Page 29 of In Flight

“I don’t have any problems.” He’s got his eyes narrowed again, but it’s in that half-teasing way that makes it clear he doesn’t fully mean it.

“I just mean I didn’t realize you don’t like turbulence.”

“It’s fine. I’d merely rather be sitting down.”

“You’ve never acted like it bothers you.”

“I said—”

“I know what you said, and I don’t care if you need to protect your manly ego or whatever. I didn’t realize it was even an issue for you. I would have acted better if I’d known.”

He’s himself again. His mouth twitches. “You’ve acted fine. Aside from your annoying dithering.”

“Dithering!” I forget my sympathy in my indignation. “I don’t dither!”

“If you say so.”

“Talk about pulling a word right out of a Victorian novel.”

He snorts—clearly a laugh he can’t quite hide.

“For the last time, I am sorry. Thank you for retrieving my yarn.”

“You’re welcome.”

I take a shaky breath. “And I am going to break up with Cash.”

He turns to look at me with an almost imperceptible jerk. “You are?”

“Yes. Tomorrow.”

“Why not tonight?”

“His parents have a plumbing crisis and he can’t pick me up.”

“Convenient.”

“What does that mean?” My eyes are wide as I try to figure out what the timbre of his tone implies.

“Nothing. Just that the plumbing issue seems rather conveniently timed.”

“For him or for me?”

“I meant for him.” He’s both smugly amused and engaged in the conversation. I can’t help but like him this way. “But maybe it’s convenient for you too.”

“I’d rather just get it over with, but I was worried about dumping him after he did me the favor of picking me up from the airport. Why would it be convenient for him?”

“He seems like the kind of man who wants to avoid unpleasant conversations.”

“How would he even know?”

“River, are you serious?” He’s turned fully in his seat so he’s facing me directly. “You have the worst poker face I’ve ever seen in my life. Everything you feel is reflected directly on your face. Even if he’s on the clueless end of the spectrum, do you really think he has no idea what’s about to happen?”

“Oh.” I blink, thinking this through. “So you think he suspects I’m going to break up?”

“Yes. And he doesn’t want it to happen. He likes you.”

Suddenly shy, I drop my head, using my hair to hide my expression. “You think he likes me?”

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