Fated to be Yours

by Jodie Larson

  She gives me her devilish grin. “Yeah, well, sleeping with the boss has its perks every once in a while. I told Chris he was sending us first class and that was final. The blowjob sealed the deal.”

  “TMI.” My face scrunches up as the unwanted mental images come crashing forefront into my mind. She laughs as we walk to the first class lounge with our carry-ons in tow. We go on and on about nothing in particular and she helps ease my mind about the long flight.

  We watch the TV’s that are set up in the lounge, one of them being tuned to Sportscenter. They start talking about the baseball playoffs and we both chime in our two cents regarding the Tigers making it again and our mutual distaste for the Yankees. I feel very fortunate that she’s such a good friend to me and that we’re able to share common interests while still keeping our professional relationship separate from our social one. We continue to gripe about how the Twins didn’t do well again this year and discuss different players they should be going after now that we’re in the off-season.

  I was unprepared for what was waiting for me in first class. The chairs are larger than the ones I was used to in the coach section. Soft white leather covers each seat with a TV placed in the headrests in front. There are only two chairs in a row, compared to the three in the section behind the curtain. I always thought Hollywood had over glorified the first class section, making it into something it truly wasn’t. Okay, so there wasn’t a staircase like I’ve seen in some of the movies, but it definitely has a high society feel. If I were able to fly like this all the time, I wouldn’t complain.

  I pull out my Kindle before tucking my laptop bag under the seat in front of me and patiently wait for them to tell me I can turn it on. Kara’s sitting next to me with a paperback pulled out and completely relaxed. Once we get the all clear, I dive in and start reading.

  A couple hours later we land at JFK Airport and are waiting for our connecting flight to London. We’re sitting in the first class lounge again and Kara is talking on her phone to someone. I’m not paying too much attention to her. The commotion and crowds around me have drawn my attention and I can’t help but stare at the different array of people flying by us. I’m almost ashamed to admit this but people watching is one of my guilty pleasures. There’s always something interesting to see or hear every time I do it. The stories I make up about the people I observe, I think, is where I find the most thrills or causes me to laugh out loud in public. That always attracts sideways glances and odd stares in my direction. Most of the time, people don’t notice certain things that they do but as someone who is always alone I tend to pick up on these little tics quickly.

  There’s a woman who passes near us and every other step I can hear her sniff her nose as if there’s something disgusting her. Or the little boy across the aisle from me who scratches his head as he rams his trucks into each other on the floor. A woman with a fur coat saunters our way and I laugh to myself as I imagine her sharing a space with the couple walking behind her, who are obviously from Texas. I can hear their slow drawl and the loud booming voice of the pot-bellied man from here, causing the corners of my lips to turn up in amusement.

  As I fiddle with the clasp on my bag, I see out of the corner of my eye that someone takes the seat next to me on my left. Not wanting to invade the person’s space, I pull my bag over towards the right to give them more room. But as I look to the side, my eyes are drawn to the nicely tailored pair of gray slacks and designer shoes. I’m not sure how I know the pants are tailored, but I do. There’s just something about the material that says he didn’t buy them from JC Penney. I can’t help but admire his well put together attire and get confused when I feel my breathing start to speed up. My eyes roam over the slacks and the black sweater, causing heat to run through my system while noting that he obviously takes excellent care of himself. He has an athletic build, with his broad shoulders and lean muscular upper body. Even through his sweater I know that there is nothing but well defined sculpted muscles adorning his entire body.

  My gaze slows as it passes over his chin, which is sporting some seriously sexy stubble, finally falling onto a pair of bright blue eyes looking intently at me. His face takes my breath away and it feels as if my heart has slowed its tempo. He has piercing blue eyes and dark hair that is styled like he just rolled out of bed. You know, that sexy way guys wear their hair that makes women turn into blabbering idiots. Chiseled cheekbones and a strong jaw complete the package. He screams yummy to my starving body. He appears to be in his late twenties or early thirties if I had to guess. I blink twice and then look back down at my bag, feeling shy and awkward all of a sudden.

