I cleared my throat. "No, it's better with you steadying me. Thank you."
I suddenly had a hot flash, and I was overwhelmed by the way he held me.
His touch was strong and subtle at the same time. My nether region was totally on fire. I couldn't explain my reaction to him. My brain must still have been befuddled from the flight.
When we entered the building, he told me to sit down while he took care of some paperwork. I had no idea what that was about, nor did I care right now. As he helped me sit, I noticed him wrinkle his nose. I realized why as I watched him prance his sexy ass toward a counter.
I’d never rinsed my mouth. I reeked of puke.
Chapter Five
Jake
Natalie seemed steadyon her feet as we walked out of the small airport. A local driver in a black Lexus was already waiting for us, standing in front of the car.
"Take the front seat, Natalie," I told her. "It’ll make it easier for you. And try to look forward."
She nodded, but her eyes were more alert than before. She was going to be back on her feet in no time. I’d planned to do some work on the plane, but it had been impossible with her sick. I hadn't seen anyone have such a violent reaction to a flight before. I had half a mind to call a doctor.
We arrived at the house ten minutes later. The double gates opened as soon as the car approached. I had a great security system in place, but it was cumbersome to get through. Before I arrived, my housekeeper deactivated all the alarms. Natalie was suspiciously silent when the car stopped in the driveway by the pool.
July was my favorite month here on the island. The weather was perfect for swimming, and I started every morning doing multiple laps. It invigorated me, prepped me for the day. This was the first time I was bringing anyone who wasn't part of the family here. It had always been my sanctuary. I didn’t conduct business on vacation, and women I’d dated had never seen this estate.
After taking out Natalie’s small carry-on and mine, I opened the car door for her. She immediately got out, and the driver left afterward. Morton was familiar with my routine, as my assistant hired him often for my stay on the island. He was on call, but he didn't spend the night on the property. Neither did my housekeeper.
"Wow," Natalie murmured, "Jeannie was right. This is an amazing place. It's huge. And this is your vacation home?" she asked, as if it couldn't possibly be true.
"Yes. It was the only acceptable one on the market when I was looking for a home, so I bought it even though it's a little too big. My family enjoys it too when I’m not at the house."
"You bought a small hotel because it was the only thing available?"
"Am I about to be judged on how I spend my money?"
She winced.
Fuck, I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, but the woman was very prone to turning from sassy to pushing my buttons in a split second.