Read Online Declan + Coraline by J.J. McAvoy - Free Book Online Page B

have to reschedule this.”
    “It’s no problem.” I held the door open for her before I headed back over to the driver’s seat. “Is everything okay?” I asked her when I sat down.
    She nodded. “The WIB is voting on something today, so I had to be there. Don’t worry though, your money is safe.”
    “Glad to hear that. Is this why you studied business? For your father’s bank?” I asked.
    “Yeah. I used to have so many people try to explain things to me when I was younger, either that or I would have to withdraw my vote for things. My father started this with his own hands. I, at least, wanted to keep it running.”
    “It’s admirable. Most people would just take their cut and not worry much about where it came from.”
    “I’m not most people.”
    I looked at her. “No, you are not.”
    She smiled, as she glanced out the window as the city faded behind us. I stepped on the accelerator, eager to get to the airport so that we could begin our trip.
    “Where are we going?”
    “To let loose,” I replied. “You cleared your week, right?”
    “Yeah, but you only said to dress comfortably and bring my passport without packing.”
    I could tell she was nervous again.
    “Do you trust me?” I asked.
    “Yes.”
    “Good. You’re taking a calculated risk, and that’s when the fun starts,” I replied, as I drove towards the private plane.
    “What about clothes?”
    “We’ll buy some when we get there. First lesson, Coraline, don’t think about it, just enjoy it,” I said, as we came to a stop on the tarmac.
    The pilot and our flight attendant stood waiting for us.
    “When I said fun, I meant dancing and stuffing our faces with all kinds of different foods,” she whispered, as she stared at the plane.
    “We’re going to do those things, just not in Illinois.”
    “Welcome aboard, Mr. Callahan,” the pilot said.
    “Take care of us, Oliver.”
    “Of course.” He followed us inside as we took our seats.
    Coraline’s eyes glanced over every inch of the jet, from the polished wooden tables, to the tan leather chairs, to the television that hung up two seats behind me.
    “There’s a bedroom in there if you get…tired.”
    I waited for her eyes to drift back to me.
    “How long are we going to be in the air?
    “Not long. Do you want to run before he closes the doors?” I really hoped she didn’t.
    She grinned. “Would you let me?”
    “Would you want to?”
    “Mr. Callahan.” The flight attendant drew my attention away from her, much to my annoyance. “Would you like anything once we’re in the air?”
    I thought for a second, my eyes drifting to Coraline as she took off her coat.
    “Yes, two large cups of coffee, but fill them up only midway.”
    “Seriously?” Coraline laughed.
    “We never finished our first round, might as well now.”
    “You don’t do anything halfway, do you, Mr. Callahan?” She looked me over carefully.
    “When I’m pursuing something I want, I go all out. Life’s too short not to.”
    “And you want me?” It was like she was still trying to make sure, and every time she asked, my conviction became stronger.
    “Yes.” I wanted her, and for now, that was all that mattered to me.
    “You’re being reckless, Mr. Callahan,” she whispered as we started to taxi down the runaway. She gripped the ends of her seat, but she didn’t look away from me. “When you whisk a girl away for a week-long date, she might not let you go.”
    “That’s the plan. I’m looking forward to exploring the world with you. It’s going to be just Declan plus Coraline.”
    “Now I’m excited.” She smiled, and thanked the flight attendant as we were handed our cups of coffee.
    I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as I watched her. I had racked my brain trying to think of things we could do. Things she would like, but that didn’t involve being around too many people, while still getting my other jobs done. As much as Liam bitched, he had actually offered to handle