I feel a hint of anger that she’s keeping the sound of her laughter from me, and I don’t know why that annoys me.
“Maybe you’re right. He asked me to join the mile-high club.” Her cheeks flush as she looks away, and I clench my fists on either side of me.
“He did what?” I bark, but when I turn around, I see the little man slumped over in the seat behind me, passed out. “I’m going to break his neck when we land.”
“You came to my rescue.” I feel her gentle fingers on my wrist, and I look down at the contact. She quickly takes her hand away and apologizes. “Sorry, I’m just a mess today.”
“It’s okay,” I reassure her. “Work or pleasure?”
When I say the word “pleasure,” I think about what that would be for this little kitten. She looks like a small thing I would like to cuddle. A pet I could keep in my bed. Thoughts of taking her from the airport and to my home make the arrival home seem much sweeter.
“Um, Thanksgiving.” She smiles at me as she takes a sip of her champagne.
For a moment I miss what she’s saying because I’m thinking of how the bubbles on her tongue would feel against mine.
“My sister is making me bake a million things.” She shrugs, and the sweatshirt she has on slips over her bare shoulder, exposing a triangle of skin.
My mouth waters at the silk I’m suddenly hungry to taste, and I have to look away. I’m no better than the lecher that was in this seat before me with how my mind is wandering. I don’t want a quick fuck in the bathroom, I want to lay her out on a table and feast on her body.
“Are you going home for the holiday?”
“Da,” I say as I nod back to Frost. “My brother and I are traveling together.” The plan has my mind coming back to the present, which is good. I need to concentrate on something that doesn’t include seeing more of her skin.
“My name is Miller,” I offer and hold out my hand.
“Pumpkin.” She smiles and slips her hand in mine.
I try not to hold it for too long, but my thumb lingers for a moment after I let her go. Afterwards, I place my hands in my lap to keep them to myself as I spend the next four hours listening to all the things Pumpkin is going to make for Thanksgiving.
Chapter Three
PUMPKIN
“I’m so sorry.” I look down at my third glass of champagne. They don’t really ask if you want another, they keep topping you off. “I’m going on and on about my job.”
“I enjoy listening to you speak.”
I really hope that the blush that lights up my face is hidden by the few drinks I’ve already had. Miller doesn’t speak much, but when he does, it warms my insides.
“I’m sure me talking about medical transcribing and selling medical supplies can’t be that entertaining.” Something that takes up so much of my life makes it feel like there’s nothing else to talk about.
“But you like it.”
I pause for a moment as I take another sip of my drink. I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, and before now our conversation has been light and easy.
“Transcribing, yes because it’s flexible and I could do it from anywhere. But anywhere to me isn’t a home, and that’s where I want to be.” That might just be because I’m feeling homesick, and I’m sure he probably thinks that’s super lame. Most people want to travel the world and see what’s out there. I thought I did at first, but I’m stuck in one spot so far.
“I travel a lot for work too.” I perk up, wanting to learn more about the Russian man who stole the seat next to me.
He’d been sweet to make the other man move, but I was sure a fight would break out. Thankfully the man next to me took one look at Miller and he was up and out of his seat. Watching the whole thing go down was so hot. I don’t think a man has ever come to my defense like that before, and I can’t say I didn’t love it.
I hadn't even looked at Miller’s face when he’d issued the order to the drunken man next to me. Just hearing his voice made my whole body light up in a way it never had before. Then when I finally looked up, some of my excitement ramped up. He was so big he probably didn’t have another option but to sit in first class. Seeing him looming over the drunk guy and taking charge made my panties melt.
When he sat down next to me and hung on every word that came out of my mouth, it was like I was dreaming. I’m not sure if he’s being a gentleman, but ever since he dismissed the other guy I think he’s been flirting with me. It’s hard to get a read on him when he doesn't say much, but he keeps pressing for me to tell him more and keep talking.