Acting on it quite another.
And yet... I make a tea and try not to think about it. Instead, I focus on the fact I’ll be in Sydney again, my future a blank roll of film waiting for me to mark the image of my future on it as I see fit. That’s what I need to focus on, not the fact Holden’s chest felt like it would be filled with rippling abs.
‘He’s asking for you.’
I jolt at the interruption. One of the other flight crew walks in—a girl, Belinda? I smile, even as my heart is erupting. ‘Says you were halfway through an interesting conversation before and he wants to hear the end of it?’
A smile curls the edges of my lips. Does he indeed?
‘Do me a favour?’
Belinda lifts a brow and says nothing.
‘Just tell him I’m busy. I’ll get to him if I can.’
Her jaw drops. ‘Mr Hart won’t like that.’
‘No, I don’t think he will.’
* * *
Busy? I glare at Belinda but that’s nothing new. Since I found out I’m not a Hart I’ve pretty much had one setting: scowl.
Busy.
Busy doing what? It’s my goddamned jet.
‘Oh? Can you take over from whatever it is she’s doing?’
‘Um...’ Belinda casts a glance over her shoulder. ‘I’ll see.’
* * *
‘He’s kind of pissed off.’
I sip my tea, flipping a page of the magazine.
‘Is he?’
‘What were you two talking about?’
I catch Eddy’s eye over Belinda’s head and suppress a smile. ‘Nothing important.’
‘Yeah, well, he seems to disagree.’
‘Tell him I’ll get to him if I can.’
‘Seriously—’ Belinda shakes her head ‘—no way. He’ll shoot the messenger.’
I sip my tea again. ‘Last message, I promise.’
* * *
‘For God’s sake. Where is she?’
‘In the galley, sir.’
‘Tell her if she doesn’t drop whatever the hell she’s doing I’ll throw her out an emergency exit.’