Page 131 of Company Ink

I grunt and wave her off. "I'm going! God, you're annoying."

Ness rolls her eyes, letting out a scoff.

I release a long breath as I make my way down the aisle, my anxiety thrumming. Am I even allowed to be here? If a flight attendant drags me back to my seat, I might just die of embarrassment. I nibble on the inside of my cheek as I pass row 3...row 2...row 1.Shit.

He must have heard my inner screaming because Blake turns his head. "Cassandra," he says, grinning. "What took you so long?"

I cross my arms. It's him. He's here. On my flight. Not at all creepy. "This is a plane, Blake," I say slowly. "To New York."

"Is it?" Blake smirks. "I could've sworn they said London."

"Why are you here?" I ask in a hushed tone, scared to draw the attention of the cabin crew.

"Do you want to sit?" Blake asks, gesturing to the empty seat beside him.

"No!" I exclaim. "I want you to tell me why you're here."

Blake sighs. "Just sit, it's fine. I bought the seat, no one will kick you out."

I groan inwardly, sitting down beside him. "Why are you on this flight?" I ask him again.

"I have business in New York," he states coolly.

"Business? What kind of business?"

"Important business."

I shake my head, frustrated at his cryptic responses. "I—Why…Blake! Oh my God, can you speak in sentences longer than seven words? You're on my flight. Going to New York, that's kind of weird and I want to know why. How did you know I'd be here?"

Blake lets out a low chuckle. "I was scheduled to fly to New York tomorrow, but I changed my flight last minute."

"Why?"

"To give you Stella," he says, smiling.

"You changed your flight to give me a plant? Seriously? How did you even know my flight number?" I can't tell if he's playing me or he's being genuine.

Blake shrugs. "I asked Matt to ask Monique."

Monique. She and Kitty are in for an ear full when we land. "You could've just mailed me Stella if you wanted to give her back. Clearly, you could've gotten my address from Monique, apparently, she's like my own personal info desk."

"This seemed easier," he says, handing me the inflight drink menu. "What would you like?"

Seriously?I slam the menu on my lap. "Blake...why are you really here?"

"I told you, I have business in New York," he says calmly. "We're expanding Pearson & Associates to the east coast. I'm scouting locations for the new firm."

"So, you're going to be in New York?" I ask, biting my lip.Interesting.

"Sporadically, yes."

"Huh," I hum, tapping my nails on the laminated menu. "I see."

"Perhaps we can get coffee when I'm in the city?" Blake offers casually. "I can show you and Ness around."

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. I made a pact with myself. No dating. No men. School. My future. That's what's important.

"Just coffee," I whisper. "Right?"

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