“No. I’m serious.”
She giggled. “If you’re serious, then yes. Um, let me know the rent and what other particulars you need.”
Troy rolled his eyes. “Good, I’ll text Owen that we’ll take it.”
We?“What are you going to do about Mr. Grumpy Pants, Mr. Cat’s Meow?” Gwen teased.
Troy’s brow rose at her sudden lack of restraint. “Laxatives. They always work.”
Gwen giggled more. She hadn’t been this relaxed in a long time.Was it the pain med?It took all her strength not to lean over and kiss him.
He told you he couldn’t. And I shouldn’t.
The steward brought her sandwich and two glasses of cranberry juice. She flipped on the satellite TV. Soon after she ate, they both fell asleep.
Chapter 3
The vibration from the bottom of the jet awakened Troy—the landing gear dropping. Gwen remained fast asleep. He wiped the sleep from his eyes, turned to the side and put on his shoes. Sleeping beside Gwen gave him a rare peaceful nap. He hit the head, and after washing up, he took his seat.
Tim looked up from his laptop and smiled. “Good nap?”
“Yes. Not a nightmare in sight,” Troy admitted. He remembered when they shared the motel room in Virginia, it was the same: only peace.
Moments later, hopping on one foot, Gwen slid into the seat beside him. “Thank you for letting me sleep.”
“I’ve learned—and don’t let the medical people know—” he leaned in conspiratorially, “the rest thing they always babble about works.” He winked.
Gwen chuckled. “I’ll remind you of that post-op.”
“It also works to keep my mother chilled out.” He smiled.
“She can’t be that bad.” Gwen’s lips quirked up.
Troy turned to Tim, including him in their conversation. “This is for both of you to consume. Have you seen the movieMy Big Fat Greek Wedding? Maria Portokalos, Toula's mother, is a version of my mom.” He looked down. “But this whole thing scared her, especially after losing my dad.”
“Hey, you’re alive, and you can show her your new estate,” Gwen soothed. “You can dedicate a room to her.”
“Mr. Bremen, Mr. Holland, Ms. North, please buckle your seatbelts. We will be landing in a few minutes,” the steward interrupted Troy’s train of thought.
The plane touched down and began its roll down the runway. BOOM, the jet rocked from side to side. “Brace,” the pilot commanded over the intercom.
Instinctually, Troy checked Tim, then reached over and caught hands with Gwen as she reached toward him.Her job is to protect you.All remained chin to knees as the plane ground to a halt.
The steward opened the door, and a man with jet-black hair and blazing blue eyes pushed inside. “Mon ami,” Julian Dupart said, “are you okay?”
“What, the sparks weren’t fireworks?” Troy quirked a brow and shifted in his seat.
Julian pulled him out of the seat and into a bearhug.
“I see you missed me,” Troy chuckled.
“No, I decided to be a kinder, gentler version of myself. I hug everyone now,” Julian teased. “Helluva flight?”
“The airborne part was fine.” Troy shook his head.
“Holland, you okay?” Julian asked.
“Good to go, sir.”
