I smile. “All right.”
“She’ll enjoy seeing the new Ark,” Noah says. “And there are a couple of petting farms down there—she might like to get some ideas. You know, in between all the baby-making.”
“I’m going now.”
He laughs. “And I’m also transferring some money across as expenses for a hotel.”
“You don’t need to do that—”
“It’s done.” I hear him clicking his mouse. “Can’t have our employees roughing it. Choose somewhere nice.”
I sigh. “All right. Thank you.”
“No worries. Have a great day.” He hangs up.
I blow out a breath. So now Albie, Noah, and Abby know what’s going on. Poppy’s plan to keep it a secret isn’t going to last long at this rate.
I think about Noah’s words, You’re as much a part of the family as I am. It’s not true, of course; I haven’t inherited the vast sums of money the others have. In fact, I’m probably the poorest one at the Ark now that Izzy’s married Hal. Stefan’s mom is a world-class computer engineer so he’s loaded, and everyone else has inherited the family fortune.
But it was a nice thing for Noah to say. The guy really does want to save the world with his Ark, and he’s done a pretty good job so far, with Hal, Leon, and Albie finding their perfect partner here, as well as himself.
My thoughts linger on Poppy, and my lips curve up. For the first time, I have a chance to win her. No wonder Noah wants to help.
I turn to my computer and start searching for places to stay. I want to find somewhere magical and romantic, somewhere special…
My gaze falls on a small cottage next to a windmill. That would be cool. It’s incredibly short notice, though, and when I click on the calendar, it’s grayed out.
I pick up my phone, ring the owner, and double check it’s definitely booked. “Unfortunately, yes,” she says, to my disappointment. “But we have just had a cancellation on one of our other properties. It’s a beauty, too, very quiet and special.” She gives me the website address and I click on it. My jaw drops.
“It’s perfect,” I tell her, my heart racing. Oh, I can’t wait to see Poppy’s face when we arrive.
I give the woman my name, address, and credit card details, then hang up and sit back, studying the screen with a smug smile. A whole week with Poppy to myself in this amazing place. This is what dreams are made of.
And now I really should get some work done. I give Jack some fuss, then, somewhat reluctantly, I pull a pile of invoices toward me and start signing.
I leave the accommodation on the screen, though, and glance at it occasionally through the rest of the day, a smile on my face.
Chapter Seven
Poppy
On Sunday, the Yonder Star takes off mid-afternoon, heading for the region of Hawke’s Bay on the east coast.
“Who’s looking after Jack?” I ask Marc. “You two are usually inseparable. It’s odd to see you without him.”
“Yeah, I miss him,” he says. “But I’m trading him in for more interesting company.” He smiles. “Ryan’s got him this week. He’ll spoil him rotten. He’ll probably be ten pounds heavier by the time I get back.”
“Ryan or Jack?”
He laughs. He has very nice teeth. It’s not normally something I would comment on, but he has a lovely smile, when it does appear. Today he’s wearing a casual navy shirt, open at the neck, hanging loose over black jeans. He looks equally good in this as he does in a suit or in coveralls. He’s had a shave, too, although his hair is still a little long.
I can’t believe I’m escaping with him for a whole week. We’re going to have sex. Holy moly.
“Have you been to Hawke’s Bay before?” Marc asks me.
“I haven’t,” I admit. “I’ve been to the Bay of Plenty and Wellington, but for some reason never got to Hawke’s Bay. How about you?”
He pauses as Chris, our flight attendant, brings us over a latte each and a plate of club sandwiches.
“Mmm, thank you,” I tell him. I love flying on the Yonder Star. I flew quite a bit in economy class when I was younger, which is almost always a trial, especially on long haul. There’s nothing like being on your own private plane. I appreciate the luxury of the peace and the space.