Seascape’s beloved flight attendant just gave the private airport a dirty little show.
It takes me a second to piece together where I am, and I’m not sure I would have time to anyway because strong arms grab me at once, mumbling something to someone close by and storming off with me in hand.
Or not in hand. I don’t know.
What I do know is that I’m chest to chest with muscles and a delicious smell of masculinity.
“I’ve got you.”I know that voice.
It’s when I open my eyes and peer up that my suspicions are confirmed. It’s him. Stetson Cole. And I’m in his arms like this isn’t embarrassing at all.
Cute, Cove.Cute.
“Everyone out!” Stetson yells as we enter the private lounge, and two women and a man quickly rush past us before Stetson turns and locks the door. “I’m gonna sit you on this ledge, okay?”
I nod. I didn’t pass out, but I sure as hell act like I did.
Or did I?
He places my bottom on the top of the bar table, and I instantly make sure my legs are closed. There’s no point because it’s now that I realize there’s a heavyweight fabric laid across my lap, which looks a lot like a jacket.
A thick denim jacket, to be specific.
“Oh,” I sigh, nodding toward my lap. “Thank you. That was embarrassing.” I attempt to laugh, but the only emotion on Stetson’s face is concern.
“Does anything hurt? That wasn’t what I’d consider a soft landing.”
I giggle, my head still spinning a bit. “Flying puns. Niceeee.”
His arms are crossed at his chest while he nibbles on his bottom lip. I’m not sure exactly why, but he’s on edge and restless, eyes searching for something I don’t think he’ll find.
I guess he didn’t like my joke.
“My head hurts a little, but I’ll be fine. I’ll take some Tylenol when I get to my car.”
“Fuck,” he exhales. “I looked down for a second. I should have been paying better attention, Cove. Let me get you an ice pack or something. I feel horrible.”
I can’t help but smile softly, feeling simply flattered that I have Stetson Cole apologizing. “You could have killed me, you know? Knocked me out, only for me to never wake up again. God, what would you have told my mother?” I tease.
Taking me by surprise, his arms find the wooden top and cages me in with a dominance that naturally emanates from him. Except, I don’t feel inferior in his presence, I feel…comfort. “I’d tell her…I’m sorry for your loss. Cove was desperate to see me again, so upon spotting me at the airport, she found a way for us to collide. Literally. And here we are.”
I grin, thankful he’s now laughing about it. “At my funeral.”
Stetson smiles, and holy hell, it’s a nice smile. “The saddest of days,” he jokes.
He looks comfortable: a plain white T-shirt stretching across the planes of his chest, dark-wash jeans, and a simple pair of camel work boots. I wonder if he came here for work or pleasure?
“It’s really good to see you again, Cove.” He glances down at my name tag, taking in the Miami, Florida, location etched in white. “Miami, huh? I don’t think I ever considered you living here.”
I nod, physically unable to look away. “I do. Born and raised. Weird to think about since I’m hardly ever home.”
“Noted.” He grins, and every time he does, it’s a distraction. I forget who I am and why I’m here.
“What brings you to Miami?” I ask, knowing for certain he lives in Texas. I’m not exactly sure where, and I don’t need to.
“Honestly?” he counters.
“No. Hit me with your worst lie,” I kid, and I’m not sure why I’m flirting in a vacant private lounge as if I don’t have a bed to sleep in and an everything shower to be had.
