Page 5 of An Unexpected Encounter

The plane lands and begins to taxi to the terminal. Almost there. I can see his hands sliding up and down the length of his jean-clad legs nervously.

“So, Veronica, is there any way I can get your number? Call you sometime, maybe meet up and go on an actual date?”

I want to say yes, so fucking bad, but I can’t. I’m really attracted to this guy, and I know if it went well, I’d do something to push him away. Until I can learn to deal with that, I can’t hurt other people. Maybe hit-and-run sex is the way to go. No ties, no feelings for the most part, and no information. That way we can’t contact each other.

“I’m sorry, you’re hot as fuck, and I really, really like you, but I don’t see it going anywhere. We most likely live nowhere near each other, and a date just seems a step backward after what we just did.”

I glance at him just as the stewardess calls for us to disembark and he’s staring at me. Without saying another word, I stand up quickly, snatching my bag up from the floor, and race down the aisle, pushing my way in front of the other passengers.

I need to get off this plane before he tries to convince me to change my mind.

“Veronica, Veronica!” comes from behind me and I start walking faster. I know the airport will be crowded and it’ll give me the chance I need to disappear into the masses.

I burst into the terminal and hit the ground running. The bathroom up ahead gives me the opportunity to do just what I wanted, to vanish. Making a quick shuffle to the right, I head into it and straight to a stall, shutting the door behind me as I let out a sigh of relief.

Did I really just run like a madwoman from the hot guy who wanted to take me on a date? That would be yes, because I’m a fucking idiot!

Selena, you need to get your shit together. At that moment, I vow the next time I’m asked out or someone wants my number, I’ll give it to them. Also, my real name would be good as well.

I hang out in the bathroom, relieving myself, and freshening up until I’m pretty confident the coast is clear and then head out to the baggage claim to collect my luggage.

Luck is on my side. I catch a glimpse of him, bag in hand, heading toward the exit. Crisis averted. But my heart breaks a little, knowing I screwed up a chance for what I bet would’ve been an amazing date.

Chapter 3

Selena

The cab ride from the airport was uneventful and I’m exhausted.

I don’t care what Mom said. I’m not traipsing through the restaurant with my bags. She can wait a few extra minutes, it won’t kill her.

I head straight for the reception desk to check in.

Stepping up the counter, the middle age, gray hair man with his glasses perched on his nose, looks up front the computer.

“How can I help you?”

“I’m checking in.” I let go of my luggage, placing my purse on the counter as I pull my wallet out.

“Name please?”

“Selena Middleton.” I hand over my driver’s license and he takes it, looking at it before typing on his keyboard.

“Ahh, here we are. Your room has already been covered and there’s a credit card already on file for your incidentals.”

My mouth drops open. What the hell? When has my mom ever been this generous?

He hands back my license, along with my room key, directing me to the elevator.

I don’t hesitate and head straight to my room.

Walking in, I look around and check out my new home for the weekend. It’s spacious with a king-size bed, table, and a dresser. A large flat screen television sitting on top of it. In the corner is a wet bar, which I will definitely be hitting up, especially if I’m going to be dealing with my mother. The curtains are pulled back, showing the balcony. Mom and the new stepdaddy definitely picked a nice place.

I drop my bags and flop down on the soft bed. Travelling is exhausting and a nap sounds pretty good. But first, I need to update Mom. I pull out my phone, knowing she’ll be blowing it up soon.

Me: Hey Mom, I’ve just checked in and I’m in my room.

I’ve barely hit send when the check turns green and bubbles dance up and down on my screen.

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