A Shot at Love

Crashing Into You

"You don't think there will be turbulence before we land, do you?" I nervously ask Noah after discussing Russ' shoot for the past hour.

Noah gives me a kind smile. "We should be okay. And if there are any issues, I'm here," he replies, reaching for my hand.

His touch gives me such security. Noah feels like home. Even though I need to sign the agreement, all I can think about is throwing him on this bed next to us and doing some not very work-appropriate things to him.

"There will be none of that," I playfully tease as I lift my eyebrows up and down referring to said inappropriate work things.

"But we're so good at that," Noah baits, lifting his eyebrows up and down.

"Once my lawyer gives me the green light, we can re-evaluate the situation at hand," I reply, knowing exactly what I am doing.

"What do you mean re-evaluate?" Noah questions. His eyes are focusing on me like lasers. "If your lawyer doesn't expedite his services, I may need to see who else you can use."

"No need. Dan said he would have an answer by tomorrow morning," I smirk.

I watch as Noah's excitement deflates.

"How about a game?" I ask.

"What do you have in mind?" Noah responds as he adjusts in his seat turning toward me.

"An oldie but a goodie - Two Truths and a Lie!" I laugh.

"Ah, where it all began," Noah starts. "Ladies, first."

"Hmm," I bite my bottom lip. "Santorini is my favorite island...I graduated summa cum laude," I pause. "And I've only been intimate with two people," I whisper, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Can I truly find the courage to reveal the secret I've been holding from Noah?

Noah's eyes widen as he ponders for a moment. "I, uh -"

"It's a game, Noah. You have to give me your Two Truths and a Lie now," I reply, a smile peeking through. I'm instantly second guessing telling him the truth.

"Yes, of course. I know that," Noah takes an awkward sip of his already empty champagne flute that was served at the beginning of the flight. He seems flustered. "Okay, uh, I've run five full marathons...I have a special gift for you, and - I've had a few background checks run on your ex, Justin."

"Noah!" I exclaim.

"What? You're the one who said it was a game," he smirks.

"Fine. You guess first," I reply. Has Noah really done a background check on Justin?

"Okay, well," he begins cautiously, "You're clearly brilliant, so I'm sure you graduated summa cum laude..." He pauses for a moment. "Santorini is beautiful; I think you'd love it there," he continues, taking another beat. "You're the total package and I know men must throw themselves at you.  So that is your lie, final answer. Your turn."

I keep my poker face on, nerves tingling through my body wondering how this conversation will go from here. "Your body shows me you are definitely a runner," I bashfully begin, and soft pink surfaces on Noah's cheeks. "So I believe you've completed five marathons. You told me you had something to show me at your place, so I'm guessing that is in the same realm as a gift. That leaves me with you not doing a background check on my ex, final answer." We are both silent.

Noah carefully studies me. "What was your lie?" he casually asks.

"Well -" my stomach drops. My thought is interrupted as the plane aggressively wobbles up and down and panic ensues.  A heat spreads through my body and I can't feel my hands. Butterflies flutter around my stomach but not in the good way!