Bound for Christmas

by Yvette Hines

  She held her hand out to him. “If we’re going to finish this flight talking about my ruined relationships and family drama, we probably should be on a first name basis.”

  She did something she never did, allowed her smile to expand wide over her mouth, lowered her lids just a little, tilted her head to the side and flirted. “I’m Zoey.”

  His large hand slid along her palm as it engulfed her own, and gave it a gentle squeeze as his thumb brushed along the back of her hand. “Evan.”

  Chapter Two

  They sat that way for a moment, gripping hands and staring into each other’s eyes. She was the first to falter as her body began to respond to the heat of his touch. The firm, possessive grip caused her nipples to tighten and cream surrounded her clit. Good gracious, she’d never had a response to a man before with a simple touch. Even on Winston’s best night he didn’t cause a reaction in her body without a lot of pumping and priming. Since it was usually all about him and what he needed, she was frequently left wanting.

  Pulling her hand from Evan’s, she inhaled deeply, filling her chest with much needed air and allowed it to seep slowly through her parted lips. “So, tell me, Evan, will North Carolina be a new home for you?”

  “No. I’m born and bred there. Except for the last ten years, I’ve lived in and around Charlotte my whole life.”

  “That’s how it was for me with Paris, Texas. All of my family lives right there and don’t have any plans or desire to move away.”

  “Unlike you.”

  “That’s right.” She looked down at her hands; her fingernails were perfectly manicured with airbrushed French tips. She’d gotten them done for the reunion, to show her family that she was doing fine without them, without Winston. Her job didn’t pay a lot, but she lived just fine and could afford to pay her bills and extra things.

  “Why did you leave?”

  She laughed. “Evidently, you’ve never been to Paris. There is nothing there. Now don’t get me wrong, I love small towns with close communities. I’ve never been a big city person, but after my personal life fe11 apart I just needed to get away. Start over new; especially when every major thing in that town was a product of one prominent family name.”

  Winston had come from money, big small town money and history. He’d been used to a life of everything going his way, handed to him and he expected all around him to cater to his needs, solely. When things didn’t go exactly how he wanted them, he had no qualms about vocalizing it. The relationship had exhausted her and broke her down emotionally and financially as well.

  “That’s understandable.” He drank some water and then returned the glass to his small table. “Have you found what you’re looking for in North Carolina?”

  “Yes. I love my job and my life there.” She pulled a small ice cube out of her water and popped it in her mouth. “What about you? Happy to be going home?”

  For a moment, he glanced away from her. Evan looked up the aisle towards the attendants that were talking in the side cabin. She wasn’t sure if he planned to answer her. Staring at his profile as she swallowed the minute piece of ice, she could plainly see the tension in his jaw line and emotions distorting his features. Without him saying it, she could tell that his feelings surrounding his homecoming weren’t all good.

  His sigh was heavy, before facing her again and saying, “Let’s just say I’m glad to be getting my life back.” The small smile that pulled at the corners of his mouth didn’t show joy or happiness.

  “Mixed feelings. I can sympathize with that. So, what kept you away for…ten years did you say?”

  Evan rotated his shoulders back as if tension suddenly rested in his muscles. “The military.”

  “Wow.” One of her brothers had been in the military and then used the G.I. Bill for college, now he was an accountant with the city of Paris. “Thank you for your service.”

  Glancing down, he thumped his thumb against the armrest as if he struggled with something internally, then he looked back at her, captured her in his hazel gaze that appeared more brown than green. She had the urge to cover his hand and lend her support as he’d done for her when she needed it. However, she wasn’t truly sure if he needed or for what reason so she doused the urge.

  “Thank you.” His hand stilled and he lifted his glass and drained the contents.

  Maybe he needed something stronger.

  “If you’re going to be a commercial pilot, I can assume you’re out of the service.”

  “Yes. I trained recruits during the last two years until my enlistment was complete.”

  “Is that why you were flying out of Texas?”

