Page 32 of Inevitable

Jonathan returned his attention to me. “Why don’t we get you settled again and then have a snack?”

I closed my eyes, a wave of embarrassment washing over me. A moment of clarity slamming into me.Oh. My. God.

I hastily buttoned my shirt, tucking it into my skirt before returning his jacket to him. “I think, um… I think I’ll just go to the restroom. Some cold water on my face might help.”

“Stay,” he pleaded, clearly not trusting me on my own. “I’ll see if I can get you a cold compress.”

“No.” I drew in a sharp breath. “I really… I really think I just need a minute.” Unfortunately, he was blocking my exit.

The flight attendant returned with the requested items in the midst of our little stare-off, and after Jonathan thanked her, he said, “Sure. Just have some water and a snack first. Okay?”

Begrudgingly, I accepted the water and ate some cheese and crackers.

“See? I’m fine. I’ll just be a minute.” I stood, forcing him to do the same. “And if I’m gone more than five, you can come after me. Deal?”

He held my gaze a moment then nodded. “I’m setting a timer. If you’re gone too long, Iwillcome after you.”

I was tempted to stay longer than five minutes just to see if he’d follow through on his threat. To find out what would happen.

I grinned up at him as I brushed past. “Is that a promise?”

“Sumner,” he growled.

I smirked then walked down the aisle, feeling his eyes on me the entire time. But the moment I shut myself in the bathroom and locked the door, my bravado evaporated. I sagged against the sink, wishing I could go back and undo the past hour. What the hell had happened?

Already some of the fog was clearing, only to be replaced by regret. Had I really unbuttoned my shirt and tried to strip on the plane? I didn’t consider myself particularly modest, but this was definitelynothow I’d imagined undressing for Jonathan. I squeezed my eyes shut. What had I been thinking?

I’d been working with Isla on overcoming her fears in business, and I could barely face my own fear of flying. With that reminder, I splashed some water on my face and took a few deep breaths before returning to my seat.

“Hey.” I tapped Jonathan on the shoulder, and he immediately stood.

“Glad I didn’t have to send out a search party.”

I brushed past him, wobbling a little before he placed his hands on my hips. I swallowed hard, gripping the back of the seat in front of me. I froze, as did he. And then he gently guided me to my seat. Even after he released me, the feel of his hands on my skin was burned into me.

“There we are.” He sank down next to me. “How are you feeling?”

My heart’s racing, and I feel like I was just electrocuted by your touch.“I’m good, and I want to apologize for acting so…unprofessionally.”

“I couldn’t give a fuck about that. I just want to make sure you’re okay.” Concern swirled in his eyes, and I knew I owed him an explanation.

I took a deep breath. “I took an antianxiety drug, but it obviously had the opposite effect and sent me into freak-out mode.”

Jonathan nodded, his expression contemplative. “Have you ever taken that medicine before?”

I shook my head, hanging it between my shoulders. “No. And I should’ve known better. Again, I’m so sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.”

“Sumner.” He placed his hand on mine. “You’re not in trouble. I just want to make sure you’re okay. Okay?”

I nodded, though I almost wished the plane would crash so I could avoid the embarrassment of this moment.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had a fear of flying?”

I shook my head, my cheeks heating. The plane engine hummed in the distance, the flight attendant continuing about her business as if I hadn’t just freaked the fuck out.

“Because I don’t.” Or at least, I refused to believe I did. I would not let the fear of crashing prevent me from experiencing life. No freaking way.

“Okay.” I could feel his eyes on me, and I sensed the skepticism in his tone. “Then what’s going on? Talk to me.”