Page 61 of Letting it Ride

“Shit. I hit the flush button,” Addie mutters. “Sorry.” She looks over her shoulder at me. A smile plays at her lips, and as our eyes meet, we both burst into laughter.

Any chance of us actually joining the Mile High Club is gone now, but this is going to turn into a story we’ll laugh at for years. “Remind me why people do this again?”

She’s laughing so hard she can barely catch her breath. A little snort escapes, and she slaps a hand over her mouth. “I don’t know. It seemed better in my fantasy, honestly. This is really cramped and uncomfortable. Not really romantic.”

“You almost got me in the nuts with your elbow. Talk about killing the romance.”

We’re both laughing uncontrollably as I help her to straighten and we pull our pants back up.

“Can this be like a bucket list thing that we can now say we’ve done? Technically, we took our pants off, so I think it’s close enough,” Addie says, trying to wash her hands while I squeeze into the remaining space.

“Hey, this was your idea,” I remind her.

She shrugs. “I thought it would be hotter than this.”

I laugh again as I kiss her, long and deep. “Now, let’s figure out how to get the door open so I can get out. You might have to stand on the toilet.”

Addie manages to squeeze into the corner out of the way while I pull the door open and slide out, thanking God that whoever knocked on the door isn’t standing there waiting.

The flight attendant is pouring a drink in the galley when I walk by, but she looks up from what she’s doing to give me a knowing smile. “Enjoying your flight, sir?”

Addie and I look at one another and dissolve in laughter every time the flight attendant walks by. I’m sure we’re not the first couple she’s seen hook up in the bathroom, but it feels naughty and risqué and makes us feel like we have a secret, even if we didn’t actually have sex.

“We can’t tell my brother about that,” Addie says at one point, still giggling.

My heart drops, because in our escape from realityI’d almost forgotten just why we were never supposed to start any of this.

“Um,” I say, unsure how to start. “Maybe we shouldn’t tell him about any of this. For a little bit, at least.”

Addie nods, deep in thought. “I’m not sure he’d be the most accepting of this whole thing. He might skin you alive.”

“Yeah. Or worse.” I can think of a whole host of things Maddox might do. He’s protective of the people he loves, almost to a fault.

“We should probably keep it under wraps until we’re sure. Like, no point in stirring the pot if this doesn’t work out between us.”

I turn in my seat to face her. “Addie.” She turns to look at me, and I grip her chin between my thumb and forefinger. “I’m—I know you might need time. But I’m sure here. I know I’ve said that, but it’s—I’m not just saying that. It’s true. I wouldn’t have started something, wouldn’t have slept with you, if I didn’t see this going somewhere. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

She blinks, her eyes searching my face. “I know,” she says softly.

“Please fasten your seat belts and return your seats to their upright position as we prepare for landing,”the flight attendantannounces overhead.

Addie and I follow her instructions, and I wonder if our conversation is over until she reaches over and slides her hand into mine.

She’s still holding my hand when we touch down back in reality.

23

ADDISON

To:[email protected]

From:[email protected]

Subject:Re: Favor

Thank you so much for being willing to watch the twins! Seriously, you’re the best. Maybe like 2 p.m. onSunday?

Chris

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