  “Yup. I was at Yuma, Arizona until four months ago when I moved to Dallas to do some flight training.”

  “Were you a pilot in the military, too?”

  “No.” Leaning towards her, he reached across her and lifted the shade up. “Sorry, you don’t mind do you?”

  Her mind turned to mush. His citrus/woodsy blend wrapped around her like a warm blanket, snuggling her up in Evan’s maleness. It took several times for her to swallow in order to re-moisten her mouth. The man just was too sexy and appealing for his own good. Without touching her, he had her body on fire and her nipples and clit throbbing, begging for attention from a man she didn’t know. Oh, God I’m a mess. When she got back to North Carolina she was going to have to start dating again, it was time.

  “It is okay, right?” He was still leaning towards her.

  “Okay? What?” She tried to think and recall what he was asking about.

  “The window? Are you all right if the shade is up? I like blue skies.” His eyes were back to that dark green color that made her panties wet. It didn’t help that his face was close enough for her just to raise her head a little and she could place her lips against his. Would his lips be firm and dominant or weak and relaxed expecting her to take the lead like Winston?

  Shit. Get it together, Zoey. “It’s fine.”

  Smiling, one of his electric smiles again, he sat back in his seat. “Tell me about Paris.”

  Zoey could tell he was changing the conversation away from his military career. She wondered if he was one of those warriors that suffered from PTSD and perhaps a dialogue about it brought up too many bad memories to talk about it.

  “Only if you want to be put to sleep.” She laughed. “Instead, I’d love to hear about places you have flown to and visited. All those other blue skies.”

  Lifting his right leg, he rested his ankle on his left knee and linked his hands together in his lap. Oh, yes, this new conversation was much more to his liking. “In the States or out?”

  “Oh, you got to fly to other countries?” Now she was excited.

  “You’ve never been out of America?”

  “I’ve never been off this main chunk of the continent. No Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico. Too far to fly. Hell, I’ve never even been further west than Texas.”

  His eyelids stretched with shock. “Oh, the things you are missing, Zoey.”

  She liked the way he said her name. There was a slight pause after the O before he said the EY. As if he were about to give her a nickname, but decided not to. Of course a nickname would be ridiculous; they didn’t know each other and wouldn’t know each other after the flight.

  “Like what? What’s your favorite place you have gone?”

  “Thailand.” She could hear the rapture in his voice as he stared ahead, as if he could see the country come alive before his eyes.

  “Really?”

  “White sand beaches, the exotic foods, the people are so humble and they have waterfalls and the most vibrant plant life that will take your breath away.” He rolled his head towards her and stared at her, in his eyes was such an infectious joy that she began to desire things that were not possible.

  It shocked and amazed her how easily this man made her want to venture out beyond her staid little world and live.

  “Next would have to be Africa. It is more brown than green, but the ama
zing wild life you can see running through their natural habit is an impressive sight.”

  As he continued to talk and tell her about the foreign country, painting a vivid scene before her mind’s eye she allowed herself to fantasize as the plane started its descent into Charlotte-Douglas Airport. In her fantasy she travelled the world, however, not alone. Instead there was a supportive, considerate man by her side who appeared nothing like Winston, but she admitted to herself that her fantasy man looked a lot like Evan.

  She didn’t have hopes of knowing him beyond this one moment in time, but she now had a ruler to measure all other men against, especially since Winston was such a poor example of a real man.

  * * *

  “Do you need a ride anywhere? My car is sitting in long-term parking and I don’t mind giving you a lift.” Zoey bit down on the corner of her bottom lip and shifted a little from one foot to the other as he handed her the large suitcase he’d hauled from the luggage carousel for her.

  Evan stood facing her as he slung the long strap of his duffel bag over his shoulder, while his other suitcase rested on the floor by his feet. “No, actually, I’m good I have someone coming for me.”

