“You’re afraid of the dark?”
“Confined spaces.”
“Like this plane?”
“No. I can see other people. The area is large enough that I don’t feel enclosed. But yeah, I don’t particularly care for any situation where I feel trapped.” I drop my hand from her cheek because it’s too intimate. I’m two seconds away from leaning in and pressing my lips to hers. That’s not me. I don’t kiss strangers on planes, but Sawyer, if given the chance, she could be the exception to my every rule.
The remainder of the flight is spent giving her my full attention. I’m no longer tired, and instead of wishing the flight would land, I want more time with her. All too soon, we’ve landed, and we’re exiting the plane. “You need a ride?” I find myself offering.
“Thank you, but no. My new employer sent a car for me. Or they are supposed to.”
“Nice.” I nod even though she can’t see me. Like a puppy, I follow her to baggage claim. I only have my one carry-on, but it’s more time with her.
“That’s me.” She points to a large black suitcase. When it gets near us, I grab it from the belt. “A true gentleman.” She smiles up at me. Her green eyes hold nothing but ease, no lingering fear from the flight.
“You seem to have that effect on me,” I say, reaching out to tuck her hair behind her ear. It wasn’t in her face, but it gave me an excuse to touch her. “I’d like to see you again.” The words sound foreign, but I mean them. “I could show you around the city.”
A slight blush coats her cheeks. “I’d like that.”
“Hand me your phone.” She pulls it from her pocket, unlocks the screen, and hands it over. Quickly I program Royce Plane Guy as my contact name and enter my number. “It was nice meeting you, Sawyer.”
“You too, Royce.” She glances over, and there is a man in a suit holding up a sign that says, Sawyer Gibson. “That’s me.” She points over her shoulder.
“Good luck with your new job. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
“Thank you.” She smiles and steps closer. She falters before taking another step and pressing her lips to my cheek. “Thank you for saving me.” With that, she turns, a bag in each hand, and walks away.
I watch her until I can no longer see her. I want to insist she let me drive her wherever she needs to go. Pulling my phone out of my pocket to call her and do just that, I realize I don’t have her number. Like an idiot, I didn’t text myself from her phone. I don’t have a choice but to wait for her call. I’m not a patient man, but for Sawyer, I’ll have to be.Chapter 1SawyerMy heels click against the tile floor, echoing throughout the quiet lobby. I keep my head held high and try not to fidget. Today is my first day on the job, and to say that I’m nervous is an understatement. Stopping at the reception desk, I wait until I have the woman’s attention. “Sawyer Gibson for Gail Hines,” I say with a surprisingly steady voice.
“Of course, Ms. Gibson. Gail is expecting you. Take the elevator to the tenth floor. She should be at the desk, just around the corner as soon as you exit.”
“Thank you.” I give her a polite smile and turn for the elevator. It’s completely made of glass and offers a view of the city. Royce would appreciate that fact, not liking enclosed places and all. Shaking out of my thoughts, I board the elevator. Once inside, I watch as the numbers climb. I can’t seem to make myself turn around and look at the city from above. My fear of heights won’t let me. Instead, my eyes are glued to the numbers until I reach the tenth floor, which also happens to be the very top floor of the building. The top floor where I’ll be working as the administrative assistant to the CEO. It’s not a far leap from my old job, but I’m still nervous. When the door slides open on the tenth floor, I exit, and round the corner to find Gail waiting for me at a reception desk.
“Sawyer, good morning.” Gail stands from the chair behind the desk and walks around to greet me. She extends her hand, and I place mine in hers in greeting. This is our first face-to-face meeting. My interviews were done via video chat, which I’m thankful for. No way would I have wanted to have to fly here twice. Flying. My mind immediately goes to Royce. I’ve been doing that a lot the last three days. What are the chances that I’d meet a kind, handsome stranger on the plane? I haven’t called him yet, but I plan to tonight. I spent the weekend getting settled into my new apartment, thanks to the help of Hadley and her fiancé, Derek. Hadley tried to get me to call yesterday, but that makes me seem desperate, right? There’s a three-day rule for a reason. At least that’s what I tell myself. Part of me feels like the moment was too magical to be real.