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“You haven’t been home in years,” he said.
She blinked, and Wes finally recognized the emotion brimming beneath her usual bravado. Although the set of her chin still screamed stubborn, there was a new hint of vulnerability in her eyes. Which only made her all the more alluring.
Damn.
“My father bought me a ticket,” she said simply.
“First-class seats, too,” he said. “I’m surprised you didn’t insist on going coach.” When she didn’t respond he studied her distressed jeans, the holes offering an enticing glimpse of creamy skin. The white T-shirt clung to breasts he diligently ignored as he went on. “Maybe you’ve finally learned to appreciate the finer things in life.”
Evie let out a delicate snort. “I hate to disappoint you, but I haven’t changed. My affections still can’t be bought. And I refuse to participate in the Burling sibling race for my father’s approval.” Her expression briefly reflected the earlier fear in her voice. “I hate flying,” she said before letting out a quiet sigh. “I just figured if I puke in first class I’d spray fewer people.”
Evie’s neighbor bolted upright and into the aisle—forcing Wes to step back and make room lest the man land on his feet—and said, “Would you like to switch seats and sit with your friend?”
Every muscle in Wes’s body tensed. Briefly speaking with Evie was fine, but sitting next to the woman was a bad plan. How could he rest while seated beside the tempting, off-limits blast from his past?
Wes said, “Thanks, but that’s not necessary—”
“No problem at all,” the balding man said as he reached for his briefcase under the seat. He forced his way pas
t Wes, not giving him time to protest further. “Wouldn’t want to get in the way of your reunion.”
Before Wes could say another word, the man plopped himself into Wes’s assigned spot, shoving his briefcase beneath the seat in front of him. It appeared that the mention of vomit had been the straw that cracked the camel’s back. Wes swung his gaze back to Evie, who was looking at him warily. And, for a moment, all he could see was the alluring swell of her breasts beneath the defiant shirt and the attractive flare of her hips. All features he’d regularly admired while growing up.
How could he get any sleep with that tempting body only an arm’s length away?
Unfortunately, his seat was now taken by a man who looked as if he’d sooner be tossed off the plane at ten thousand feet—minus a parachute—than be parked next to Evie.
Wes cocked an eyebrow. “I guess we’re sitting next to each other.”
The twisted smile she sent looked less than pleased. “Lucky me,” she said as Wes dropped into the seat and buckled his belt. “Now you can spend the next two hours engaging in one of your favorite pastimes.”
He simply hiked an eyebrow higher in question.
She shot him a brilliantly false smile. “Telling me what to do.”
Wes couldn’t restrain the ghost of a grin.
Her gaze clashed with his until the prerecorded message boomed over the PA system, beginning the routine safety instructions. Instantly, Evie’s stubborn expression faded. And Wes swore she lost a little color in her face. Marge, the female attendant, arrived with Evie’s drink and shot him a grateful look, as if he could somehow control the wacky passenger who was driving the staff crazy.
When had he been assigned caretaker of Evie Lee?
As Bob demonstrated how to put on the oxygen mask, Evie’s face grew paler. She tossed back the vodka and tonic as though a crash were imminent and she planned on feeling no pain on impact.
Evie handed her glass to the passing female attendant. “Another one, please.”
Marge’s smile was tight. “Of course.”
Wes’s heart sank. But the desperation in Evie’s face must have convinced the lady it was best to comply or risk ruining their chances for an on-time departure, all because of one uncontrollable, freaked-out passenger.
He sent Evie a look, ignoring the big Bambi eyes. “Don’t you think you should slow down?”
“I’m not a teen anymore, Wes. I know how to drink responsibly.”
“The odds of the plane crashing are incredibly slim.”
She blew out a breath. “If you were familiar with the year I just had, you’d be running over little old ladies to escape.”
Against his will, his heart softened a touch. “Tough one, huh?”
