Page 6 of Sinclair Duet

Her profile was perfect in every way. The elegance of her slender neck, proudness of her jawline, and the upturn of her nose. No artist could duplicate her image, give it the beauty it deserves.

“Would either of you like a drink prior to takeoff?”

I turned to the woman in the blue dress with the name tag that read TAMMY and then over to Gabriella. “Would you like something?”

She turned to the flight attendant. “Honestly, yes. Would it be possible for me to change seats?”

Tammy straightened her neck and peered down the length of the plane. “First class is full.”

“I really don’t care where you put me. I’ll take row twenty-seven.”

“Let me see if we have any seats available,” Tammy said with a feigned smile before walking away.

Gabriella’s attention went back to the window.

I lowered my tenor and spoke in a hushed whisper. “You don’t need to move seats, Ella. I won’t bite…however, I don’trecall your being opposed.” When she didn’t respond, I tried for a less sensitive subject although I knew the answer. “What takes you to LA?”

“Work.”

“I heard you’re working for Beta Kappa Phi.”

She turned her mesmerizing gaze my way. “Are you stalking me?”

“Yes,” I replied with a scoff. “Today has been an elaborate plan on my part. Now that I have you here, I would prefer you didn’t change seats.”

“Damien, what you prefer isn’t my concern.”

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Tammy said, reappearing at my side. “I’m sorry. We’re a full flight.”

“Thank you for trying,” Gabriella said. “In that case, I’d like a glass of chardonnay.”

Tammy looked at me.

“The best bourbon you have, neat.”

I turned to Ella. “Perhaps we could start again.” I offered her my hand with a grin. “Hello. In case you don’t recall, I’m Damien Sinclair. Maybe we can call a truce for this trip.”

“This trip? Four and a half hours.” She sighed. “When it’s over, we part ways. I can do that.”

“I’m afraid it may be a bit longer.”

“Why?”

“I, too, am on my way to LA for the Beta Kappa Phi gala.”

Her blue eyes opened wide. “Youarestalking me.”

“I’m not, but I wouldn’t mind taking credit. You see, a friend of mine?—”

“You have friends now?”

I smirked. “His name is Donovan Sherman.”

Her eyes closed as she laid her head back on the headrest.

“You know him?” I asked.

“He’s one of the donors being recognized tonight. I’m presenting his award.”

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