Page 23 of Something Blue

He wiped at his chin as he thought. “You know, maybe we can do something this week. It’s been a while for me, and I can help ease you in.”

A lump started in her throat. “I . . . I don’t know. My legs start shaking and I can barely walk. Even now, I feel like running to the other end of the plane to get away from you.”

“Oh come on. I haven’t done anything thrilling in a while. I’m too focused on work and need to lighten up.”

They needed to move away from talking about risking her life with any outlandish behavior. Crazy stunts were all too common where she worked.

“Too much work, huh? What happens if we get married? Are you going to be married to your job too?”

He laughed loudly, waking up the man across the aisle. “Sorry,” he whispered to him as Sadie stifled a laugh.

Once they settled down and the man stopped glaring at him, he continued. “I’m sure when the right time comes along and I meet a girl worth sacrificing for, I’ll willingly find a happy balance in my life. My dad is the boss so he can have more time with my mom. I kind of like that motto. But until then, I might as well get as far as I can.”

It was the side of him she liked the best. The somewhat sentimental, reasonable, and kind man who reminded her of teenage Andy.

“I sang to you in high school.” She blurted the words before she could doubt herself.

“What?” His eyes went out of focus as he thought. “Wait, did you sing me that song on Valentine’s Day?”

She ducked her head and nodded.

“Wow, so that was you. I’m impressed. I was dating Jenna at the time and didn’t think much of it then, but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought of it from time to time.”

“Really?” She lifted her head to check his expression.

“Really.”

That made her feel three times less insignificant. This whole time, he’d thought of her, even if he didn’t know it was her.

Before long, the plane dropped in small increments and the captain spoke over the intercom, asking passengers to prepare for landing. As soon as the intercom clicked, Sadie clenched her fingers together so tightly they turned white.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“I hate the taking off part and the turbulence part, but I really hate landing. People say I’m brave because I’ve cared for cancer patients, but that must zap all bravery out of the rest of my life. I’m a big chicken on a plane.” Her feet tapped on the floor in a nervous frenzy.

“It’s okay. It’s almost over. Look out the window,” he said slipping his hand in hers. Tingles crawled up her arm and when she tried to shake his hand away, he held hers tighter. “Try to focus on the water instead of your fears. It’s beautiful, right? Many people pay bundles to see water this blue, and we’re looking at it right now.”

She lifted her chin an inch and looked below them. His hand became comfortable in hers. That was the problem. Why hadn’t she weighed falling for him into her decision to bring Andy?

The plane’s wheels popped into place, and a few seconds later, they were on the runway braking to a stop.

Her heart thumped as he ran a thumb across her skin. Ignoring it as much as possible, she rambled on about her mom and the many times they’d flown together. The time passed quickly, too quickly, and when he finally let go of her hand, she was reluctant.

“We’re here already. It seems when you talk about your mom, you’re calm.”

No, she was calm because he was there. How could she tell him that holding his hand was more thrilling than landing in a plane?

“Let’s talk about your mom when we go jet skiing, too.”

That effectively pulled her from her thoughts. “Not on your life.”

He laughed loudly and continued to tease her until they reached the gate.

Once they’d collected their bags and picked up their rental car keys, Andy asked her to wait by the door. “I’ll come around and pick you up.”

Despite their few rough interactions, there was a definite sweet side to Andy worth the wait. For now, she’d enjoy the less regimented side of him. A few minutes passed before she got a text.

Your chariot awaits.

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