“Wow.” Is all I manage.
It’s more like a Las Vegas hotel suite than an airplane. I grew up in luxury, sure, but this is next level stuff that makes my previous life look blue collar at best.
“Pick your seat. We will be wheels up in five minutes.” Damon motions with his hand for me to choose my spot. “I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.” I answer as he turns on his heel and disappears back out the door of the plane.
His manner is so different than the other night and my poor heart is already breaking. In the car he told me he works with the agency, he’s a partner or majority owner or something, so I’m sure he’s just protecting a company investment. Making sure the product is delivered on time.
When he re-enters the plane, the same man that came to the car is following him, carrying my purse and carry-on. Damon directs him to stow them in the overhead bin above the little sofa where I’ve taken my seat.
A chill runs down my arms as Damon takes the seat right next to me, then reaches over and buckles me in, the brush of his hands re-igniting the tension down low in my belly.
Even his slight touch reminds me how rarely I get physical contact with another human. My mom was a hugger, a toucher, and so was my father when she was alive. But it’s like when she died, he did too, and I don’t remember the last time anyone hugged or touched me with any affection.
Except for Damon.
As he sits next to me he lets out a long, slow breath, one of his huge hands squeezing his brow hard before releasing as he stares straight ahead.
“I’m sorry if I’ve inconvenienced you. I’m sure I could have just gotten another car and a later flight.” I try to clear the tension, my voice hinted with annoyance at how his manner has changed, unwilling to allow him to know the effect he’s had on me in such a short time.
He opens his mouth to answer when the pilot comes out of the cockpit and steps toward us.
“We’re cleared for our take off, Mr. Lassiter. It’s eight hours to Paris.” He clears his throat, looking down at me for a moment longer than is comfortable, and I hear Damon growl.
“Then fucking take off. You have a problem with your eyes?”
The pilot snaps back to Damon. “No sir. No problem. Just wanted to let you know, the attendants have everything you requested ready and in place.”
“Good, they should. That’s what they are paid for, and paid well. Now, keep your eyes where they belong and get this plane in the air.” He sniffs and reaches down to take my hand from my lap, putting it into his own.
Shock covers me, even as my heart speeds and my nipples tighten. I jerk my hand back, unwilling to give over my power to some strange man. Especially one who I can’t figure out if he wants to kiss me again or tell me to leave and catch a flight on my own.
I cross my arms over my chest and look out the window at the workers guiding the plane to the runway. Two minutes later, it speeds and we are airborne, sitting in silence with my pulse racing in my ears, wondering how I’m going to spend the next eight hours next to the man that has invaded my every thought and dream since the moment I set my eyes on him.
Once the plane levels off, a delicious scent drifts on the air and my mouth begins to water as I try to figure out if my stomach is doing this fluttery dance because of Damon, or the smell of food, or if I’m going to be airsick.
But for the first time, I’m not gripping the handles on my seat and thinking the plane is going to go down at any moment. That has to be an improvement, right?
Still, I look up where the man stowed my purse, knowing I should take the medication Melany gave me before I have another panic attack and embarrass myself in front of Damon.
“I need my purse.” I finally announce with a snip in my voice.
Damon’s green eyes snap to mine and he licks his lips before standing and opening the compartment, handing me my purse.
“I need to go check on something.” He licks his teeth. “What do you want to drink? I’ll bring the flight menu back as well, you can choose whatever you’d like to eat…”
His manner is softening but my resolve to keep a minimum safe distance from him is solid.
“Water is fine. And I’m not hungry.”
I urge my stomach not to growl and give away the lie.
“Uh huh.” He shakes his head, giving me a stare. “I think we’ve had this conversation before. I’ll just bring you everything. You need to eat.”