“Uh… Oh! Yes. Yes, it is. I can’t seem to remember the last time we were here.” Her nose scrunched in that cute way when she was trying to figure something out. He could see a spark of understanding in her eyes as she looked around and continued the imaginary narrative.
“It’s been a while, but you see that playground over there?” He asked, pointing toward nothing in particular at the far end of the terminal. “That’s where we first met when we were kids because our moms were best friends.” It was a little fundistraction for a couple of hours, and it kept him from having to divulge his secrets that could ruin his brief time with her.
“Which meant we were, too?” She looked up at him like she needed to believe that they would have been friends in another lifetime.
“Inseparable.” He imagined that he would have had a crush on her from the moment he saw her and would have followed her everywhere.
“It’s a shame we lost touch after…”
“When I left for college.” He finished for her.
“You didn’t stay for me?” Her sweet question had him wondering what would happen when they got on the plane, and this was over.
“I didn’t think you wanted me to.”
“Maybe I was shy and intimidated by you being a big football star.” He laughed at her caricature of him.
“I don’t think you remember the skinny computer geek with oversized glasses and baggy clothes the way I do.”
“Aww, you must have been so cute,” she cooed, diverting from the story.
“I think only my mom would have agreed with you.” Even with all of the effort he put into bulking up his muscles and appearing more attractive, he liked knowing that she may have appreciated his former self.
“I don’t believe that. Those eyes and that smile had to have melted a few panties over the years.”
“Ahem. I recall this is your favorite restaurant.” Opening the door for her, he attempted to return to the imaginary scenario. He schooled his expression and refrained from responding to her comment, but that didn’t mean his mind wasn’t between her thighs the way he wished his face could be. Did she prefer lace or something more practical? If he had her stripped down and kneeling between her legs, would she smell as sweet with themusk of her arousal? Would she taste like vanilla as she dripped across his tongue or as he plunged deeper inside her?
“It’s sweet of you to remember. I love the new decor they’ve added,” she laughed, continuing the story, seemingly oblivious to his reaction to her. Finding an open spot at the end of the bar, he pulled the stool out for her. The space was packed, and the noise level of anxious, hungry travelers was jarring. All that stopped when a series of phone alarms sounded through the bar, including his, and at the same time, the voice came on the overhead speakers.
“Flight 1122, direct to Washington DC, Reagan National Airport, has been canceled. Passengers will be rebooked on the next available flight. If you need assistance, please contact the airline’s customer service.”
“I guess we need to go fight the crowds. Too bad we don’t get to have our drink.” She sounded disappointed as she slowly pushed her chair away from the bar.
“Who says we don’t?” A frisson of excitement went through him at the gift the universe just handed him while chaos broke out around them again.
CHAPTER 5
“According to the airline’s notification…”Ethan, still standing at the bar, showed her his phone with the app showing. “I’m booked on the six AM flight. I’m good with my original plan. What about you?” He slid onto the stool that had just opened up next to her and leaned back in finality. Bri wondered if he was always so calm and composed. She wanted to see him riled up and out of control. Sweat dripping down his chest as he gasped and groaned over her.No.That can’t happen.
“Give me a second…” she sat back down, using her phone as an excuse to think, and seeing that her app stated the same as his. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ethan wave off the bartender and then survey the area. It felt like he was a protective barrier keeping all of the noise out while she processed her next steps. Had anyone ever created that kind of space for her? With other people, it seemed like she always had to hurry up and get to the next thing.
“Bri, stay with me tonight.” His use of her real name for the first time felt like something had shifted. Ethan looked at her with his big, soulful eyes, his leg rubbing against hers. Heat radiated through her from the contact. She longed for morewith him, but getting entangled with anyone wasn’t fair to them, considering how screwed up her life was at the moment.
“I think a hotel is a bad—” She stared at her hands, trying to form the words she didn’t want to say.
“Sorry, guys, but everything on the Southside is booked,” the bartender interjected, laying menus and glasses of water in front of them. “The storm off the coast has delayed everything, including the cruises and conventions. Practically every hotel in a 10-mile radius is booked while waiting for the weather to clear,” she explained as she moved down the bar to help another patron.
“Yeah, I didn’t think a hotel was going to be an option. I was thinking more like a date.” In their short time together, it was the first time she heard any hesitation from him.
“Here? There’s hardly space to breathe.”
“It might feel like New York City on New Year’s Eve, but I promise to make it so fun, you won’t even notice.”
“You don’t need to play a part for me. Just be real. With the right person, it doesn’t matter how many people are around.” She leaned closer to him to make sure he could hear her over the cacophony of the restaurant.
“Do you think I’m that person for you?” He was so close, she could feel the rumble of his voice in her chest. He gazed into her eyes like he could read her deepest secrets.
“I wish you could be... It’s nothing personal.”
