the feeling I got when an airplane banked. I lost my sense of equilibrium.
    “There’s my Jeep,” he said, pointing.
    I glanced at him in surprise. Why had I just assumed that he probably had a fancy car and a driver to transport him around the city? I followed him, taking in those wide shoulders, the tapered waist, and those long legs. He had a nice butt too. Some men didn’t have a butt. Blake’s was nicely formed. I imagined it was as muscular as the rest of him. Unbidden, I wondered what he would do if I reached out and pinched one of his cheeks. Not that I would. Never! But the idea of it amused me nonetheless.
    When I got a better look at his Jeep, my eyes widened in surprise. It wasn’t what I was expecting. Not a Jeep Liberty, not a Jeep Cherokee, no, but one without a roof. It had no doors, a roll bar, low sides, and big