I’ve barely been able to take my eyes off her since we took off. It isn’t just her figure, her gorgeous hair, and those endless legs that I’m mesmerized by. She’scharmedby everything.
I’ve never been around anyone discovering my world like this. Every woman I’ve dated was from old money. As I watch Amelia, I realize what a muted bubble I’ve lived in for so long. I’ve forgotten my own privilege, and I’m indebted to her for reminding me of everything I should be grateful for.
“Would you come and sit down?” I say, laughing. “You’re making me dizzy.”
She comes and sits opposite me, looking out the window, the bright daylight outside making her perfect skin glow with an almost ethereal light.
My eyes skim over her hair. It’s tied in a braid over her shoulder, and the different blonde hues contrast beautifully with the pale blue blouse she’s wearing.
She doesn’t speak much, enthralled by the clouds, and after a few minutes, I realize I’ve been staring at her like a moon-eyed teenager for far too long.
I look down at my drink irritably, swirling the contents and trying to get my head straight.
The truth is, I was relieved when she told me she would accompany me. She’s never even been abroad. The idea that I’ll be able to give her that experience pushes every possessive button I have.
I only want her to experience things with me.
She looks up at me, white teeth flashing as she drums her fingers on the armrest. She’s like a kid in a candy store, unable to sit still.
“If you want to sleep at any point, that chair goes all the way back; it’s a recliner. Or you can use the bedroom.”
She looks behind her in surprise. “You have a bedroom on the plane?”
She asks it in such an innocent way that I find myself smiling fondly at her. “Sure. There’s a shower, too.”
“Oh my God!” she says, jumping up to go have a look. I place my drink down with a chuckle, following her as she opens every door she comes across, exclaiming at the luxury on display inside.
“You want to take some pictures?” I say, leaning against the doorframe as she inspects the shower. “Maybe Annabelle will want to see where you’ve been today,” I say, and immediately know I’ve hit upon the right topic.
Her whole face lights up, and she gives me a smile that makes me a little weak in the knees.
“Can I?” she asks, pulling out her phone immediately. “Annabelle’s obsessed with seeing the world. We’ve always said we’ll travel together someday.”
“Why don’t you?” I ask and then curse myself for my thoughtlessness.
Because travelling costs money.
Amelia just glances at me briefly, giving a half-shrug as she starts snapping pictures. I stay quiet, hoping that the bonus I’ll send her for this trip might allow her and Annabelle to have their own vacation abroad.
She moves into the bedroom. There are lights above each pillow, and space to walk around on either side, with a small closet at the back.
Amelia walks around the edge of the room as I come inside. I close the door behind me, unable to resist the urge to dosomethingnow that we’re alone. A part of me wishes we were here for real, that she had accompanied me as my girlfriend.
When did I become a sentimental old fool?
“I love this room,” she says, spinning in place.
“Me too.”
“It’s the same style as your office,” she says, glancing at my bare feet. “This is like being at work.”
I laugh. “Yeah. Well, I’ve always liked my clean lines.”
“Why is it that you don’t wear shoes, anyway?” she asks, cocking her head to one side.
“Are you complaining?” I ask.
“Not at all. You have beautiful feet.”
