The Billionaire's Secret Love Child(125)

He helped us into the craft where a flight attendant waited with a bottle in hand.

“Please take a seat wherever you’d like.” She said.

I sat on the couch propped against a series of windows and took in my surroundings. The seats were rich leather with an embossed letter ‘H’ at the head. There were 4 rows of seats that swiveled back and forth which Maggie was enjoying at the moment and in the front was a large television that was currently turned off.

The flight attendant came over and took my things; carrying them off to storage.

“Maggie, I think I was selling John short. This seems a bit too real to be a prank.” I said.

Maggie giggled like a schoolgirl and continued to play in the chair.

“You know, Cass. A girl could get used to this. How did last night go? You never told me.” She replied.

“Last night? Well, it was a fun date, as far as date’s go. But, we never really talked about anything aside from small talk. He seemed a bit standoffish. I stopped even trying to flirt.”

“You wouldn’t mind if I were to ask him out then, would you? I thought he was super cute. Maybe he just wasn’t into you that much.”

Maybe she was right. He did seem a bit distant in our conversations so maybe he just humored me the rest of the night. Still, this would be an interesting weekend.

“Maggie, he’s all yours if you think he’ll be into you. I’ll just try my best to enjoy the weekend.”

Maggie nodded and bit her lip. She would always bite her lip like that when she was really interested in a guy she liked. I could see the two of them getting along well. She grew up on a farm in Iowa so she knew a thing or two that I didn’t. If John really did own a nice ranch I could see nobody better to be by his side.

And yet, I felt a sting of envy when I thought about anyone but me with him. I casually put aside my envy and decided that maybe drinking would help me relax a bit more this weekend.

I pulled the bottle from its chilled, silver holster and poured myself and Maggie a glass.

“To the weekend, and to new memories.” I toasted.

We chimed our glasses and sipped just in time for John to arrive.

“Why hello there, y’all ready to get going?” he said.

I nodded an emphatic yes as he took a seat across from me in the seat adjacent to Maggie.

“So, John, how long is the flight going to be?” she asked.

“About three hours or so, it’s not as far as Europe at least. I may have holdings there, but that doesn’t mean I like to travel all the time.” He replied.

“Do you have a pool at your house? I’ve been dying to go for a dip all summer.” Maggie asked.

“Of course-“ he replied, only to be cut off by Maggie.

“You gotta come for a swim with me. Maybe you can call a friend for Cassidy and we can all have fun!”

“I’d say that sounds mighty fine to me.” He said while Maggie grabbed his arm laughing. It looked like they were getting along well which caused the sting of envy to jump into my head again. I finished off my champagne and poured myself another glass. If this keeps up it’ll be a long weekend.



4.

I continued to drink and chat through the entire flight. Maggie worked her charms the entire way, barely leaving John’s side for more than a moment. I didn’t want to get in her way of happiness so I kept my mouth shut and my drink full.

John looked out into the expanse, “We’re almost there, should be landing anytime now.”

And, without fail, we began to descend. I looked out the window and didn’t see any civilization nor did I see an airport.

“Where are we landing?” I asked.

“On my ranch.” He replied as though it were obvious.

I watched out the window as we inched further and further toward land until I felt the jostle of wheels hitting the tarmac.

“Welcome home!” shouted John.

Upon exiting the plane I was greeted with a few smiling faces and another man holding to the reins of a small group of horses.

“Do y’all like riding? My favorite thing after a flight is going for a ride.” He said.

“I’ve never tried. I don’t think I’d be much good.” I said.

John waved his hand.

“Nonsense, I’m sure you’re a natural.” He took me by the hand and led me to a beautiful spotted brown horse. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to own a horse and ride regularly. Now was as good a time as any to learn.

I put my foot into the stirrup and tried to climb up but wasn’t having any luck. John came to help, grabbing me by the waist and hoisting me into the saddle.

I balanced myself fearing that I may fall off while Maggie slung herself into the horse next to me like an old professional.

“I used to ride all the time as a kid, so this is just like when I was growing up. Hey John,” she waved at him, “fancy a race?”

He hopped into the saddle of the black horse and smiled.

“I reckon it wouldn’t be much of a race, Maggie. Horace here is the fastest horse in the stable and has been my best friend for quite some time. I don’t think you’d be able to keep up.”

“It’s no fun if it’s a sure thing, John. Let’s see if you can catch me.” Maggie spurred her horse onward.