Page 29 of Until Hanna

Walker: Hey baby, are you at the airport?

Me: Yes, just drinking some coffee while I wait for my plane to show up.

I press Send on the text, and a second later, a reply pops up.

Walker: I would ask you to send me a picture of yourself in that tight skirt I know you’re wearing, but I wouldn’t get it, so I won’t beg.

Smiling, I roll my eyes.

Me: I actually have on pants today, because it was raining here this morning.

Walker: Good. I don’t enjoy the idea of every man on your flight imagining sliding up that skirt while you’re walking down the aisle.

Me: No one is thinking about that.

Walker: We’ll agree to disagree. Have you decided if you’re coming here or if I’m coming to you next week?

Biting my lip, I type back.

Me: You can come here. I have a spare room.

Walker: Otto and Ham won’t be joining me, so the spare room is good to know about but won’t be necessary.

I type…

Me: Where will you be sleeping then?

then delete it as another message from him pops up.

Walker: I’m getting ready to put on my gear, baby. I’ll talk to you on the upside.

Me: Okay, be safe <3

Walker: Safe flight, baby.

“Hanna?”

The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end hearing my name spoken in a deep, very-familiar British accent. Turning slowly and hoping I’m wrong I find Benjamin standing a few feet away, looking as handsome as always in his pilot’s uniform, with his hat tucked under his arm.

“I thought that was you.” He takes a step in my direction with a familiar smile on his face. “How have you been?”

How have I been, is he serious right now? “Are you seriously greeting me like we’re old friends?” I bite out as I shoot out of my chair and hurry to gather my things.

“Hanna.” He grabs my upper arm, and I jerk from his hold and whip my head around.

“Do not touch me.”

“Okay.” He holds up his hand. “I just want to explain things. I’ve tried to call and—”

“We have nothing to talk about,” I cut him off, enunciating each and every word.

“I should have told you.” His expression fills with sympathy and remorse.

“Oh my God.” I laugh without humor as I attempt to step around him, because stupid me chose the corner to park myself in, thinking it was away from everyone.

Unknowingly, I set my own trap.

“And how do you think that conversation would have gone, Benjamin?” I ask sarcastically, then do my best British accent. “‘Hey, Hanna, by the way, I just want to let you know that even though I told you I was falling in love with you, I have a wife and kids at home, and I’m sleeping with other women. I hope you don’t mind.’”

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