  “Is this seat taken?” he asks in his deep English-accented voice.

  That voice. There is something about his voice that seems familiar to me. I know I’ve never met this man before in my life. I would most definitely remember meeting someone like him. I look up again into his kind eyes and he smiles at me, showing perfect white teeth. Oh my, the earth can swallow me up now.

  “Um, no. No one’s sitting there. Well, you are now, I suppose.” Lame. Totally lame. Way to go, Tessa.

  He gives a little chuckle, keeping the smile in place on his perfect face. I give him a slight returning smile and can feel my cheeks start to heat up. His eyes dance around my face and I swear I see something flash within them. Something familiar but I can’t quite figure out why.

  He looks as if he’s about to say something, but the crackle of the speakers draw our attention to the airline desk attendant as she announces that our flight is ready to board. Kara is still talking on her phone but stands up with me as we make our way to the counter. I’m almost eager to get away from him, yet sad at the same time. The only comfort I can gather is he’s going to be on the same flight as me. The mystery man follows suit and stands a couple of people behind me in line. As we board the plane, Kara ends her call and then turns around to ask me where I am sitting.

  “Aren’t we sitting together again?” I ask her.

  “No. I wasn’t able to get us a seat next to each other. I’m in row three, how about you?”

  “Six.”

  “Oh well. Maybe you’ll get lucky and the person you’re sitting with is a mute. Or maybe they’ll just be some hot eye candy that you can talk to and start an illicit affair with,” Kara says, as she shrugs her shoulders.

  “You’re so funny. You know I’ll have my nose stuck in my Kindle or I’ll be sleeping.” I laugh as I smirk at her. She gives me a grin back.

  “If the person next to me doesn’t show you can sit by me. Deal?”

  “Deal.”

  I make my way through the aisle and find my seat. Row six, seat A. No problem. I sit down and pull out my Kindle, getting it ready for the long flight across the Atlantic. I’m juggling the device in my lap as I bend down to stow my laptop bag when I notice that someone is occupying the seat next to me. I inwardly sigh. Of course, I’m not lucky enough to sit by myself. I glance over to my right and see a newly familiar pair of shoes. I slowly straighten my body back into an upright position. With a small lump forming in my throat, I turn my head and there he is, my mystery man, sitting next to me and flashing me a smile that causes my heart to stop yet again.

  “Hello, we meet again,” he says in his sexy English accent.

  “It appears so,” I reply meekly.

  He gives a slight laugh and sticks out his hand.

  “Andrew,” he says. I take hold of his hand and shake it.

  “Tessa.”

  There’s an electrical current that flows through our joined hands, causing my pupils to dilate and a breath to catch in my throat. I notice a similar reaction in him when I hear his faint intake of breath. I quickly pull my hand away, embarrassed that he’s able to physically affect me like this.

  “It’s very lovely to meet you, Tessa. Is this your first time traveling to London?” His lips curve into a sexy smile and I can’t help but focus on how his tongue caresses my name as he says it out loud. Is it possible to be turne
d on just by his voice alone?

  “Yes, it is. I’m going on a business trip with my boss for the week. I’m really excited because I’ve always wanted to visit London. It has such a rich history that’s always intrigued me.” Why did I tell him how long I’d be there? I need to pull myself together.

  “I do hope we can live up to your expectations then. It is a marvelous city. Tell me, what kind of business meetings are you going there for?” He clasps his hands neatly in his lap with each of his elbows placed gently on the arm rests. My gaze migrates to his hands and I can’t help but notice his body again. He has a body made for sin. I can just tell. My mouth goes dry and my thoughts go dirty with that notion.

  I clear my throat before I try to speak again. “I work for a consulting firm based out of Minneapolis. We’re meeting with a foundation in London that wants to expand its business interests into the United States.” I give him a slight smile as I’m drawn to the bright crystal blues of his eyes.

