Ally was aching to be alone with Eric, but when Holly and her father climbed into the limo to ride out to JFK airport with them, she couldn’t exactly say no. Then Eric invited them onto the Courtland Industries jet for a bon-voyage toast. After more hugs and kisses that left Ally’s eyes stinging, they said their goodbyes, and the jet took off for Paris. Once airborne, Ally ducked into the bathroom to change into jeans and a sweater, then lounged in a comfy leather chair and sipped club soda until Eric returned from changing his own clothes. She stared out the window, watching New York fade into the distance while she waited for him to address the elephant in the airplane. When he didn’t, she figured it was time to lead her own charge. “Are you going to tell me what happened this afternoon, or do I have to guess?” Eric swirled the scotch in his glass, then set it back down on the small table between them without taking a sip. “I thought I saw Nick standing at the back of the ballroom when I finished making my toast.
