Page 39 of Miss Belief

“But what if I happen to be thirsty?”

His grin brought out his dimple. Oh, dimples, how I love thee.

“How about, could you use a cocktail?”

“Given the circumstances of this weekend, the answer will always be yes. How about, do you want some warm nuts?” What could I say? My creativity was limited to the snack in front of me.

“Could make for some funny looks. I like it. So then, how are your warm nuts?”

A giggle escaped my throat at the absurdity of our little inside phrase. “My warm nuts are incredible. I’m digging business-class service already.”

“You’re a cheap date if the nuts are doing it for you.”

I picked up the menu on the center console. “I doubt these seats were cheap. By the way, thank you for the flight to California afterwards.” It couldn’t have been cheap either. Although I was aware he had a good deal of family money and probably made a good living as a security director, I would never take his generosity for granted.

“It was the least I could do to offset the discomfort you’re about to experience.”

“Guess I’d better fasten my seat belt.” Both figuratively and literally.

* * *

After a large breakfast of pancakes,bacon, and fruit—in business class they actually served you on real plates with silverware—I gave up trying to watch another movie and settled in for sleep. The beauty of these seats was you could lay them flat like a bed. But the bed aspect made me very aware I’d be sleeping next to Reid.

Guess I ought to get used to it since we’d be sharing a room tonight. But wait? Would we be sharing a bed too? I hadn’t thought to ask. I finally fell asleep dreaming about warm nuts.

I woke, stretched out the kinks, and glanced at my phone, which told me I’d slept six hours. The plane was relatively quiet and dark, with a melodic white noise humming in my ears from the jet engines. As I sat up, I realized most of the passengers were sleeping, including my seatmate. I swallowed hard at the sight of his baby face, completely relaxed in slumber. Couldn’t he at least snore or drool or do something unattractive? Then again, if he had, I’d probably make an exception and find the flaw as sexy as the rest of him.

As if he could hear my internal thoughts, he stretched—adorably, of course—and opened his eyes. Immediately, he focused on me. “Hi,” came his gravelly morning voice.

“Hi.” Why was his morning voice sexy while mine sounded as if I’d chain-smoked a pack of cigarettes?

“How long did you sleep?”

“Six hours. I just woke up.”

“Mm, you’re excited for another movie, aren’t you?”

Before succumbing to sleep, I’d rattled off to him the titles of at least a dozen movies I couldn’t wait to watch, so yeah, I was eager. Considering I’d never had cable television and didn’t frequently have a chance to watch movies, was it any wonder I was enthusiastic?

“I am. But first I need to use the lavatory.” While Reid probably had perfect morning breath, I knew, without a doubt, I did not.

“Let me get your bag.”

He was so considerate, setting his seat to the upright position and climbing out so he could fetch my bag out of the overhead.

“Thank you,” I murmured, taking my toiletry bag. I made my way to the bathroom and, once in the closet-like space, checked my hair in the mirror. I was happy to see it had stayed calm. If I’d left it curly, it would’ve been a mess by now. I took a good ten minutes to wash my face, brush my teeth, and freshen up before returning to my seat. Once there, I smiled at my seatmate, who appeared as though he’d also freshened up and was now sitting up in his chair. Our bedding had already been folded.

“The flight attendant will be back with some sandwiches and drinks if you’re hungry.”

I was.

Once we arrived in Fort Lauderdale, we went through customs and then straight to the Emirates arrivals lounge. There I was able to take a shower and change into expensive outfit number one. It consisted of a soft yellow-and-white sundress with tan espadrille wedge shoes. I accessorized with a simple silver chain bracelet and my silver locket, the one holding a picture of my niece.

When I came out of the women’s lounge, Reid was waiting on me, leaned up against the wall. He’d changed into khaki pants and a baby-blue, short-sleeved dress shirt. He resembled the pre-breakup, fresh-faced Reid. When he smiled, I noted how clear his eyes were and how healthily his skin glowed.

“Hi,” I said, enjoying the way his eyes lit up at my appearance.

“Hi. You look beautiful.”