Page 26 of Heartbeats and Hashtags
“Great! I am just great!”Tone it down, Everly.
“I mean, I'm looking forward to seeing your class in action,” I chirp, willing my lovesick heart tochill the hell out.
EVERLY
Ifire off social media shots left and right in the sleek duty-free shop, mentally noting relevant hashtags for my sponsored travel content quota. Out the corner of my eye, I catch Cole's muted judgment at my constant photo snapping and posing. I ignore his judgment.
Skipping ahead toward our gate, I soak in the familiar airport rush, the persistent undercurrent of momentum and dreams on pause between journeys. Crisp businessmen brush shoulders with overstuffed families and wandering students. I've always loved airports, the waiting rooms between adventures brimming with jet trails leading who knows where next.
I flop into the vinyl seat by our gate, aware of Cole's large frame folding into place beside me. His clean pine scent mixed with workout musk teases my senses. I lean a little closer. I could get drunk on that aroma for days...which I suppose isn’t the worst prospect given our weekend away together. I shut my eyes tightly, willing this inconvenient crush away.You do not find Cole Silver attractive. You do not…
“737s actually have an excellent safety record statistically.”
I snap my eyes open. I suppress a laugh, realizing Cole must have mistaken me shutting my eyes for nerves.
I manage an exaggerated eye roll instead of the laugh or sharp retort on my tongue about control issues. He is back to robo-protector mode. This weekend I think that veil will crack though.
Let’s see if he can maintain stuffy bodyguard boundaries after a few fruity cocktails at the resort bar. I fully intend to open Cole's shell, coaxing out glimpses of lightness I sense simmering underneath.
Only so we can become better friends, of course.
We find our seats on the aircraft and settle in as the plane taxis down the runway. The air hostess smiles brightly at me, her bright red lipstick applied so well that I am envious of her skills. I’m not lying when I say the girls at the youth center are better at makeup than me. I have tried so many times to be “good” at makeup, but every time I try I end up looking like a little girl playing dress up. I stuck to my trusty combo of mascara and concealer, which seems to do the job and make me look more awake while still looking like myself. Although sometimes reading comments makes me want to cover up my entire face all day, every day. Or put so much makeup on I can wear it like a mask. I decide it’s probably a good thing that I’m not very good at it.
I wave off the attendant's offer of champagne and opt for water, suddenly parched as my eyes trace over Cole's muscular arms in a snug black t-shirt. Seriously, who allows biceps that defined on planes? It's unfair to fellow passengers, a hazard even. I picture those strong arms wrapping around me, holding me close against his solid chest, hands trailing...
“Any dining needs today, ma'am?”
I jump a little, nearly spilling me water as the flight attendant interrupts my R-rated daydream.
“Oh, um, I'm fine thanks!” I squeak out, ignoring my growling stomach, face flaming.Get it together, Everly.What is wrong with me today? Has someone slipped an aphrodisiac into my morning coffee?
“And for you, sir?” She flashes Cole a dazzling smile. “Perhaps a drink to make your flight more enjoyable?” I bristle at her overly sweet tone as she leans over flirtatiously. I huff.Good luck getting anything out of him. But to my annoyance, Cole returns her smile, those green eyes I'd only seen hardened now glinting with obvious interest.
“Unfortunately not today, but thank you…” He pauses looking for her name tag. “…Sasha,” he purrs, holding her gaze. Ice forms in my gut. I watch him take the water she offered. His fingers lightly graze hers.
I clear my throat loudly before I even realized what I’m doing. They both glance over as I plaster on a bright smile.
“Sorry, just got a tickle in my throat! But maybe save the Mile High Club recruiting for later, yeahSasha?” There is a venom I don’t even recognize in my tone.
Cole raises his eyebrows at me slightly before settling back and resuming Mr. Stoic Protector mode. The attendant beats a flustered retreat. Pettiness isn't cute, I know, but the wave of smug satisfaction seeing Miss Flirty scurry off is just achef's kiss.Cole avoids my gaze, taking a swig of his water in tense silence.
I can’t help peering over to him, to check if he is looking.Surely he has something to say after I just accused the flight attendant of flirting with him?
Cole's lips twitch as he fights back a smile, finally meeting my gaze. “Everything alright over there, Little Rose? You sounded a bit...irritated.”
My face heats as I scramble for a response.
“What? No, of course not! Just making sure everything is kept professional. Anyway the Bahamas! How exciting!” I gesture to the window, now wanting his attention to beanywherebut me.
Cole keeps hold of my gaze .”Is that so? My apologies, didn't mean to distract from all the pre-takeoff exhilaration.” His eyes dance with barely suppressed laughter.
I cross my arms, flustered and annoyed that he finds my humiliation entertaining. “No need to apologize — wouldn't want you missing out on any important...beverage choices.”
His grin breaks through at that. Before he can retort, the captain's announcement booms overhead, reviewing safety procedures before departure.
Cole's smile vanishes instantly as he scans the plane interior with renewed wariness. Gone was the fleeting lightness as duty calls once more. He glances my way briefly, hints of something unreadable flickering across his face. But the moment quickly passes, and only steadfast focus remains.
Cole's hands tremble a little as the plane ramps up its engines and begins to move. He closes his eyes, and his breathing gets a little harsher as the wheels lift from the tarmac.
