Chapter 5 Collie #2
Is it safe for me to seriously consider this? Probably not. Am I gonna do it anyway? Sure am. Because what do I have to lose? Essentially, he chose my next destination for me.
At least, that’s what I’ll tell my grandchildren one day when I recall this impulsive memory.
It’s very on brand for me.
“What’s the catch? You trying to get in my pants? Need a stand-in for something dreadful? On a mission to kidnap and kill a blonde with a dirty ass, slowly sinking her way to rock bottom?”
Something that looks almost like a smile crests his face, but he holds back.
“No. Can’t say any of those things are in my plans.
” He shakes his head. “I have an extra ticket, and I have a feeling we could both use the change of pace. I won’t bother you.
Keeping to myself is not difficult. No expectations, just two people taking an opportunity to do something new.
Trust me, that’s all I have the capacity for right now. ”
Again, everything about this guy signals a warning up ahead. This could quite possibly be the worst mistake of my life. But I’m good with strangers. Hell, I met Romeo and Luca in Italy over the summer, and they’ve become some of my best friends.
Oddly enough, crashing and traveling with a stranger is not what scares me. I wouldn’t even call it being scared. More so, I’m cautious about what happens in my life after this trip.
The impending time away will be nothing but a distraction from what I know is to come back home. Reality.
I tick my lips, contemplating but also knowing full fucking well I’m going to Wyoming.
“That’s fair. But I know nothing about Jackson Hole.
I don’t have anywhere to stay and wouldn’t know the first thing about finding a place.
I like to be spontaneous but typically prefer to at least know I’ll have a roof over my head,” I joke.
I would never want to assume he means we would be staying together. That’s being more presumptuous than even I’m comfortable with. But I’m always down for a new adventure.
“You can stay with me.”
My head rears back. “You’re serious? You don’t strike me as a guy who crashes with strangers.
” I make no effort to hide my perusal of him.
“But then again, the mangled tux doesn’t exactly instill confidence that I’ll be safe with you.
For all you know, I could be out for blood. Ready to unalive you at any second.”
“Are you always this morbid?”
I shrug. “Depends on the day.”
He shakes his head. “You could unalive me,” Easton agrees skeptically. “But I’ll take my chances.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll fill you in on my entire life story on the plane. You wanna see my license? You got it, but beware—I look pretty dang cute in my picture and wouldn’t want you falling in love with me or anything crazy like that.”
Easton’s brows shoot up. “Not likely.”
Ouch. But that’s okay. Easton’s hot. He could change his mind and decide I’m exactly the kind of woman he needs to reset with. “Fair enough,” I tell him, shaking off his jab.
“And just a heads up—hope you’re okay with simplicity. This ain’t no fancy hotel with a continental breakfast.”
“Continental breakfast is hardly fancy, Easton. I’m adaptable, and I promise to be the easiest travel buddy.” I reach to shake his hand just as the flight attendant announces our gate’s flight details. “I’m in, Easton Voss, with the terribly destroyed tuxedo and suspicious sadness in his eyes.”
He exhales a dramatic huff. “What the fuck did I just get myself into?”
“You have no idea, big guy. Ooooo are we flying first class?” I squeal, swinging my head in the direction of the attendant. “I don’t care what anyone says, first class meals are the best.”
“Do I look like someone who flies first class?” he deadpans, not at all fazed by the swarm of people standing around us.
“Who’s to say you’re not prime royalty? Am I traveling with a nation’s most loved king?” I start to kneel at his feet, earning myself a tug at the roots of my hair.
“You’re insane,” Easton murmurs, directing me to stand.
Already getting comfy with me, Mr. Voss?
“Sure am. Oh, and pro tip?” He tilts his head in response. “No hair pulling unless you plan to fuck me after. It’s one of my kinks, and I’m not sure doing it here would be very appropriate.” I wink.
If panic could talk, Easton would be an experienced auctioneer.
“Shit. Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“Relax,” I giggle. “It’s a joke. And in case you didn’t notice, I’m very forward. Sorry in advance if it’s ever too much for you. Please don’t take that as me saying I’ll stop because I won’t. But you get my point.”
He stills for a moment, refusing to show another side to him but seriousness. “Take it from me—dimming yourself for someone else is fucking pointless. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Red flag. Or maybe green? I still need to figure that one out.
“Anyway,” he changes the subject as first class begins boarding. “You should probably tell me your name.”
“Oh, yeah. Smart thinking on your part. Just in case I kill you in your sleep. You gotta have some ammunition in your pocket.” I laugh and still can’t register if he finds me funny or neurotic. “It’s Collie. Collie Meadows.”
Easton nods silently before handing me my ticket. “Let’s switch out your name and get ready to board, Collie Meadows. Gotta make sure they get your luggage on the right plane.”
“Sounds good,” I tell him. Seems simple enough. But the word switch triggers something in my need to be nosy. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. I glance down at the ticket in my hands, reading the words of the absent passenger once attending this little trip with Easton.
Sydney Summers.
Was this his…?
I don’t even know what to do with this new information. But my initial judgement was correct. He’s a walking question mark, and I’m pretty sure intrigued is not how I should be feeling right now.
I’m the stand-in for what seems to be a broken love affair.
And I’m too invested to back out now.
One thing is for sure: I intend to uncover much more than I’d bet Easton is prepared to spill.