Page 1 of Finding the Forward: Part One
Chapter One
Grif
Istretched out in the two-seat, semi-private, first-class compartment of the commercial plane. Eyes closing, I waited for my flight to leave. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, considering I was six-foot-six and solid, but as good as it got on this airline.
“Excuse me, I think you might be in my seat,” a feminine voice drawled as something rang in the background.
“Nope. These are mine–I booked both seats.” My eyes remained closed, shielding myself against the world. I wasn’t in the mood for attention, especially with tomorrow’s big game weighing heavily on my mind.
“The window seat matches my ticket, but I’m happy with an aisle, if you prefer,” she replied.
I shook my head. “Sorry. They’rebothmine.”
Her local accent wasn’t as thick as my sister’s mates, but was cute. No. I wasn’t about to be swayed by sweet talk. The ringing stopped.
“Is there a problem here?” the flight attendant asked.
“We have the same seat. Of course we do with the day I’m having. Did someone cancel my ticket? That’s low, even for her. But I wouldn’t have gotten on the plane if that happened, would I?” Frustration tinged the woman’s voice.
“I booked and paid forbothseats.” I needed to relax, not to be stressed out, so I kept my eyes closed.
“Let me see what I can do.” The flight attendant went quiet for a moment. “I’m sorry. It seems like we’re double booked. Apologies. We have nothing else in first class. But I can get you on the first flight in the morning.”
“Ihaveto be on this flight. But it doesn’t have to be first class. I’ll take whatever you have. Thank you so much,” the woman replied. A phone rang, then stopped.
“I think this flight’s full, but I’ll check. However, sir, if you're willing to share your extra seat, we can refund you for this leg of the trip. She’s only going to Rockland,” the flight attendant offered.
Once again, a phone rang, then ceased. Ugh. What was that?
“Sorry, but there’s a reason I bought them both,” I told her.
“I’ll be right back,” the flight attendant said.
“Thank you. I don’t care where I sit. I just have to be on this flight. Please, could I sit in one seat? I won’t bother you. Promise. I have a book to read.” Desperation laced her voice. Something rang again.
“If you won’t answer your phone, shut it off.” My eyes flew open. I sat up and turned toward her, frowning.
Astrikingwoman about my age, mid-twenties, wearing a light purple floral dress, stood there looking like the world was ending. Atalland willowy woman, she was probably six feetwithout her heels, and perfectly accessorized and made up. She clutched a pull-along suitcase so tight her knuckles were white. A trendy pastel purse was slung across her body.
“Sorry.” Her manicured hands shook as her phone rang and she silenced it. Thick, near-black hair cascaded down her back, calling to be grabbed. Her skin was the color of sun-kissed sand. Even fully clothed, she clearly had a fit body, with a bit of curve in all the right places.
Something about her called to me in a way no one but Dean ever had, like she was an enchantress catching me in her spell. I was guessing she was an incredibly tall beta. Nothing about her saidomegaoralpha.
“I’m sorry this is happening, but I have an excellent reason to have both seats,” I told her, feeling a bit like a dick. But Ineededmy seats.
“I have an excellent reason to be on this flight, too.” Her voice went tart, kissable pink, glossy lips puckering. “Why do you need two seats? Is one for your invisible cat?”
“Invisible cat? I haven’t heard that one.” I guffawed. Invisible cat?Good one.
Something in me didn’t like the fact that this enchanting woman was upset andafraid.
You could fix it.
Helping her posed such a risk, though. I wasn’t sure I wanted to put everything on the line for a stranger. Even a scared, pretty one.
Still, while I wasn’t the oldest sibling, I had done a lot of making things better over the years for my younger ones.
A man moved into the compartment across the aisle. His eyes flickered over me in recognition, and he waved. “Good luck. I know you’re the underdog, but you can win this.”
