Page 35 of Until It Was Real

“Amenity package?”

“I love first timers.” She hands a package to Rhett before continuing to the other passengers in first class.

I open the package to discover a toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion and lip balm, some perfume, earplugs, an eye mask, and fluffy socks.

“How long is this flight?” I mutter as I go through the items.

Rhett chuckles before handing me a blanket and pillow.

I frown. “Why are you handing me a blanket and pillow?”

“You’ve yawned three times since we boarded the plane five minutes ago. I figured you’d want to take a nap before we arrive.”

“Don’t we need to go over the latest numbers?”

He shakes his head. “We’re good. Rest.”

I open my mouth to protest but yawn instead. He barks out a laugh. “Get some sleep, Dakota. We have a busy two days ahead of us.”

No need to tell me three times. I unfurl the blanket and settle myself underneath it. I’m searching for my eye mask when Rhett reaches across me.

“You have to wear your seatbelt, Dakota. You need to be safe.”

He clicks my seatbelt in place and tightens the belt before tucking the blanket underneath my chin.

My eyes itch. No one’s tucked me in before. Adam certainly didn’t when we were married. And before Adam? I prefer not to think about what I missed out on growing up in care.

“Thank you,” I manage to say without bawling.

“Sleep well, Dakota.”

I glance away and close my eyes before the tears threatening can escape. Who is this man? He doesn’t remind me of the Rhett who tried to get me fired. Or the Rhett who threw a coffee pot. Or a controlling man.

This Rhett is a man I could fall in love with.

But you can’t, Dakota. He’s your brother’s boss, and you work with him. Getting involved with someone I work with is a bad idea. Plus, his mood changes quicker than an otter can crawl under my shirt.

It’s better to keep my distance.

Chapter 12

“I didn’t prepare for this eventuality either.” ~ Rhett

Rhett

Isqueeze Dakota’s shoulder. “Time to wake up, sleepyhead.”

She slept through the entire flight – the take-off, meal service, and landing. She didn’t fidget or readjust her blanket. She barely moved.

My gaze drifted to her time and time again. Even with those startling green eyes shut, she’s a stunner. Except for the dark smudges under her eyes. Is she not getting enough sleep?

“What? Where are we?” She brushes her curls out of her face.

“We’re nearly at the gate.”

“Gate?” She blinks in confusion a few times before clarity shows in her eyes. “Atlanta. Right.”

The seatbelt sign dings off and I stand to remove our carry-ons from the overhead bin before helping her to her feet.

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