“And now that I’ve bored you with all my medical talk, what do you do that has you traveling so much?”
“Oil.”
“Seems fitting since we’re on a plane to Texas.” I give him a smile as I steal another sip of my liquid courage, not wanting to stop talking because I’ve grown shy. It’s something I don’t normally do until I start to develop a small crush.
“Not so sure anymore. Had a big sale this week. Retirement might be in my future.”
When I really take in the Russian, there’s no missing that he’s got money. His hair is dark and short on the sides but long enough to run fingers through on the top. From a glance I would have guessed he was a bodyguard and wearing a fancy suit to try to fit in. I’ve never been good at guessing age, but I think he’s maybe in his mid-thirties. It’s crazy he’s even thinking about retiring so young, but it goes back to my assessment about him being rich.
“How about you? If you’re selling medical equipment and not enjoying it, why keep going? Why not go back to your old job?”
I’m still fighting that battle in my head, but it might feel good to talk to a stranger. Someone that can give me a perspective from the outside and away from my family wanting me home. I know my parents will push for me to be closer, even if it’s not what’s best. Miller can be objective and honest.
“I’ve been telling myself I miss my sister and parents.”
“Is that true?”
“Yes, so much.” I nod and I can feel tears sting in my eyes just admitting it out loud.
“You have a good family then.” It’s not a question, but I answer.
“Not to brag, but I’d like to think they are the best. We might not have a lot of money, but we’re rich in so many ways. We laugh hard and love even harder.” I catch something in Miller’s eyes, but it’s gone quickly.
“There is something else,” he says, and I realize he’s good at reading people.
“I’m good at selling medical equipment. I’ve been proud of myself for that.”
“As you should be.”
I nod in agreement. “You know what these machines cost?” I let out a humorless laugh. “Machines that not everyone can afford, even though they could save lives every day if they did have them.” I drop my head. “As great as it is to sell these things, it’s heartbreaking to walk away from others that need them.”
He stares at me like he’s taking in every single word of what I’m saying. His gaze makes me feel like he can see into me and understand my frustration. I fight the instinct to fidget in my seat under his intense stare, and when I bite my bottom lip nervously, his eyes stay on my mouth.
It’s then I know I’ve lost my mind because there’s no way this man is into me. I shoot up from my chair and almost forget my tray is out. This sexy Russian man doesn't, and with effortless grace, snags my drink without spilling a drop and manages to close my tray for me.
“Bathroom,” I blurt out, and he nods as he steps out of the way, still holding my drink for me.
When I escape into the small bathroom, I get a good look at myself. My hair is still a wild mess from the mad dash this morning, and I pull it up in a bun. I don’t have a speck of makeup on, and to top it off, I’m in slip-on shoes with leggings I slept in last night. I grabbed a sweater out of my bag after I boarded, and it hides some of the best parts of my curvy body. Yeah, he was so not looking at my mouth like he wanted to kiss me.
I take a breath and give myself an internal pep talk. I’m going to go back out there and speak to Miller like two people making small talk and nothing more. This isn't flirting, he’s just a nice guy that did me solid. He’s proven that point from the second I met him, and I’m not going to flirt with him and make him feel awkward. I don’t want to do something he doesn't want to do because he is a nice guy and might agree to be polite.
After I get myself together and find my way back to my seat, I don’t miss Miller’s brother giving me a curious look as I move in beside Miller. Once I’m seated, Miller hands me my champagne glass, and I smile at him.
“You and your brother look so much alike, yet there’s something so different. I can’t place what it is, but maybe it’s the eye color.” I don’t say that there’s something about Miller that I find more comforting. His brother has a coldness behind his eyes, and I don’t believe for a second it’s because they are blue.