Page 6 of Perfect Satisfaction

My lips part in shock. “Really?” In no way does he resemble the sleazeball paparazzi that persist in following the people I care for around with regularity. Curious, I roll to my side without moving my hand and ask, “How does one aspire to become one of those?”

“A love of writing and no desire to write a book. I like giving people information and entertainment when they need a few minutes to escape their every day.”

“God, your honesty is refreshing.” I can’t help but admire him.

“I’m glad you think so. Used to men blowing sunshine up your pretty little ass?”

Instead of responding to his backhanded compliment, I remark, “I’m dying to ask some questions.”

He holds out the arm still clutching the bourbon. “Be my guest.” Then, as if it’s an accident instead of a deliberate caress, he brushes his fingers up my arm sending shivers over my entire body. Arek regards me like we’re on an actual date and not two strangers who happened to be on the same flight heading west.

I take in the handsome man in shirtsleeves. Arek thought the heat in the desert was something to be worried about? I’m more concerned about combusting here on the plane if he keeps up with these small touches. I’m not a fool nor am I foolish. This man, this stranger, is acclimating me to his touch.

The question is, to what end?

He feels it too. My voice comes out only a little husky when I ask, “When did you first start checking out my ass?”

“I’m a man, not a saint. I was stunned stupid for a few seconds when you first started crawling in front of me.” His comment is accompanied by a look so filled with heat, I feel a throbbing too long denied begin to burn in between my legs.

What is it about this man?

In an effort to mask my reaction, I lift my drink to my lips and take a small sip. I note his eyes track the movement—hunter to prey. Genuinely curious, I ask, “You said you’re going to Vegas for work? What are you covering?”

An amused smile touches his lips. “Bachelor party.”

“Ah, the most cliched reason in the world. Were you invited?”

His smile turns wolfish. “A small oversight by the groom, I assure you.”

I lift what’s left in my glass and salute him with it. “I like a man who goes after what he wants.”

“Good to know.” His eyes roam my face before they travel further down to where my silk camp shirt is unbuttoned. Fortunately, I have a camisole on over my demi-bra or I might not be able to resist his offer of the loo with the way his eyes singe away my clothes.

Heat, pure and raw, pulsates between us for a second, an eternity, before he asks. “What about you? Why are you heading to the city of sin and secrets?”

“Oh, I’m there for a whole different kind of desire,” I mock. Maybe, just maybe this time I’ll earn my father’s approval when his half-American daughter wraps up this military contract early and under budget despite the fubar he’s dumped in her lap.

Unlikely, but maybe.

“Hmm, some people would say desires could become addictive.”

“Habit forming.”

Whether it’s the late hour of the flight or the conversation that’s beginning to spiral out of control, I mourn, “It’s a pity I’m satisfied with my life.”

“Satisfied is such a banal word, Ursula. Especially when you could experience so much more.” The overhead light above his head bounces off the angles and planes of his face. It also shows the glint in his eyes.

I cross my legs and hear the rush of breath before I lean back against my seat. “Think so?”

“Uh-huh.”

I do a quick mental calculation of the project I’m being sent to Vegas for. Barring complications, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be wrapped up by Saturday. “Have any plans for Saturday night?” I toss out casually.

Regret blooms. “That’s the night of the show.”

“I know.” Confusion mars his features. I lean forward and grab his tie, yanking him toward me. I lean over and place my mouth right next to his ear so my whispered words can be heard over the roar of the engines hurling us through the air. “Brendan plays a late-night set after the show. Always.” I name the bar I know it will be at. “I’ll meet you inside when it’s over.”

Slowly, I let go of the grip I have on his tie. Arek’s eyes devour me as he pulls back slightly. “You’re certain of this?”