Chapter 1 #2
She’s so damn cute—I’d easily break her. My mind drifts back to the persistent erection that hasn’t calmed down since I first laid eyes on her.
“Well, first of all, I’m not middle-aged,” I say, clutching my chest in mock pain. “Middle-aged? Really?”
Her smile falters just for a second, panic flashing in her eyes. “Oh my God. I didn’t mean—wait, how old are you?”
I hold her gaze, letting the silence hang just long enough for her to start squirming, then smirk. “Relax. I’m not offended. I still have two glorious years left in my thirties. And you?
“Twenty-eight.”
I tilt my head, fighting a grin. “Does that make you a sugar baby then?”
She gasps, swatting my arm. “You’re such a jerk.”
I grin. “A young jerk. And second, how do you know I’m single?”
Amira shrugs, a playful glint in her eyes. “You’re not wearing a ring, so I assume you aren’t married. Unless, of course, you took it off because you’re secretly meeting your mistress and told your wife and kids it was an urgent business trip that couldn’t wait until after the holidays.”
“No wife and kids. What if I had a girlfriend?”
She shakes her head confidently. “You’re too busy to have a girlfriend at your age. You seem like the all-in type. Go big or go home.”
My eyes widen in mock shock. “Are you a… witch? A psychic? An alien from outer space?” Amira giggles, and it’s so pure that I want to bottle it up and listen to it on repeat. “How do you know so much about me?”
Then, I gasp dramatically. “You’re a stalker!” I exclaim, just loud enough for the people near us to glance our way.
“Shhhhhhh! Are you crazy?” she hisses, glancing around with an awkward smile. “He’s just kidding, everyone.”
She shoots me a pointed look. “Tell them you’re joking.” Her tone carries just the right amount of bite.
I laugh. If she’s trying to intimidate me, she’s failing miserably, because all I want to do is kiss that adorable pout right off her face and devour her whole, right here in this damn line.
“I’m so glad this is entertaining you…” Amira pauses, probably just remembering I haven’t told her my name yet.
“Henson. Hen for friends. Henny if you’re a personal favorite,” I say with a wink.
Amira rolls her eyes. “Nice to meet you, Henson.”
“Okay, I get it. We’re not at the nickname stage yet.”
“Insufferable already.”
“Next!” the agent calls out. I turn to look at the airline desk and realize it’s my turn.
“Ladies first.” I gesture toward the kiosk and Amira smiles as she walks past me.
While I wait, I pull out my phone. It’s been vibrating in my pocket for a while, but I was too caught up to check.
Worth: @Henny let me know when your flight is landing so I can head to the airport.
Mom: I thought your dad was picking him up?
Worth: You mean my father who’s currently falling asleep while watching football? Gotcha.
Dad: Don’t be rude to your mother, Worth.
Worth: Answer your fucking texts, bro. @Henny
Mom: Language, Worth!!!
Worth: Sorry, Mom.
My family is loud—even through texts. I shake my head with a laugh.
Me: Flight got canceled. I’m trying to book a new one, so I’ll be late.
I brace myself for it.
Worth: You should’ve flown over with me and Brianna.
Mom: I told you not to book your flight at the last minute, Henson.
I knew it.
Me: I know, Mom, but I had no choice.
Worth: *cough*
Me: STFU, Worth.
Mom: STFU?
Dad: Shut the fuck up.
Mom: Clive.
Me: No, Mom. STFU = shut the fuck up
Mom: LANGUAGE!
I chuckle, about to respond, when Amira suddenly exclaims, “What? No flights for the next three days?”
I slide my phone back into my pocket and move closer.
“I have to be in Nantucket by tomorrow evening. There has to be something available. Anything connecting?” she presses.
Nantucket, huh?
“Ma’am, I understand your frustration, but we only have seats available in first class on tomorrow morning’s flight.”
Turns out I was right—the kid behind the desk is barely out of his teens.
Amira covers her face with her hands, clearly distressed. I decide to step in.
“I’ll take two first-class seats on tomorrow’s flight.” I set my passport on top of Amira’s and slide them both over to… Joshua, from what his name badge says.
Amira looks at me, wide-eyed. “No, Henson. You can’t do that. Those tickets are ridiculously expensive.”
“Middle-aged billionaire, remember?” I joke, flashing her a grin.
She lets out a small laugh, but shakes her head. “I still can’t accept. You don’t owe me anything. You don’t even know me.”
“Let’s fix that, then.” My voice dips lower, testing the waters. Amira doesn’t immediately object, so I push a little further. “We have all night.” My meaning is clear—I’d gladly spend every minute of the night with her, and not just in casual conversation.
Amira was spot on—I’m definitely the go-big-or-go-home type. Relationships aren’t in the cards for me. But no-strings-attached? That I can do. And if she’s game, tonight could be interesting.
There’s a flash of something unreadable in her eyes, though she doesn’t pull away.
“Fine.” Amira relents with a smile.
“Ring ‘em up,” I tell the agent.