Page 5 of Passions & Peonies

These thoughts are not normal. Why am I so comfortable with a complete stranger? It’s as if we’ve known each other from another lifetime. My hormones are in a frenzy just from sitting next to him—well, andonhim. Why did we have to meet on a plane? Why not in a cute little café in New York? Once we land, we won’t see each other again. I can fantasize, though. I’ll enjoy him while I can. I’m up for doing something crazy.

“Those golden specks in your right eye are so beautiful.”

“Thanks.” A sweet grin forms on his face, and he rests the side of his head on the back of the seat, making him even more adorable.

“So, it’s your turn to answer. Are you always this mellow or nice to strange women?”

“Which one should I answer first?”

“Mellow?”

He shakes his head, then looks away. A tiny birthmark sits sweetly just below the back of his left ear. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks. Mix that with exhaustion and this is who you get. I’m a pretty laid-back kinda guy, but I’m usually in a good mood.”

“Wanna talk about it?” I rub his upper arm with the back of one of my freshly manicured hands. “It might help to talk to a stranger.”

“Not really. I’m tired of talking about it. It’s not going to change what happened. But you’re giving me the perfect distraction, so please don’t stop.”

“So that’s why you’re being so nice to me.”

His mouth quirks at the corners. “I won’t argue there. I thought I’d be miserable this entire flight. Or annoyed that someone would be talking my ear off. But you’re the best cure for a bad mood. My friends and family tried before I left New York, but it didn’t work. With you, it’s easy. Can I put you in my pocket and take you home for whenever I need a pick-me-up?”

That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, and my heart does a little dance.

“I’m not sure I’ll fit,” I flirt. I’d gladly let him keep me for future use. What can I say? I like to make people happy. I want to press him for more details, but he doesn’t have to tell me anything.

“Well, then… I’ll have to find another way to keep you around.” He squeezes my hand again, reminding me that he’s still holding it.

“I have an idea.” I pull my hand away and sift through my backpack for my phone. “Let’s take a selfie together. Then when you’re crabby, you can look at the photo and remember how bizarre this flight was.”

“I hate being in pictures, but I’ll do it just for you.”

I snuggle up to him again and lean my head against his, almost cheek to cheek. He takes my phone and extends it in front of us. His long, muscular arm gives us a better angle.

“Say beaches,” he mutters. We both laugh after we say it. He takes several shots and gives me the phone back. We check out the pictures and delete the hideous ones. To be honest, we’d make an amazing couple. He has a beautiful smile. I hope it was a real one.

He points at a specific shot. “I want that one. Can I have your phone for a sec?”

“But I’m the only one in the picture!” My cheeks burn from embarrassment.

Before I know it, he enters his contact info. Only his first name and number. I’m surprised he gives it to me at all. Does that mean he wants to stay in touch?

He hands the phone back to me. “Do you use WhatsApp?”

I nod.

“Please send me the picture once you have a connection.”

I crinkle my eyebrows. “Why do you want one only of me? I loved the other one when we were both looking in the same direction.”

“Because you look the most beautiful in that one. Now, every time I see your bright face, it’ll make things better.”

I lean away. “Is your phone full of pictures you take with girls on planes?” I’m trying to be funny, but that’d be really shitty if he does this all the time. Pretending to be sad when he really isn’t. He’ll probably try to steal my passport or phone. Or maybe use my photo on dating sites. My stomach clenches.

“Hell, no. I told you I don’t like pictures. And I try to avoid talking to the people who sit next to me. I put my AirPods in and block out everything and everyone. Except this time, my phone died, so that wasn’t possible.”

“Should I leave you alone then?” I stiffen.

He takes hold of my hand again and pulls me closer. “You stay right here.” My shoulders relax as my heart melts a little bit more.

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