Page 7 of Knot Really Engaged
I put a comforting arm around her shoulder. “I’m really sorry, Audrey. You deserve so much better than some cheating asshole.”
“Thanks,” she smiles weakly and slightly chuckles.
I ask Audrey for her boarding pass, and she hands it over without hesitation. I take her phone with me and go to the counter to talk to one of the attendants. When I come back, I hand it over with a grin. “Ready. We’re sitting together.”
“Thank you?” She raises an eyebrow, a little confused but appreciative, nonetheless.
I wink at her, my smile turning mischievous. “It is the least I can do for Max’s kid sister.”
I can see the annoyance flash in her eyes, but she doesn’t say anything. I know she’s not a kid anymore, but if I don’t tease her a little like I used to, I’ll start flirting with her and I don’t think that’ll go over very well.
The PA system crackles to life, a voice echoing through the terminal announces that our plane is about to board. I turn to Audrey, a grin on my face. “That’s us, Little McCallister. Let’s go.” I reach for her carry-on bag, slinging it over my shoulder before she can object.
“First class? I can carry my own bag, you know,” she protests, but there’s no real heat behind her words. Her lips purse into a slight pout, and I can’t help but find it adorable.
“I know you can, but let me be a gentleman for once, okay?” I wink at her, and I swear I see a flush creep up her neck. Her skin darkens slightly, and I feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that I can still affect her this way.
We make our way to the gate, where the attendant scans our boarding passes with a smile. “Enjoy your flight, Mr. and Mrs. Cohen.”
Audrey’s eyes widen, and she opens her mouth as if to say something more, but I place my hand on the small of her back, feeling the warmth of her skin through her shirt. “Thank you,” I say smoothly, guiding her toward the plane. There’s no point in discussing if she’s my wife or not with someone we’re never seeing again and also, bringing up something that’s never going to happen.
Me getting married? Pfft. Not in this lifetime.
I can’t imagine settling down with one person forever. The thought alone makes me feel suffocated, like I’m trapped in a cage with no way out. I’ve seen too many marriages fall apart, too many people end up miserable and resentful. I refuse to let that happen to me.
But as I glance over at Audrey, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to wake up next to her every morning, to have her by my side through all of life’s ups and downs. The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating, and I quickly push it away.
As we step onto the plane, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Five hours next to Audrey, with nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. It’s going to be an interesting flight, to say the least.
Chapter Four
Liam
As we steponto the plane, I can’t help but notice the way Audrey’s eyes widen as she takes in the spacious first-class cabin. The seats are wide and plush, with plenty of legroom to stretch out. She runs her hand along the soft leather, a small smile playing on her lips. I watch as she settlesin her seat, as she leans back her shirt rides up slightly to reveal a sliver of smooth skin.
Before in-flight service begins, I grab my laptop from my carry-on to get some work done. When the flight attendant comes around, I put in our order—whiskey for me and white wine for her. As we sip our drinks, we begin to discuss her career and other things.
Audrey starts flipping through the in-flight magazines, her eyes scanning the pages. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, her brow furrowing slightly as she concentrates. Way to ignore an old friend. Well, we’re not old friends, but we’ve known each other for years. Shouldn’t she be slightly more invested in catching up?
“Hey, you’re not about to bail on me for some riveting article on the best boutique hotels in Wyoming, are you?” I tease, nudging her elbow.
She glances up, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Actually, I was looking for the crossword puzzle. Keeps the brain sharp.”
“Ah, a woman of intellect and mystery,” I say, raising an eyebrow. I lean back in my seat and watch as she fishes out a pencil from her purse, her fingers gracefully twirling it. “I always knew there was more to you than just being Max’s little sister.”
Audrey rolls her eyes but grins, her nosecrinkling adorably. “Please, I’ve evolved way beyond that title. Plus I’m smarter than my older brothers.”
“Evolved, huh? Like a Pokémon?” I ask, amused.
“Yeah.” she says annoyed, marking down a word with confidence, her hand moving swiftly across the page. “I’m now Audrey McCallister, Corporate Consultant Extraordinaire.”
“Corporate consultant, eh?” I muse, genuinely impressed. I lean in closer, catching a whiff of her perfume—something sweet and floral. “So, what does that entail exactly? Besides sounding fancy and all-important?”
Her shoulders slump slightly, and she exhales, setting aside the magazine. She runs a hand through her hair, her fingers getting tangled in the soft waves. “It’s . . . a lot,” she admits. “I help companies streamline their operations, improve efficiency, things like that. It’s rewarding but can be a bit soul-sucking.”
“Sounds intense.” I lean closer, dropping my voice to a mock whisper, my breath tickling her ear. “Do you wear one of those power suits and order people around with a megaphone?”
“Only on Tuesdays,” she deadpans, and we both chuckle, the sound mingling with the hum of the plane’s engines. But then her gaze drifts to thewindow, and the laughter fades into something softer, more somber. Her eyes cloud over, a faraway look settling on her face as she stares out at the endless expanse of sky.
