Page 37 of Miss Belief

“Why do I get the impression you’ve learned that particular lesson the hard way?”

Her husky laugh hit me straight in the solar plexus. “It’s an important lesson. The reaction is everything.”

“Now why are you nervous?”

She hesitated. “I’m kind of an anxious flier.”

“Seriously?” Her candor caught me off guard.

“Don’t make a thing of it.”

My laughter came easily but earned me a huff. “Come on,” I said. “You being afraid of flying is a nice reminder you’re human under all of your armor and sarcasm. Perhaps I need to discover more of your weaknesses.”

“You mean my armor and sarcasm don’t count as flaws?”

“Depends who you ask. Some people might find those attributes delightful.” Like me, for instance. She was fun, smart, and all with an incredible sense of humor.

“Delightful is so not what I’m going for.”

That much was obvious. Instead, it seemed she was hoping for unapproachable and unaffected. But over the last couple weeks, I’d learned those demeanors were her defense. Her mask to safeguard her vulnerable side.

“Where do you think you’ll be in five years?” I found myself genuinely curious.

“Pass. Next question.”

My lips twitched. “Come on. Humor me. We’re killing time before the flight. Pick ten years if you want.”

“I have no clue where I’ll be in one year, let alone five or ten years.”

“Okay, well, you don’t plan on staying in Dubai, right?”

“No, I probably won’t renew my contract again in three months.”

“And you’ll go back to LA, to be near your sister?”

“Most likely.”

There seemed to be a quiet resignation to her response, as if it was something she felt compelled to do instead of something she wanted to do. “What would you do if there were no limits—if you could go anywhere or do anything?”

“Honestly?”

“Yes.”

“I’d love to go live in another exotic city. I’d love to travel the world.”

This didn’t surprise me. Teagan had an energy that wouldn’t want to be tied down or feel content with a place she’d already lived. “Delmont Security has offices all over the world.” Such as in Sydney, where I’d applied. Wouldn’t it be something if she chose to move there too? Was it wrong to hope she would?

“Yeah, but do you know what I really wish I could do?”

I leaned forward, feeling privileged she was about to share a secret. “What is it?”

“My dream job would be to go work in various spas in different amazing vacation spots around the world.”

I could tell by the way she’d pampered me with the facial the other day that she’d enjoyed what she was doing. “What about having kids someday?” I was curious since I absolutely wanted children in my future.

“I love kids, but I see how hard my sister struggles with being a single mom—I just wouldn’t want to go it alone. Which brings me back to relationships. I’m not certain I’m cut out for them.”

“I could say the same given how I was in a long-term relationship that was completely dysfunctional. But I’d like to imagine there’s someone else out there. Someone I’m meant to be with.”

She bit her lip. “Do you ever think you missed your opportunity with Shelly, the girl you once dated while you and your ex had broken up? The one who developed feelings?”

The one I’d hurt by going back to Vanessa. “Nah, last I heard she was married and had a son. She deserved better than someone who was still in love with someone else. I hurt her, and I hate it.”

“You need to stop beating yourself up about it. Sounds as if she moved on.” Teagan was learning my cues.

“I know it.” I did need to move on. But that didn’t mean Shelly wouldn’t serve as a lesson. A lesson to prevent me from ever acting on my attraction to Teagan. Even if she reciprocated the feeling, she deserved better than a man who was still grieving his last relationship. If I couldn’t give my whole heart to someone new, then it was best I stay single for the time being.