  He looks at me and studies my face. “Really? Minneapolis you say. That is a very long way to travel. I must say I do adore your accent. It’s very cute.” He unclasps his hands and puts a finger to his lip. My eyes drop to his mouth and I can’t help the involuntary shudder when his lips quirk up into an amused smile. Damn.

  “Thank you. I like your accent too.” Smooth Tessa. Nice comeback. Why am I so nervous around him? He’s just a stranger. Granted I’ve never seen a more perfect stranger in my life, but still. His laugh pulls me out of my thoughts and I can’t help but return the heart-stopping smile gracing his face.

  “Why thank you, love. So tell me, what do you do for the firm you work for? Are you one of the executives?” He looks straight into my eyes and I can only keep contact with them for a few seconds before I turn away. There’s something about the way he looks at me that has me extra fidgety around him and I’m confused by my body’s reaction.

  “Um, no. I’m just an assistant. My boss is one of the senior executives at our firm. I’m her right-hand man, er, woman I guess. I usually travel with her whenever she goes for long-distance meetings.”

  He’s staring at me, not saying anything, but I can feel his thoughts as his eyes dance around my face, pausing briefly at my lips before swinging up to meet my own. I’m not sure what it is he’s looking for, but he must find it because a smile brightens his face, making him even more arrestingly handsome than he already is.

  “I hope you don’t find this odd of me, but you have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. They are rather fascinating I must say. I’ve never a shade of hazel such as yours,” he says softly. Our knees touch accidentally, but I don’t pull away, shocking myself. Instead I leave the small contact where it is, not pushing or pressing, but enjoying the tiny buzz that’s running through my system.

  Gathering up the courage that I know is somewhere deep inside me I glance up and smile into his kind eyes without blinking or shuttering away. “Um, thank you. I’m not sure how I got my hazel eyes because my father has brown and my mother has blue. I’ve always wanted my eyes to be green. Or at least I wanted them to be one color instead of both the brown and green,” I say, as I chew on my bottom lip. I don’t think that my eyes are that spectacular. Or any other part of me for that matter.

  “Well, I think they’re lovely. They fit your face just perfectly.”

  “Um, thank you.” His words roll around my head and all I can do is look into his smiling eyes.

  “I hope I’m not making you uncomfortable. That is not my intention at all.” He runs a hand through this thick hair before placing it back in his lap while looking at me, his brows furrowed and a slight frown marring his perfect face.

  “No, no of course not. It’s unexpected that’s all. I don’t get many compliments so I’m not used to them.” I play with the hem of my sleeve, embarrassed by what I just admitted to him. He stares at me and I notice his frown turning into a slight scowl upon his face.

  “A beautiful woman like you should be paid compliments more often than not. Please believe me when I say that you really are quite enchanting.” He dips his head lower to meet my gaze. I smile nervously and nod, turning my head in an attempt to stifle a yawn as I glance at my watch.

  11:30 pm.

  I guess this is what lack of sleep and a change of time zones will do to you.

  “Judging by your yawn and the sleepy look you have on your face, you must be exhausted. I won’t keep you up any longer. Would you like me to grab the stewardess to bring you a pillow and blanket?” he asks, concern etched across his face. His reaction confuses me slightly. I brush it off, not wanting to linger on it.

  “No, thank you. I’ll be okay, really. I’ll just lie back a little and catch some shut-eye.” I chew my lip again when our eyes make contact.

  “Nonsense. You won’t be comfortable that way. Please, let me have someone get you a pillow and blanket.” He reaches up and pushes the button for the flight attendant. A beautiful redhead appears from around the corner where her prep station is at and approaches him with wide eyes. She hungrily looks over his body and gives him a full on dazzling smile.

  “Yes sir, what can I help you with?” she says. She bats her eyelashes and leans down close to him. Andrew leans back into his seat, apparently wanting to get further away from her.

  “Would you be so kind as to retrieve two blankets and pillows for us, please?” Andrew says as he looks at me and smiles. The attendant looks over at me and her smile fades away slightly.

