Finally he hung up, then the boarding was announced.
“That’s us.” He picked up her carryon as well as his own and headed toward the gate.
She was glad she got to sit beside him this time, but all she did was fall asleep. She was exhausted. She heard Lance ask the stewardess for a blanket and her response was a stuttering ‘sure thing sir’. Soon after she felt it pulled over and tucked around her shoulders. Then she felt a strong hand on her head guiding her onto his shoulder. She sighed and he turned his head and kissed her brow. Her heart contracted in her chest, but she didn’t open her eyes. He was still so attentive, so sweet. How were things going to be when they got home? Was she to go on with her busy career, and he with his?
“Hey babe, were landing.” His soft deep voice woke her.
She blinked twice and sat upright. Four and a half hours already? She looked around to meet his amused expression.
“I exhausted you, didn’t I?”
She blushed and nodded.
He reached up and cupped her chin to examine the bruise on her cheek. She forgot to cover it up with make up this morning. “Elaina is going to want an explanation over that if you don’t hide it. I’m sure you don’t want to discuss how you got it because I know how open you are with your personal life.”
She narrowed her gaze at him. “Not just me.”
“Touché.” He smiled. “Colton is picking us up, so you should do something about it because he’ll hunt Richard down and do to him what I should have done.”
“I could just tell them that you make love so violently that I bumped my head,” she whispered. Where the hell did that come from! If she was after a shock factor, she got it.
His mouth fell open. He was literally speechless.
“I have some cover up in my bag. I’ll quickly duck into the bathroom before we leave.” She practically stuttered out. Before she could fully recover he cupped her head and kissed her—hard, and in public!
Someone clearing their throat got his attention and he released her. The stewardess was standing beside his seat looking a little embarrassed. “I’m sorry, but I need the blanket back and the seatbelt light is on.”
Lance flashed her that irresistible Hartley smile, not the least bit ashamed and handed her back the blanket. She however, blushed further, stammered out a ‘thank you’ and left.
Tammy was shaking her head amused. “The affect you have on women is startling.”
He shrugged like it was nothing. Well, when he had that talent since he hit puberty, she was certain it didn’t mean much to him anymore. Who knows, maybe he got tired of it after a while. Would woman still think he was attractive if he didn’t have those good looks and undeniably wicked charm? However, he was also unfairly intelligent. She liked that about him the best. Well, that masculine mouth did edge the score sheet in her direction too! Especially what he could do with it.
The plane landed and they made their way through the Terminal in Billings toward the luggage carousel. Lance gave back her carryon that he insisted on toting around for her, so she could go to the bathroom and fix her face. Chances are Colt was already here.
“I’ll get the luggage and meet you near the exit.”
“Okay.”
It only took a few minutes to cover the bruise on her cheek but she couldn’t do much about the small amount of swelling that remained. She just fanned her hair forward to cover that part of her cheek before she set off to find the Hartley men. At least for the charity event she had ample time to hide it under makeup and no one seemed to notice. She was grateful or her mother would have been full of questions.
Tammy saw the brothers standing next sliding glass doors of the terminal.
Colt saw her first, came forward and picked her up in a bear hug kissing her hard on the cheek. “I’m so glad you’re home.”
That was completely worth it. This was where she felt she belonged. She actually started to cry.
“Jesus Tammy, what the hell?” Colt suddenly became awkward. He was never good with tears. Elaina’s would bring him to his knees.
Thankfully Lance stepped in and took Tammy’s arm. “She’s had a rough few days is all.”
“I’m happy to be home. I’m so happy I cry,” she explained. Colt seemed relieved yet shifted awkwardly. Obviously he thought he caused it.
“I’m fine. Honestly.”
He nodded.
The ride home was a little over four hours. She sat between Colt and Lance who discussed business and family. Every now and then, when the conversation was appropriate, she inquire about everyone’s well-being.
