The Bet (The Bet 1)

Throat suddenly dry, Jake turned away. “Right, well. Okay.”

Idiot, idiot, idiot. “So, you sure you can handle the forty-five minute flight?”

Jake thought he heard Kacey mumble “bastard” under her breath but couldn’t be sure.

“I’ll have you know that I’ve flown plenty since that little incident.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I believe you’re referring to the time I saved an old man’s life?”

“Saved his life?” Jake burst out laughing. “Kace, you almost killed him! He had a weak heart, and you kept hitting him across the chest because of the turbulence. You were mom-arming him like crazy! I’m surprised he didn’t sue you!”

“He thanked me.” Kacey lifted her chin and looked out the window.

“Um, he did nothing of the sort. He thanked me, not you. And the only reason he said “thank you” was because I put Benadryl in your soda so you’d stop freaking everyone out.”

“I knew I couldn’t have been that tired!” Kacey nearly shouted.

At Jake’s patronizing look she locked her eyes on the road in front of them and murmured, “I’ve grown up since the last time you saw me. You should know that, Jake.”

Oh, he knew it alright, he just wasn’t ready to admit it — or anything else for that matter. The girl had done a lot of growing up and he was very appreciative of said growing.

“Anyway…” Kacey let out a huff of air. “I’m not afraid of flying anymore.”

“Swear?”

“Swear.” She crossed her heart and winked.

****

Kacey gripped the seat so hard her fingers were numb. What the heck? Why were they taking so long getting the plane ready? If her forehead was pressed any tighter to the window, the glass would break.

“So, not afraid of flying anymore, hmm?” Jake’s breath tickled her ear as he pushed his body next to hers. “Liar.” His deep voice caused fluttering in her stomach. She refused to turn and look at his perfectly chiseled face. Damn him.

“How do we know they’re really doing their jobs? I mean, if checking the plane is so important, why are they all smiling?”

Jake’s warm hand cupped her chin forcefully, pulling her away from her stakeout. “People smile, Kacey, and a happy worker is a good worker. Maybe he’s just really excited about his job.”

“Or our deaths…,” Kacey mumbled to herself. Seriously! Her eyes scanned the rest of the passengers. All of them reading or talking. Why weren’t they on the lookout? I mean, as an American, it’s your job — nay, your duty — to look for suspicious characters. Her eyes darted around the small plane, landing finally on a large man who seemed to be talking into his jacket.

“Holy Hell.” Kacey grabbed Jake’s hand. “That man is talking into his jacket. Do you know what that means?”

“He’s insane?” Jake offered. “Like my fake fiancée? Seriously, Kace, if you can’t calm down I’m going to drug you again, and it’s not going to be Benadryl…”

“Fine.” Kacey leaned back and tried to relax, but the minute she closed her eyes she remembered she was still holding Jake’s hand, and he was holding hers back.

Oh crap. It was like sixth grade skate night all over again.

Only worse, because this time the song didn’t end. It was a forty-five minute plane ride, and she had started the whole thing holding his hand. What could he possibly think of her?

Jake’s thumb rubbed across her fingers delicately.

Another involuntary shiver ran down her spine. It’s not real, Kacey. Just remember it’s not real. He doesn’t really like you in that way. Do it for Grandma!

The plane began to taxi and the pressure of Jake’s hand increased just as her palm pushed into his. If the man had any feeling left in his arm at all, she would be shocked.

“Kacey?” he whispered, again dangerously close to her face.

“Hmm?” She refused to open her eyes.

“Let’s make out.”