“You don’t like flying?”
“I don’t do it much. It’s fine. I’m fine.” She closes her eyes, inhales deeply.
She doesn’t look fine. She looks ready to hyperventilate.
I lean across the arm console and whisper in her ear. “You’re doing so good. Being so brave. We’re almost there.”
Her throat works as she swallows.
“Such a brave girl.” I run my fingertips along her collarbone. The blanket’s slipped down to her lap now, giving me a clear view of her cleavage.
Another bump from turbulence and she yelps.
“You’re okay. Another minute.” I trail my fingertip over her jaw. “No, don’t hold your breath. Breathe, Sienna.”
She swallows again and nods, but still she’s holding her breath.
“Bad girl, I said breathe. You can do it. Breathe with me. Inhale one…two…three… Exhale…one…two…three… That’s right.” Her eyelids squeeze, but she’s breathing along with me.
I place my hand over hers, gently easing it from the armrest and lacing my fingers with hers. Immediately, she tightens her grip. Thankfully, her eyes are still sealed shut, and she doesn’t see my grimace.
The girl has some strength.
Through the window, I see the lights of the runway coming closer and closer as we get ready to land.
“Almost there. A little bump now.”
She nods.
“Tiny bump.” The wheels hit the tarmac, and the plane jerks.
She squeezes my hand even harder as she internalizes a squeal.
A moment later, once we’re taxiing, I run the tip of my middle finger down the length of her nose.
“You can open your eyes now; we’ve landed.”
Her eyelids fly open, and her eyes meet mine immediately. A deep red blush covers her face.
“Good.” Realizing she’s still gripping my hand, she lets go and puts both hands in her lap. “Good.”
It only takes a few minutes to bring the plane to a stop. My cars are already parked and waiting for us.
The moment the plane stops, she throws off her seatbelt.
“Did you have anything else with you?” I ask as I step into the aisle to let her through.
“Just me and my purse.” She taps the bag she has strapped across her chest.
As we approach the plane door, Darlene stops me.
“I’m in Chicago for a few days. New number, though.” She slips a folded piece of paper into the front pocket of my suit.
Sienna’s gaze darts away, then she steps off the plane and heads down the stairs. When I catch up to her at the car, I hold the door open but grab her arm to keep her from getting in yet.
“You’re not coming with me?” She asks with a nod toward the second SUV. The back door stands open, waiting for me.
“Sienna—”
