Sweet Torment/A Jordan Knight Fanfic (18+)✔️

07

Chapter Seven

A little over a week later, I found myself on an airplane in the coach section while my boss sat several rows ahead of me in first class.

I stuck my purse under the seat in front of me, ready to catch up on my reading during the long flight. I had a romance novel I'd been meaning to get to for a while, but between my late nights working and worrying about my marriage (definitely not thinking about Jordan), I found my mind too overwhelmed to concentrate.

I had to admit that I was totally nervous to be traveling with Jordan. My plan to think of my husband every time my boss entered my mind wasn't really working. I thought of Jordan far more often than I should have. Especially his lips.

His full, ripe, juicy lips.

I forced myself to think of Charlie, but all that did was make me think back to that morning.

I didn't even get so much as a proper kiss when I left for the airport. He'd been running late for work, so he pecked my cheek on his way out the door. It was another one of those obligations husbands and wives had, and he barely fulfilled it. He didn't wish me safe travels or a good trip. He was too wrapped up in his own little world.

So I headed to the airport via the car I'd arranged rather than even suggest to my husband that he take me.

After the night of the benefit, I'd tried three more times to start a conversation about the state of our marriage, but each time, Charlie brushed off my concerns and refused to admit we had a problem.

I didn't see Jordan until I boarded the plane. First class had the privilege of early boarding, and apparently Jordan had taken advantage of the first class lounge rather than wait for the flight with the rest of us peasants.

I stared at him as I passed by, trying to get him to look up from his phone and acknowledge that I'd boarded, but he was engrossed in what he was doing. I could always feel eyes on me when someone was looking at me, but apparently he didn't have that same sixth sense.

I pulled out my earbuds, flipping through iTunes for a good playlist to accompany my reading when the flight attendant stopped by my row. I assumed she was going to start the in-flight emergency exit talk that I typically ignored since I'd been on a plane before, but instead she stared me down with a smile until I took out my earbuds.

"Ma'am, your seat has been moved. Can you grab your belongings and come with me?"

I looked around as if she might be mistaken. "Me?"

"Are you Emily Hawkins?" she asked. I nodded. "Follow me."

I sighed, pulling my purse out from beneath the seat and tossing in my earbuds and phone as I expected her to lead me somewhere even further back.

Instead, though, she surprised me as we started walking to the front of the plane. She passed through the curtain separating coach from first class, and she led me to the open seat beside Mr. Jordan Knight.

He smiled at me. It was rare that he looked at me with anything other than total exasperation, and it looked good on him. His eyes crinkled in that adorable way they had at the benefit when he smiled. He looked relaxed—more his age instead of his usual stiff demeanor.

It was the first time I realized how hard it must have been to take over for his father. He probably felt the need to prove himself.

"Welcome to First Class."

I grinned back like an idiot, suddenly excited at the prospect of traveling with him. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Maybe he'd loosen up a little and stop acting like a tyrannical asshole. I hoped to see more of the nicer side I'd seen when we'd danced at the benefit.

Or maybe this was the one good deed he'd planned and he'd be a total jackass the rest of the time. Only time would tell.

"This is so unexpected, Mr. Knight!" I gushed. "Thank you so much!" I slid into the seat next to him. He'd taken the aisle, so I had to shimmy past his legs to get to the window. I didn't hate the way his legs felt against mine as I crossed in front of him.

I slid my purse under the seat in front of me, grateful for the extra legroom, the comfortable seat, and the man sitting beside me even though he was hogging the armrest. I couldn't really fault him for that. He'd been about to sit by himself when he'd offered me the seat.

"Good news, Ms. Hawkins," he said once I settled in. I looked over at him with curiosity. "We got the MTC Industries account."

"We did?" I shrieked.

He smiled again. "We did. I used the numbers you drafted, and it was the magic number Lincoln Mathers was looking for. He sat on his decision for nearly two weeks, but he called me late last night to let me know."

"Congratulations, Mr. Knight."

"There's more. You've really proven yourself in the month I've been here, and I'd like to give you more responsibility. I'm putting you on the MTC account."

"What?" I sputtered in shock.

"It's only if you're interested, and you'll be working side-by-side with me. I'll make the final calls, but you'll have a hand in market research, product development, creating campaigns, data analysis, the whole nine yards. It's a big jump from assistant, but I believe you have the skills and determination to handle it in addition to your current responsibilities."

"May I ask what brought this on?" I asked, shocked that he'd want me so involved with such an important account.

"Two things, actually. I've been considering giving you more responsibility for some time now. But it was Mathers who really convinced me."

"Mathers?"

"Lincoln Mathers," he clarified. "He said he was impressed with your attention to detail."

"How would he know about that?"

He smiled sheepishly. "He asked me how I remembered so much about our dinner meeting. I was honest and told him you were my memory."

"Thank you for the credit," I said, shocked that he'd given it to me.

"He told me, and I quote, 'Don't let that one out of your sight. She's a valuable asset.' When I told him I'd consider putting you on the account, he said he was all in. He sees something in you, Ms. Hawkins. And I have to admit, I see it, too."

"Are you kidding me?" I asked incredulously.

"I never kid about business, Ms. Hawkins." His voice was stern, but I detected a definite note of pride. I couldn't have imagined this trip getting off to a better start.

The flight attendant started her speech about airplane safety, effectively ending our conversation.

My mind raced with possibilities. If I thought I was putting in long hours before, I couldn't imagine what this new challenge would bring. And I'd be working alongside Jordan, which was both a blessing and a curse. He was an expert at what he did, and it would be an honor to work with him on the actual creative side of the business instead of just as his assistant.

But it would also present additional obstacles. Just when I hoped I might be able to overcome my crush, I was going to be spending a lot more time with him.

And with him being so nice to me as to move me up to first class and essentially give me a promotion, the crush was back in full force.

Maybe even a little stronger than before.

Or maybe a lot stronger.