I nod stiffly as I clench my jaw so hard I’m surprised I don’t crack a molar. “Don’t laugh.”
“I’m not laughing.”
I force my eyes open and turn to look at Ronan again, and just like before, there’s no amusement in his expression. Only concern.
“I’ve got you,” he murmurs, and without warning, takes my hand and laces his fingers through mine.
My heart nearly leaps out of my chest, and not because of the plane but because ofhim.
He holds my hand in silence as the plane pulls upward.
I screw my eyes shut once more, focusing on the feeling of Ronan’s calloused thumb rubbing back and forth along my knuckles, and soon enough my breathing calms and the panic begins to pass.
“Do you want a distraction?” he asks the second the seatbelt sign turns off.
I keep my eyes firmly shut but nod.
He doesn’t say anything else, but then someone approaches, followed by low muttering and the sound of glass clinking.
“Okay, you can open your eyes.”
I peel my eyes open to find a selection of mini liquor bottles lined up on the tray in front of Ronan, and I frown. “What are those for?”
“We’re going to play a game.” He picks up the bottle of tequila and cracks it open before handing it to me. “We’re going to guess each other’s favorite things, and the loser has to drink.”
I narrow my eyes. “This seems rigged...”
“Only one way to find out.” He flashes me that signature smirk that melts me. “Besides, it’ll keep your mind off of flying.”
“Fine. But I’m starting.”
He rolls his eyes before picking up the bottle of whiskey and twisting off the cap.
“What’s my favorite color?”
“Baby blue,” Ronan says without even a second of hesitation.
I blink, surprised not just that he guessed blue, but also the right shade.
Oh, he’s good.
“Am I wrong?”
“No, but…”
“But what?”
“How did you know?”
He shrugs. “Most of your clothes are that color.”
“You’ve been paying attention?”
“I always pay attention.” His eyes flick to my lips, and my breath catches in my throat.
“Your turn.” I take a quick sip of the tequila and wince as it burns my throat.
“You really want to guess my favorite color?” he asks with amusement.
