“Yes, completely splendid,” Maria agreed. “It’s also splendid you had a good breakfast, because we’re not going to get you to eat for a long time, are we?” She glanced at Tanner. “Good planning. You do know that she’s going to be playing that instrument all the way to your Connecticut? I hope you like music.”

“I don’t expect to have a problem. I’ve heard she’s a passable artist.” His eyes were suddenly twinkling at Lara. “I have some business calls to make, and I could probably use some soothing background music.”

“I don’t know how to do that,” Lara said. “But I’m really grateful, so I could try if that’s what you really want.” She tilted her head. “But I don’t think it is.”

“Neither do I,” he said softly. “So go ahead. Blow me away if you can.”

It was a challenge. He’d been a challenge since the moment she met him, but she had felt too vulnerable not to be wary. Yet now she was so filled with elation that she wanted to reach out and meet it. “I will.” She turned toward the keyboard. “But first I have to see what kind of help I can get from this new friend. Both of you go away and let me work.” Then she suddenly turned back to Tanner. “I don’t care if you only kept half the promise. Thank you for doing it. It means a good deal to me.”

“I thought it would. Sometimes a half promise can win the day.”

“It certainly did this time,” Maria said soberly. “Excellent move. Very clever, Tanner.”

“Lara appears happy about it.” He smiled. “Or will be when we get out of here and let her work.” He nudged her down the aisle. “And now I can turn my attention to you. What’s it going to take to keep you from getting bored or edgy on this very long trip?”

Lara stared after them for a minute. Maria was smiling, amused, but Tanner wasn’t going to be able to manipulate her unless she chose. Yet he had managed to turn Lara’s own life and attitude around today. Maybe he could do the same with Maria? She had an instant of wariness but shrugged it off. She didn’t want to worry today. She was going to have the music again after being all these days without it.

Then she was going to meet that challenge Tanner had thrown down.

And she was going to blow him away.

*  *  *

Seven Hours Later

“She’s got you,” Maria said softly. “What about all those calls you were going to make, Tanner?”

He opened his eyes and gazed at her across the aisle. “I made a few of them.”