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I turn to her and say, “What an ass, right?”
“I can’t see from this vantage point, but I’m guessing you’re right.”
Seatmate hottie, who turns out to be a sports reporter, leans across Tasha and says, “That’s Clint Sullivan, captain of the US hockey team. Don’t get sucked in by him. He goes through women like they’re paper napkins.”
“Oh, I have no intention of going anywhere near him.” I purse my lips. “Believe me.”
My plan to sleep is ruined by the fact that, apparently, I’m on the party airbus. As soon as the seatbelt sign is turned off, people all over the plane get up and gather in groups wherever they can. Pretty soon, it’s more like a cocktail party than a flight. I sigh, tugging off my mask and giving up.
Tasha looks over at me. “Giving in to the fun?”
“This is insane. The pheromones are so thick on this plane, it’s a wonder you can see out the windows.”
Tasha laughs. “Relax, sweetie, when we land, we’ll have two weeks until the opening ceremonies. How about taking a break from being perfect for a few hours?”
“I’m not—”
“Sure, you are. There is not one person on this plane with a tighter…schedule than you. Now, why don’t you let yourself take a dip in all the man candy we’re swimming in? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and no matter whether you win gold or silver, you’ll always regret not taking advantage of this moment,” she says, standing up and climbing over my legs to get to the aisle. “Which is exactly what I’m going to do. The ski team guys are at the back of the plane and I have got to meet them. You coming?”
“No, thank you.” I bend at the waist and shove my eye mask and pillow into my carry-on, then pull out my Sudoku puzzles. They always manage to relax me, no matter how stressed I am.
“Suit yourself, Grandma,” Tasha says before she disappears.
I take a moment to move over to the window seat for more privacy now that both my seatmates are gone. I flip to my page and get started on the first puzzle.
“Sudoku, huh? I figured you for a National Enquirer sort of girl.”
I freeze at the sound of his voice, the timber of it vibrating straight to my lady bits. My eyes rake over him hungrily and I order them to stop that before they make their way to his chiseled face.
When my gaze finally meets his, he’s grinning down at me. “Couldn’t sleep? Don’t forget my offer, kitty.”
“I’m not really sure you’d have all that much to offer.” I glance down at his crotch and wrinkle my nose a bit, trying to force my eyes not to go wide at the bulge he’s sporting in those jeans. Good lord, that’s quite the intimidating package.
Late guy hottie laughs and holds out his hand. “Clint Sullivan.”
“Feisty kitty.” My hand shoots out without my permission to shake his hand and when we touch, my knees go weak. Thank goodness I’m sitting down.
“Pleasure to meet you, kitty.” He doesn’t let go of my hand right away and I can’t help but notice the electrical charge going through me. “Let me buy you a drink.”
I let go of his hand and try to unscramble my brain. What was I doing again? Oh, yeah, my math puzzles. “No, thanks. I don’t drink and Sudoku.”
Clint laughs at my little joke, and the sound he makes is deeply satisfying, as I’m sure he would be. No! Stop that, Danika. Keep your eye on the prize.
He flags down the flight attendant and orders a beer and a glass of champagne, then sits his very fine ass next to me. The middle seat, too. Not the aisle seat which would be preferable because it would feel a whole heck of a lot safer if my arm weren’t touching his. I seriously need to get rid of this guy right now. If I don’t, I have a terrible feeling that I’m about to kiss my dreams goodbye along with those of my hard-working parents.
“I hear you’re quite the talent on the blades.”
My cheeks heat up with the complement as well as the thought of him asking around about me. I force a bored look onto my face. The flight attendant appears with our drinks, saving me from trying to think up a clever response. Clint takes them, flashing her what I’m sure is his trademark smile before handing me a flute of champagne.
He holds his beer up to me and says, “To new friends.”
I clink my glass to his beer can and laugh reluctantly.
“I’d say these drinks are a good metaphor for the two of us. You’re fine wines and crystal glasses and I am Bud all the way.”
My chest tightens with shame at my wrong side of the
tracks background. “You also figured me for a National Enquirer girl.” I tap my Sudoku book with one finger to make my point.
