Taking Flight, стр. 3
I twist my head until our eyes latch. “That was your take-away from that?” I scoff, giving him a playful nudge with my elbow. “You don’t need my justification to know you’re a good-looking man.”
“And don’t forget rich.” One brow arches as he counters, sarcasm obvious as he shifts back. “Because you can tell that just by looking at me, right?”
“Not always.” I glance down between us. “But when you have a ten-thousand-dollar Omega strapped on your wrist, it’s a pretty good indicator.”
He chuckles, nodding in defeat, but continues to argue with me. “And yet, generally, only someone else with money would know the value of a watch like this.” His lips purse as his eyes scan my form once again in scrutiny. “But you’re definitely not typical. Not in your cut-off denim shorts, gap t-shirt, and chucks.”
“Are you asking me if I’m rich, Fin?” I flash a smug smile, enjoying this little guessing game we’re playing.
“Now what kind of gentleman would I be if I did that?” He finishes the rest of his drink in two long gulps. He hands his glass and then mine to the attendant collecting them for take-off, then swings his attention back to me. “Besides, it doesn’t matter one way or the other to me.” He finds the straps to his seatbelt and clicks them into place around his lean waist, his gaze sweeping up to mine when he’s done. “Friends don’t care about those kinds of things.”
“Oh yes, that’s right. I forgot.” I roll my eyes dramatically at him. “We’re friends now.”
“Yes, friends.” One side of his mouth lifts, his dimple amplifying the simple grin into something so much sexier. Or maybe it’s the way his gaze seems to sear into mine, stirring something inside of me that I have left untended for far too long. Whatever it is, there is no doubt that it wants to be much more than friends with the demi-god.
Chapter Two Turbulence
The plane engines roar loudly as we barrel down the runway, my fingernails sinking into the material of the armrest as I clutch on for dear life. Closing my eyes, I lean my head back and say a silent prayer as I feel us leave the ground. The heat of his hand splaying over mine registers before his words do.
“Not a good flier?” His fingers squeeze in comfort as I nod, my eyes still shut. “Want me to keep talking, or should I just shut up?”
“Keep talking,” I urge, trying to concentrate on the warmth of his skin instead of the knot in my stomach. “It’s just the take-off and landing parts that I hate.”
His hand relaxes over mine as his thumb begins to slide in a gentle circular motion over and over against my skin. “I know I said I didn’t want to talk about work, but I hope this isn’t how you’re planning on showing up to your interview.” My face scrunches in contempt as he chuckles. “Not that I’m sure they wouldn’t appreciate your gorgeous legs.”
My eyes fly open as they whip in his direction. “Of course I’m not showing up to my interview like this! Do you think I have no common sense?”
He shrugs, his expression one of mischief, his hand lifting off mine as he splays them out in front of me in defense. “Okay, okay. Don’t get all huffy. I was just asking. Wanted to make sure you have all the bases covered.”
“My interview isn’t until tomorrow. We don’t even land until five o’clock. How would I ever squeeze that in this afternoon?” I throw back at him.
“Oh, yes, that’s right.” He nods. “I forgot about the time difference. The loss of three hours flying west to east.”
“If you must know, I have a fabulous Dolce & Gabbana suit for my interview,” I huff out, sitting up straighter.
“Ah, so you do have money.” He leans in, a satisfied look on his face because he believes he’s solved some deep dark secret of mine.
“Because I own a nice suit?” I lift my chin in contempt. “I bought it at a second-hand consignment store if you must know.”
“I bet you look like a million bucks in it.” There’s a gleam in his eyes as they traverse over my frame once again.
Is he flirting with me or trying to infuriate me? I’m about to respond, but he interjects, pointing a finger toward my window. “Look, you can see the entire coast line. Isn’t it beautiful?” I turn and look at the view, gratitude warming my insides as I realize everything he just did was a distraction from the take-off. And it worked. Like a charm. I nod then look back at him. “Thank you.”
He shrugs then glances up the aisle as the pilot sounds overhead with an announcement. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I’m Captain Hanson, manning the controls up here in the cockpit as we wing our way to the Big Apple. We’re currently at eleven thousand feet, but I’ll be bringing us up to a cruising altitude of thirty-three. Smooth skies are expected for the entire flight, so sit back, enjoy yourselves, and let your flight attendants know if you need anything. I’ll see you on the ground in a few hours.”
His head turns back to me. “Want another drink?”
“I better not.” I tilt my head toward the overhead compartment. “I should grab my laptop and do a little more research for my interview tomorrow.”
“I thought we agreed not to talk about work?” he rebuts, his smile evaporating.
Groaning through a gritted smile, I counter, “I know, I know, but I need to make sure I’m prepared for every scenario. This is a really big deal for me.”
“Okay, how about a compromise then?” He darts a glance to the front of the plane then back at me. “They’re