Page 4 of My Ex-Best Men (Ex Marks the Spot #4)

***Claire***

“ M r. Wilson? I’m so sorry to bother you but I was hoping to get your autograph and maybe a picture with you?” It was the third time someone had come up to Zane.

I stared even harder out of my window as he greeted each fan with his signature bad boy charm and took pictures with them.

I was sure I was in the background of each one, looking like I’d been sucking on a lemon.

If I could’ve managed to get the window open, I would’ve taken my chances jumping from the plane.

I tried to read a new book I’d been wanting to read in my free time but I lost focus every other line because of something Zane did or said. He was driving me insane. The plane honestly couldn’t have landed fast enough.

I opened my purse and took the time to go through the contents on my tray table.

I was usually so organized that having the purse to put back together was almost calming.

I had everything lined up on the table in order of size and then color and was just about to start putting it all away when Zane spoke up.

“You never said whose wedding you’re going to.” Zane had shifted in his seat again, turning to face me completely. He reached over and gently moved my makeup bag out of order. “Or if you have a date.”

I silently seethed as I put the bag back where it belonged. I still had the earbuds in so I pretended like I hadn’t heard him. Of course, Zane was a determined asshole, though. He plucked the earbud from my ear closest to him and laughed when he listened to it and heard nothing.

“Tricky, Claire. Now that I know you heard me, answer the question before I combust from curiosity.”

I tried to take the earbud back from him but he just grabbed my hand and held it to his thigh. “Dammit, Zane.”

“Dammit, Claire.”

“Sophia’s getting married! There. Happy now? Can I have my hand back?” I glared at him and instantly remembered why I’d been facing away from him for so long. Looking at him was dangerous. He was too interesting with all the tattoos on display and those pale green eyes filled with interest.

“Yes and no.” He leaned even closer. “I’m happy but you can’t have your hand back. You didn’t answer the question about having a date.”

My cheeks flared with anger. “Do you think I would’ve found myself in the bathroom with you if I was taking a date to Soph’s wedding? Despite the damage you did I’m still the same monogamous woman, Zane. I don’t cheat.”

He grew grimly serious for the first time, outside of when he’d had his tongue down my throat. “I didn’t cheat, Claire.”

I hated that I needed to hear those words so desperately. It was a wound from years earlier. It shouldn’t have mattered. I had no reason to believe him. “Well, considering how you never officially broke up with me, I’d say you’ve probably cheated.”

His hand tightened on mine and he pulled me closer.

His eyes were intense as he drew close enough that our breaths mingled in the air between us.

“I didn’t cheat on you. Never. I fucked up more than enough without that so it’s not like a huge badge of honor, but I never cheated on you.

I didn’t touch another woman the entire first six months I lived in LA. ”

Meaning he had after the first six months. I swallowed back a wave of hurt and yanked away from him. “Wow, Zane. How loyal of you. I’m so touched by the obvious love you continued to carry for me after leaving me and refusing to answer my calls. I’m flattered.”

“Oh, my gosh. Zane Wilson! Can you sign my shirt?”

I didn’t bother looking back at him or the woman fanning out over him. I kept my gaze on the window seal and wondered if a swift headbutt would get it to open or just knock me out. Either way, I wouldn’t have to consciously deal with Zane anymore.

Before I had to do any serious damage to myself, though, a stewardess came over the intercom and informed us that we’d be landing soon.

Still not soon enough, if you’d asked me.

I clicked my seat belt back on and meticulously put away everything from my tray table.

My purse being perfectly organized should’ve made me feel better but it didn’t.

While the plane began its descent Zane watched me. “Some men might not be into the chip on your shoulder, babe, but I love a challenge. Especially since I was the one who put it there.”

Just as the plane touched down I yanked my belt off and shoved my phone in the tiny pocket in my leggings. “You were hardly the only man in my life who disappointed me, Zane. Nice ego trip, though.”

His scowl was vindicating. “Who else?”

I laughed and jumped up before I was technically supposed to. “That’s none of your business.”

If I was expecting him to get up and chase after me once the plane doors opened and I made my escape I would’ve been disappointed. Luckily for me, I was done with my trip down memory lane. I didn’t want, or need, Zane Wilson chasing after me.

I did, however, need my luggage. My carry-on held only my bridesmaid gown because I was being especially type-A and cautious while packing.

I’d wanted to be sure nothing happened to the dress but I should’ve been a little more worried about the rest of my things because as I stood there watching the luggage carousel, I slowly realized my suitcase was nowhere to be seen.

Twenty minutes and two frustrating conversations with annoyed airport staff later I knew I was screwed.

Somewhere between London to New York and New York to Miami, my suitcase had been lost. With my current luck I was willing to bet it’d fallen out of the plane over the ocean.

I was dismissed with a promise that they’d call me as soon as they found my luggage, but it could be up to seventy-two hours before I heard anything.

I was standing there wondering what I’d done to deserve the day I was having when my phone rang. I checked and saw it was Sophia calling. She was a bright spot in my day, at least. “Soph. I have so many things to tell you. Are you here?”

Sophia had been my best friend since I was ten-years-old and I knew every one of her quirks and tells.

I knew the moment she let out her guilty laugh that something was wrong.

“I’m not there, no. But only because Will was already going to Miami today to pick something up so he volunteered to drive you back from the airport. Surprise?”

I stopped walking and got shouldered by someone from behind for it. Hurrying out of the way, I pushed my glasses up on my nose and bit back a sigh. Sophia had no reason to think Will picking me up would be an issue. It just proved that I’d been cursed. There was no other explanation for my day.

“I told him not to force you to listen to his shitty music and that if he bores you to death before you get here that I’ll never forgive him.” She rushed on, unaware of the panic growing in me. “I figured it’d be okay. Is it? I mean, it’s a few hours we won’t have together but-”

“It’s completely fine! Don’t worry, Soph. You’re dealing with wedding stress. I’m glad you had the morning off from driving duty.” I swallowed down my reservations. “Um. Does Will have my number to let me know he’s here, or-”

“He’s already outside waiting for you. He got there like an hour ago. I told him he was coming off a little desperate.”