  Was that disappointment he noticed turning her wide mouth down a little at the corners, or was it his wishful thinking. It was true they had hit it off during the last hour and a half of their flight and he’d felt a pseudo connection with Zoey. Hell, she was an attractive woman, with light brown eyes that shone with sincerity and a smile that jumpstarted his heart each time she flashed it. He wouldn’t allow himself to think of her killer body, while sitting in the plane beside her he hadn’t missed the stirring below his belt. His mind had noticed and his dick had stayed on full alert.

  However, that didn’t mean there was an attraction on her end as well. She was most likely just being courteous in offering the ride.

  Besides, even if Zoey had felt drawn to him and would consider something more since they lived in the same area, a romance was not in the cards for his life right now. He was carrying around more emotional baggage than the clothes shoved in his duffle bag.

  “Okay, I guess this is good-bye.” Her even white teeth released its grip on her lip and she struck him with one of her radiant smiles again as she held her hand out.

  Slipping his hand into her smaller one, he couldn’t miss the charge that went from his palm where it rested along hers and up his arm. During his college years he’d done some foolish things and had even been shocked once while attempting to rewire a DVD player into massive six foot concert speakers. However, that volt of electricity that had knocked him to the floor was nothing compared to what he felt touching Zoey.

  Damn. Fuck. He wanted to ask her for her number. Or invite her to find a coffee shop in the airport, sit across from her and just spend more time getting to know her.

  His gaze traveled along the smooth tawny complexion of her face and landed on the succulent swells of her full lips. Tinted a delicious pale plum that made him desire to taste and see if they were as sweet as they looked. The shine on her plump mouth drew him to her, clearing out everything from his mind; responsibilities, environment, everything... except her. Kissing her. He tugged her hand, just strong enough to make her stumble a little. Her intoxicating scent surrounded him. His mind conjured up images and scenarios of things he’d like to do to her; see if she willing submitted.

  She gasped and licked her lips. Her hand trembled slightly.

  Shit, what am I doing? Sense finally entered his mind.

  This wasn’t in the cards for him. Not now. He had to allow her to walk away.

  Slipping his hand from hers, he said, “You are a treasure. It has been a pleasure to meet you, Zoey Carliegh.”

  She took a step back, as a shaky smile stretched her lips and she nervously fingered her right earring.

  He forced himself not to step forward. She probably thought he was a crazy man. The only thing she had offered him was a lift and he wanted to give her a lift. One that would allow her to wrap her luscious thighs around his waist.

  “I think I benefited more from it. If not for you I may have jumped up and went screaming down the aisle.” She waved one of her hands frantically beside her face as if she were doing the action.

  He couldn’t help but allow his lips to tilt at the corners a little. That’s what it was about this woman; she made him want to smile. Want to push away all his gray clouds and just laugh. Shaking away those thoughts, he said, “I think you would have made it through. Maybe we’ll see each other in the skies again.”

  “Maybe.” She shrugged one shoulder and took a few more steps away from him walking backwards. “If and when I fly again, I’ll remember to ask who my pilot is.”

  “Evan Douglas is who you’ll be looking for.” He called out.

  “Oh, I won’t forget.” She did one of those cute finger waves that only women could pull off and then turned and walked toward the signs labeled parking garage.

  Neither will I.

  He watched her walk away amidst all of the holiday decorations adorning the walls and ceiling of the airport. If a fire would have broken out in the area and people had been ordered to evacuate, a severe emergency such as that wouldn’t have pulled him away from the view. Zoey was the kind of woman that captivated a man’s full attention; long legs, nice round ass, a small waist and steps backed by confidence. On the ground she was poised.

  There was nothing like self-assurance that turned him on. He may want submissive women, but not weak ones. A woman that knew her own mind was sexy as hell.

  “Hey, Evan, you going to stand there all day? You know a brotha is double parked in the pick-up zone.”

  Chapter Three

  Evan turned to the man who had been his best friend for too many years to count, Trevon Smalls. Tre, was a black man that looked more like a linebacker than an administrative attorney for Mecklenburg County.

