Page 60 of Dirty Intentions

“Ms. Trivioli, good news for you today. You’ve been upgraded to first class.”

“Oh. Why?” I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful, but it didn’t make sense.

She shrugged. “Don’t know. Could be a full flight, and your airfare made you eligible. Did you not want it?”

“No, no, I do. Thanks.” Considering Eric had sent confirmation about ten minutes ago that he’d wire the rest of my money by the end of the week, perhaps everything was looking up.

After security, I made my way to the lounge where I had a cocktail—okay, maybe three—and tried not to think about Shane. How was it this last week with him was leaving me more broken-hearted than my two years with Eric? I couldn’t be in love with him already, could I? Perhaps it was simply lust. I didn’t want to think about it. Instead, I got up, ready for my flight and an escape via first class.

I took the window seat in the third row. The setup was awesome with the flat screen in front of me and the additional leg room. I didn’t fly much, but this was the way to do it. I couldn’t wait to recline and maybe get some much-needed sleep; last night hadn’t afforded me much. While the plane filled up, I flipped around the movie channels and figured I might end up with an empty seat beside me. Then he sat down.

Despite tired eyes, a dark scruff, and wearing his clothes from last night, Shane still looked devastatingly handsome.

“What are you doing here?” I posed the obvious question.

He put a small bag under the seat before turning to me. “Heading to Jamaica.”

“But why? Wait. Were you the one who upgraded me?”

“Max technically did, but I asked if he could do me the favor while I was busy getting to the airport. I was happy to find out this flight wasn’t completely full, and we could get seats together. I don’t fly much, so the extra room is nice.”

“Uh. Okay, but why are you here?”

For the first time in this little exchange, he appeared nervous.

“When I woke up, you were gone. I realized it’s because I didn’t give you any indication or reason to stay and—”

He was interrupted by the flight attendant asking us for our drink orders.

“To be continued once we get in the air.”

I gripped his arm, impatient for his words. “What? No, say what you were going to.”

But it was too late. The announcement were being made, the flight attendant was back to get our cups, and then came the safety briefing. Finally, after what seemed to take forever, we were airborne.

He quickly reclined both his seat and mine fully and then put up the privacy screen. Once we were both reclined flat, we turned towards one another, our heads propped on our hands, eye to eye.

“Hi.”

I laughed at his greeting. “Hi.”

“Where was I?”

“I believe you were about to answer why you’re on a flight to Jamaica with me.”

“Right.” He exhaled a breath. “I don’t want what we have to stop.”

His words caused a shiver to run up my body. I was about to respond, but he wasn’t done.

“I realize it’s crazy to feel this way after a few days. I mean we hardly know one another. You just got out of an engagement, and I’ve never been in a real relationship. Tell me it’s crazy.”

I smiled. “It is crazy, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel the same way.”

He scooted closer to me, pulling my hips in line with his. “I’m an owner of a sex club, and I won’t give that up. I can’t change my past, and I won’t apologize for it. My own mother died still disowning me for my choices.”

I reached out, stroking his face where pain was etched in his expression. I fought my own emotion in watching a man like him say such difficult things. “No one should have to feel judged like that.”

He swallowed hard. “No, they shouldn’t. But being involved with me will mean people in your life will judge. I guess what I’m saying is I don’t know what to offer you, Daniella. What I can give to a relationship.”

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