Whew. Cry me a river.
But the words have barely left my mind before Ben is sliding into the vacated seat.Well, I’ll be doggone.How am I supposed to sit next to this man for the next four hours and relax?
He gives me a crooked grin. “Well. This is unexpected.”
I narrow my eyes. “You’re not secretly married, are you?”
He laughs. “No. Why?”
I start to ask about the mysteriouscouplewhen he cuts in.
“So… how have you been since the last time I saw you?”
My cheeks flame. Because other than the gift shop run-in earlier, the last time I saw this man his face was between my legs.
“Honestly?” I say carefully. “It’s been rough. But I think things might be changing.”
He studies me. “In a good way?”
“I hope so.” I say it as if I’m trying to convince myself as well as him, that this venture is the answer to prayer and not one big con in the making. But I’ve managed to get this far on Victor’s dime, so that’s saying something.
“How long will you be in Las Vegas?”
“Just a few days.” My face falls before I can stop it. “I’ve always wanted to go there.”
“Then what’s that look for?”
I shrug. “I’ve dreamed of coming here since I was a kid. My mom raised me on Elvis movies.Viva Las Vegaswas basically required viewing. But I don’t think I’ll have time to see much.”
He blinks. “I’ve never seen it.”
My jaw drops. “The movie? Or Vegas?”
He chuckles. “The movie.”
What was I thinking? Of course this incredibly handsome, red-blooded older man has been to Vegas.
“Okay, that’s a problem.” I squirm, realizing my bladder is staging a protest. “I’ll be right back.” Standing, I carefully climb over his long,muscular legs and try not to remember how they looked without pants.Jeez, Grace. This flight is off to a great start.
I fling my index finger in his direction. “And you’re officially assigned homework.”
“I’ll watch it.” He laughs. “I swear.”
I smile at him on my way down the aisle, realizing something alarming. Being near this man makes me feel… safe, calm. I was so anxious about this trip. Worried about how this will go. What if they don’t like the photos? Do I still get paid? Then he settles in beside me, and it’s like talking to an old friend.
A smoldering hot, freakishly good with his tongue, old friend.
Once I return, we talk about some of the most ridiculous airport food we’ve discovered, travelers who do really gross things, what flying international is like, and nothing at all.
Ben’s accent occasionally sneaks out when he laughs. Between it and that devilish dimple that keeps coming out to play, he’s quickly putting me under his spell. This man makes me giggle so hard I have to cross my legs so I don’t wet myself.
I honestly forget I’m nervous about Las Vegas for almost thirty minutes. I shift in my seat. “So… business class, huh?”
He shrugs. “I splurged.”
“Oh? Look at you.”
“I also bought a tiny bag of almonds for eleven dollars. Living dangerously.”