  “If you get a ticket, I’m not paying.” Crossing the distance, he took his friends’ hand in a fierce grip as Tre pulled him forward into a hug and pat on the back.

  “No worries, it’s my county cruiser, so we’re good. Working with Mayor Foxx has its perks.” Tre grabbed the suitcase off the ground.

  “Thanks for picking me up,” he said, hoisting his duffle bag more securely on his shoulder as they headed out of the airport to the white SUV.

  “Man, I’m just glad you’re finally home.”

  “So am I.” Evan meant that, no matter the confrontation that awaited him.

  “Is this all you have?” Tre asked, tossing the suitcase in the back then taking the duffle bag from him and placing it on top. “Ten years of life in two bags?” Rounding the back of the vehicle Tre got in behind the wheel.

  “What can I say, I knew it was temporary.” Evan settled into the passenger seat and put on his seatbelt. “I just didn’t know that the short detour in my life would take me ten years to get back on track.”

  “I heard that.” Snapping his seatbelt into place, Tre checked his side mirror and then shifted the car into gear and merged into traffic leaving the airport.

  Evan had told the truth, he kept his life while in the military very simple. A few more boxes would be coming in that he’d had shipped to his father’s house; office supplies, mementos, awards and other things. Everything else of value that he owned was in a storage unit in Charlotte waiting for him to find a house. Fully furnished apartments had been his way of life for a long time and he looked forward to sleeping in his own bed.

  On the thirty-five minute drive to his father’s house, Evan asked Tre about his job and the changes in Charlotte since he’d been away. It had been almost two years since Evan had been home; it was when his father had the first stroke. At that time he’d told his father that he was leaving the military and going back to flying. His father had fallen silent, not because he couldn’t speak. No, amazingly none of his strokes had every affect his speech fully. However, Evan would never forget the look in his old man’s eyes, disappoint
ment and regret.

  His father had turned towards the window of his hospital room and ignored Evan, his only living child. James Douglas was a hard man.

  “Hey, man, I appreciate you looking in on my father when he had his second stroke six months ago.” Evan said as they pulled up into his father driveway.

  “That’s what friends are for.” Tre gripped his shoulder and squeezed.

  Evan understood his friend’s gesture. If anyone knew what lay ahead of him, the weight on his shoulders once he crossed the threshold, Tre did. “I know, but thanks, still.” Evan got out of the car and pulled open the back hatch and removed his two pieces of luggage.

  “You need help?” Tre got out the vehicle too and stood beside him.

  “No, I’m good from here.”

  Pulling something out of his inside suit coat pocket, Tre handed it to him. “I almost forgot. I picked this up for you last week as you asked.”

  Taking the small square, black envelop Evan stared down at it knowing exactly what it was. His best friend was the only person he would trust with getting the item for him. Slipping it into his back pocket, Evan gave Tre a sharp nod. “Appreciate it.”

  “Hey, not my cup of coffee, but I figured you’d need it.”

  Evan knew his friend was correct. The tension of the coming confrontation was already building in his body and there was only one thing in his life that gave him peace and the release that he needed.

  “Hey, Eliana is cooking tamales black beans and Spanish rice tonight. You’re welcome to join us.”

  Evan loved Tre’s wife’s cooking; Spanish cuisine with an authentic Mexican flare. “Let’s see how things go with my father.”

  “No problem.” Tre shut the back hatch of the SUV. “Call me if you need anything.”

  “Will do.” Evan turned and headed to the door. There was no reason for him to put off the inevitable.

  Inhaling deeply, he pulled the key to his family home out of his pocket and shoved it into the lock. Moments later, he set the bags down in the entryway and took a deep breath. Scanning the all too familiar interior Evan’s mind drifted back to a time when his mother was alive and how entering the house would smell just like apple pie. It was his favorite desert and his mom made it once a month because she knew he liked it. Just like she knew Derek like chocolate cake and his dad loved sherbet every night after dinner.