Home for the Holidays

“Don’t!” I smack his hand, making him drop it. It hits the ground again. I cringe, hoping I didn't break it.

He stares at me in shock for a moment. “You hit me.”

The woman behind him lets out a small laugh.

“Oops?” I say. I can’t believe I hit him either, but a Kindle is private.

“I think you meant to say sorry, Angel. Now if you would give me your ID.” I go back to finding it for him. I just tossed it into my bag after I got through security. This is what I get for not putting it back into its slot.

“Found it.” I hold it up. “Wait. Why do you want this?” He snatches it out of my hand, taking it over to the woman at the counter. They share a few hushed words before he returns to me.

“I think it might be our lucky day. I can get you to Rocky Hill, and you can get me through the holidays.” I furrow my eyebrows because I have no idea what he’s talking about.

“What?” I finally ask, confused. “You’ll get me home?” That’s the only part I really hear. I jump to my feet and throw myself at him. He catches me, taking a step back. I hug him tight.

“I said I can get you home, Angel. I didn't say I would.” I release my hold on him. but I don’t go anywhere. I realize my feet are dangling at least a foot off the ground. But he’s not making any attempt to put me down. It’s then I remember that his wife is standing behind us. Before I can say I’m sorry, he starts talking.

“I need a fake fiancée, and you need a plane. I’m sure we can work something out.”

“We’re good to go.” The woman holds up my ID. Her eyes bounce between Logan and me. I think it’s safe to say they aren't a thing because the man holding me is looking for a fiancé?

“Logan. This is not a good plan. You can’t take this girl with you to your parents. They’ll eat her alive. Look at her. She looks like she teaches the second grade.”

“What’s wrong with teaching the second grade?”

They both ignore me.

“It will work. All she has to do is agree, and she doesn't have much time.” He lifts his eyebrows.

“To be honest, I’ll do anything to get home, so deal,” I say. “Wait! Not sex. Not that you want sex, but I’ve never done sex before so I’m probably terrible at it and it would be great if someone would make me stop talking now.”

The woman bursts into laughter. Logan’s hold on me only tightens at my admission.

“Sex will not be required,” he confirms. A sliver of disappointment runs through me.

“We have to go now,” the woman says through a laugh.

“Deal!” I agree, knowing I don’t really have a choice.

“We’ll go over the details on the plane.” Finally, he puts me back on my feet before grabbing my roller suitcase. I grab my big purse. I think this might be the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me. Logan snags me around the wrist and starts to pull me toward two double doors that lead onto the tarmac. I move along with him.

It isn't until we’re at the stairs of the plane that he finally releases his hold on me. He motions for me to walk in front of him. My eyes almost pop out of my head when I see how luxurious the inside of the plane is. I’ve never even flown first class. Never mind in something so sleek and elegant as this.

“Good morning, Miss Meyer,” the man says to me, giving me a bright smile. He looks to be a few years older than me.

I read his name tag. “Thank you, Cory.” I glance around the plane, not sure where I should sit. It’s not a normal floor plan. There is a sofa on one side. Another section has four chairs around a table. Then there are a few bigger chairs that look extra comfy. They remind me of my dad’s recliner that my brother and I fight over at home. That’s only when my dad isn't there because it’s the best spot to watch TV. “Can I sit anywhere, or are there assigned seats?”

“Of course.” He hands me a glass of champagne.

“Stop staring at her and let her sit,” Logan barks from behind me. I almost spill my champagne.

“Sorry, sir.” I rush to a seat, not wanting to get snipped at next. This Logan guy can’t be all that bad if he’s offering me a ride on his fancy plane, but then he also likes to issue orders. Such as demanding my ID, which I still need to get back.

Logan takes the seat directly across from me. The woman walks past me, giving me a wink before snagging her own seat a few rows back. I take a drink of the bubbly goodness. The few times I’ve had champagne I didn't care for it, but this is yummy. I set my drink down before going for my phone to text my brother Beau. I promised that I’d give him my flight information. But I’m unsure if this is what he had in mind.