In My Bed (18+)

Chapter 26

Waddling like a penguin, I shuffled sideways through the narrow aisle, one eye on my ticket and one eye on the seat numbers.

I don't have to go far.

Surprised, I asked aloud, "We're in business class?"

Behind me, Jason Coleman nodded, "I hate feeling crammed in like a sardine. We've got both seats - do you want the window or the aisle?"

"Are you sure? I mean, I'll take the window if you're offering-"

"Take it; I'm not overly fond of heights."

With a grin, I stowed my carry on above me in the overhead compartment before sliding into my larger than usual seat.

Stretching my feet into the unexpected legroom, I turned to watch as Jason wrestled his own bag into the space next to mine.

Victorious, he slumped down into his seat, placing his laptop bag between his feet.

My nose filled with the scent of him, and I fought the greedy desire to scoot over and press myself close.

After all, we weren't alone.

Even without looking, I could feel the curious eyes of other passengers as they moved past us, lingering on us like a puzzle to be solved.

It wasn't until the flight attendant finished her safety demonstration and we started taxiing to our runway that I relaxed, blanketed in relative anonymity as the people around us settled in for the voyage.

"So," I leaned over, whispering below the odd, mechanical whines of the plane, "you don't like heights?"

"Yeah," he chuckled, taking a pack of gum out of his pocket and offering me a piece, "It wasn't an issue, really, until I moved to New York and it seemed like every window had a view at least ten stories above the ground."

I accepted it, "Interesting," Studying him, I tried to fit this new information into my image of him, "Then, why did you get a penthouse when you moved back?"

Jason shrugged, his breath becoming fragrant with mint as he began to chew, "An apartment just made more sense than a house, and if you want the best, you go for the penthouse."

"Doesn't it bother you?"

He grinned, "Only when I stand at the windows and look down."

After takeoff, when we were cruising several miles over the surface of the earth, Jason asked, "Would you mind if I did a little work? There's some stuff I need to look at before the meeting tomorrow."

"Go ahead," I pulled out my phone, "I've got some reading to do myself."

Putting in my earbuds, I tucked my bag down between my feet and went to sit back when Jason flipped up the armrest between us and tugged me to him.

Smiling, I nestled against his chest, curling up cozy on the seat.

When the words began to swim in front of my eyes, I put my things away and rested my head along the column of his neck. The last thing I remember was the droning sound of the engine and Jason's soft lips pressing gently on my forehead.

Fitful sleep teased me until we landed in LaGuardia Airport, leaving me more exhausted than I'd been before. As we collected Jason's checked bag and claimed a taxi, I tried to shake my weariness, but even my first glimpse of New York City couldn't rouse me. We reached the hotel, and I agreed with gratitude when Jason suggested that I take a nap.

I woke on soft white sheets bathed in the fading light of day. After we arrived in our suite, I'd stripped out of my traveling gear and slid between the snowy linens while Jason stayed up to finish his meeting preparation.