  “Of course, sir. I will be right back with those for you.” She places her hand gently on his forearm and lets it linger there before she goes back to get the pillows and blankets. Within a few seconds she reappears with the requested items and hands them to him, her fingertips brushing against his as he takes them from her.

  “Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?” She looks at him through her lashes and gives a slow sexy smile. He shifts in his seat before clearing his throat.

  “No, thank you. We will be just fine now. I appreciate it,” he says curtly.

  “If you should need anything else my name is Laura and I will be more than happy to assist you,” she says, as she leaves to go back to her little room. Andrew exhales quietly and then turns his attention back to me. I’m, of course, looking down at my fingers after watching the small scene she was making. He must find her beautiful and breathtaking. Why wouldn’t he? She’s tall with flawless skin and her face is perfectly made up. I must look downright homely compared to her.

  “Here, love, one for each of us.” Andrew reaches over and places the blanket across my body. He waits for me to raise my head so he can put the pillow behind it then smoothes my hair back into place as I lay my head against the pillow. Another strange spark happens inside me at his innocent touch, making me wonder if I’ll be able to sleep at all tonight with him this close to me.

  “Thank you so much. Really, I would have been okay without them,” I say again, blushing as he looks at me.

  “Since I need to get some sleep as well there’s no sense in only getting those items for just myself and watch you shiver all night. It wouldn’t be very gentlemanly of me.” He places a pillow behind his head and drapes his own blanket over his body.

  “Thank you again. You’re really too kind.”

  “It’s nothing really. Please, you’re tired. Let us get some sleep. It’s a long flight and you’ll want to be well rested for your meeting tomorrow.”

  I recline my seat back a little and notice Andrew doing the same before I close my eyes. And for the first time in a long while I fall into a peaceful sleep due to the presence of the beautiful stranger next to me.

  SUNLIGHT INFILTRATES MY SUBCONSCIOUS, PULLING me from my dreams, as the clouds allow the day’s first light to shine upon the left side of my body. My eyes flutter open as a yawn escapes my lips. There’s a painful crick in my neck and I cannot figure out for the life of me why it hurts so much. Awareness causes my eyes to open wide when I realize that I’m not lying on my
pillow anymore but on Andrew’s shoulder instead. Oh my God, kill me now. My body jerks away from his, instantly missing the contact and the pull he has over me. Even in my sleep I’m somehow drawn to him. His face lights up with amusement at my knee jerk reaction as his rumbling chuckle fills my ears.

  “Good morning, love.” The gleam in his eye takes me off guard as he looks down upon my bewildered face. “I hope you don’t mind, but I didn’t have the heart to wake you. You looked so angelic and peaceful while you were sleeping,” he says.

  “I am so sorry Andrew. Honestly, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you like that.” I attempt to pull myself together, praying that I didn’t leave his shoulder covered in a puddle of drool.

  “It’s quite all right Tessa. You must have been dreaming something wild because you were tossing and turning during the night and only stopped when you landed on my shoulder. Once you finally calmed down, you had this smile cross your lips and at that point I knew you needed to stay where you were. I just couldn’t move you away from me when you fit so perfectly against my body.” That shy smile of his is back again and I can feel my face turning an unnatural shade of red as I realize what Andrew said.

  “Was I really tossing and turning in my sleep? I hope I didn’t keep you up all night,” I shyly say as I avert my gaze to the knotted fingers in my lap, embarrassed that I must have had that dream again.

  “Of course not. I was having difficulty sleeping myself and when I saw how distressed you were, I couldn’t help but be concerned for you. Your dream seemed to really disturb you with how you kept tossing your head about.” He looks at me with genuine concern in his bright blue eyes. How can he be so gorgeous this early in the morning? And after sleeping on a plane no less.

  “Really, I’m all right. I don’t even remember what I was dreaming about,” I lie since it’s always the same dream. “At least I didn’t fall out of bed like I usually do. Thank heavens for seatbelts.” I try to laugh off my night fit, but that just makes a frown appear on his handsome face.