Page 6 of Passions & Peonies

“I feel bad saying this, but I’m glad my friend missed her flight. I wouldn’t have met you if she hadn’t.” I bite my lip. He doesn’t respond, but I don’t want him to because he’s staring at my lips like he wants to devour them. I wish he would. I’m tingling from head to toe, and my belly swirls with excitement. I can’t wait to tell Sky. She’ll never believe it.

The plane dips again, pushing us closer together.

“I’m glad too.” His eyes dilate, and his breathing increases. He leans in and I take his face in my hands. My lips brush his like a feather, but we break apart when an attendant announces on the intercom that we’re descending.

We gaze at each other, both knowing that the opportunity has passed us by. It’s probably for the best—I have a feeling that one kiss from him would lead to a lot more, and it wouldn’t be enough.

Another announcement distracts us, and we pretend to clean up our area. There’s no mess, but we have to—or at leastIhave to occupy myself. We aren’t holding hands anymore but our arms touch. I’ve changed my mind about telling Sky or anyone about Will. I want this only for myself. I’ll keep the sweet memories of him tucked close to my heart for a rainy day.

The plane touches down. We’re far enough back that it will take us a while to get off the plane. I stare at his tight muscles as he removes his carry-on from overhead. If timing and location were different, I wouldn’t let him get away. That’s what I’d tell my friends to do if they were in the same position.

Finally the line is moving, and Will lets me go ahead of him. As we get closer to the exit, I start to panic. What should I say to him when we have to part? What if he just walks away without saying goodbye?

He’s still behind me as we approach the terminal. I can feel him watching me. His gaze tickles my entire body like a feather. We get separated once we get to customs, but every time I look in his direction, he’s watching me. He doesn’t even try to look away. I do, though, because his facial expression concerns me. His eyebrows are stuck together, and his jawline is tight like before. It’s as if he’s at war with himself.

It’s a long wait, but I finally get through customs. I search for Will, but I don’t see him anymore. My stomach turns and nausea sets in.That’s it. It’s over.I’ll never see him again. My chest feels heavy, and I almost feel like I’m going to cry.

Just as I turn the corner, someone pulls me aside. I screech.

Will!

“I couldn’t walk away without doing this.”

My mouth opens to respond, but he silences me with his lips. They’re exactly how I imagined them. Soft, gentle, perfect. He wraps one arm around my lower back and cups my cheek with the other. His tongue seduces my lips, and I open for him without hesitation. All the chaos around us disappears. It’s only me and him.

Our kiss comes to an end, and we gaze silently at each other for a moment. Then the hunger that was in his eyes on the plane takes over, and I match it with my own. My backpack slides off my arm as I rise onto my toes and grab his shirt, pulling him to me. I capture his lips this time. We wrap our arms around each other and fall deeper into the heated kiss.

This is only supposed to be a goodbye kiss, but it feels like so much more. He pulls away, and I already feel empty. His thumb caresses my cheek. “I won’t forget you.” He pecks my lips one more time and walks away.

My feet are glued to the ground. I can hardly breathe. He’s stolen my breath and my heart. I trace my tingling lips with my finger and find myself smiling. That kiss won’t last a lifetime, but the memory of it—of him—will. How could any other man compare to that?

Chapter 4

Lacey

The sign for baggage claim grabs my attention. I’m still searching for Will, but he’s nowhere in sight. I don’t know if I’m sad or relieved. No, I’m not relieved—far from it. I’m crushed, but I can’t stop smiling either. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I’ve had a couple of serious relationships, but the connections were never instant or so intense.

Is this how Drew felt when he met Sophia for the first time? I shake my head. No, it’s not the same. They’re engaged to be married. I met Will on a plane. I said I wanted a little excitement in my life, and I got it when least expected.

That’s. All. It. Was.

Beads of sweat form on my forehead as I wait for the transfer bus. It’s hot as hell out here. Why am I still wearing my sweatshirt? I guess he took my brain with him too. I lift the bottom to remove it but stop midway. It smells like Will… because itisWill’s. Oh no! Did he let me keep it, or did he forget I had it? I unzip and take it off, then I look around to see if anyone’s watching me. In the clear. I put the sweatshirt to my nose and inhale. It’s a mix of fabric softener and sandalwood. It’s him.Perfect. When I wrap it around my waist, something falls out of a pocket and rolls away. I pick it up and laugh—it’s a 30 SPF lip balm. I knew it! I shove it back in the pocket.

The hotel shuttle bus stops near me and blows a nice plume of exhaust in my face.Climate control, people!I secure my suitcase, then find a seat. The air conditioning is a dream. My phone had no connection in the airport, so let’s see if it does now. It does! I melt into my seat as I sift through the selfies we took together. Hands down, he’s the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever met. I open WhatsApp, create a new post, and attach the photo. My finger lingers over Will’s name. Should I send it to him?

What if he responds?But what if he doesn’t?They always say you should wait twenty-four hours before you make a decision when you’re conflicted. But maybe I should just let the nice memory of today be enough. Why take the chance of ruining it? I hope I’m not saying all these things out loud.

I close WhatsApp and shut my eyes. I’ll be at the hotel soon, and Sky will be here in a couple of hours. First thing I’ll do is jump in the shower and wash off all these confusing emotions. Then I’ll get the room ready and wait for her in the lobby.Sounds like a plan.

“Yay! You’re finally here!” I squeeze Sky until she almost pops. “Isn’t this hotel amazing? Wait till you see the pool area and the beach.”

“Careful—I stink. There was no AC in the fucking transfer bus.” She steps back and ruffles her shirt. “I need to get these jeans off.”

“Who cares.” I grab her suitcase. “Let’s go to our room so you can get settled. It’s awesome!”

She glances around the lobby. “All I want to know is, where’s the bar? I’m damn thirsty. It’s been a fucking long day.”

“Then let’s get going. The faster you get your bathing suit on, the faster we can get to the bars before sunset.” We walk to the elevator chatting like chickens, then I slap my forehead. “Oh, wait. We need to check you in first so you can get the bracelet you have to wear the entire week.” I waggle the ugly florescent-yellow bracelet on my wrist.

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