Page 24 of One Little Kiss

Winnie shifts, and her head slides lower down my chest. Inching my ass forward, I position myself so she’s comfortable. After a few moments, her head falls fully into my lap, and I absently rub my hand through her hair.

I’m staring at the side of her face as our speed dates flash before my eyes and I spend the rest of the night wondering what it all means.

CHAPTER7

WINNIE

Iwake with a start, pain piercing my neck with a cramp. It takes half a second to realize I’m lying on someone, but I’ll remember his scent for the rest of my life. Pulling back, I find Colton smiling at me.

“Morning, baby.” The low, sexy timbre of his sleepy voice causes a shiver to run up my spine. No one should sound that sexy at this hour. And hello! Baby?

“Er, morning? What time is it?”

“Eight forty-five. Flight boards in about half an hour.”

I’m suddenly wide awake and aware of the people all around us. I’m also painfully aware of a wet spot on Colton’s shorts where my face was.Geez. I had to drool on the man?

Straightening my spine, I push back fully into my own seat. “Ah, sorry. I never sleep that soundly.”

“You’ll never hear me complain, sweetheart.”

Colton might be the most verbally affectionate person I’ve ever met in my life, and I’m utterly incapable of knowing what the hell to do with him. Focusing on his face, I notice dark circles under his eyes and guilt washes over me.

“You look tired. Did you sleep at all?” My forehead wrinkles with worry as I search his eyes.

His face softens with his smile, but his eyes sparkle with mischief. “Always taking care of everyone.” He says it with a hint of awe, in reverence, and it plays out across his features. It’s unnerving to have someone notice me like this. Really see me. And I get the impression Colton is taking in all of me.

“Excuse me?”

I glance up as a woman in an American Airlines uniform approaches us.

“Joanna, right?” Colton smiles warmly at the woman.

“Ah, yes. That’s right. Mr. We—”

“Colton, please.” He sits forward, placing a hand on my leg to keep me still. It’s not a possessive grip, it’s one that says,I’ll just be a minute,but I’m still paying attention to you. That is not a Peter Pan move. It’s a Prince Charming move, and it unnerves me.

“Colton.” She nods, glances my way, then nervously returns to him. Whatever she wants to say, she obviously is uncomfortable having an audience.

Squeezing his hand, I place it back on the armrest between us, and Colton’s worry lines appear around his eyes. They’re gone in a flash, though, so I’m guessing they don’t appear often. Is he Peter Pan or not? Geez, I’m spending way too much time worrying about someone I’ll never see again once we land.

“I’m just going to run to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.”

Colton reaches for my hand. So much for the no touching rule. Although honestly, I don’t even care.

I nod with a smile. “I’ll be right back.”

“Okay, sweetheart.”

Grabbing the handle of my carry-on, I bolt for the closest bathroom. I can only imagine what I look like.

When I reach the restroom, I’m thankful it’s mostly empty. I quickly pee and change into a light summer dress because Lanie warned me it would be hot as hell when we arrive and getting through customs and security can take a while.

Once I’ve made myself as presentable as I can, I glance at my reflection one more time, attempting to view myself as Colton sees me. I know I’m pretty, full enough to be considered plus size, even though a size twelve or fourteen is actually average. Twirling in the mirror, I smile at my reflection. Even with day’s old makeup, I like what I see. Sure, I could starve myself into a size eight, but for what? To be miserable? No thanks. I’ll have my cake and eat it, too.

Having the attention of a man like Colton Montgomery is addictive, but I’m not naïve enough to think it would ever go anywhere. We obviously live in different worlds. I’m a fun distraction for a few hours. And he’s … well, he’s unexpected.

“You’re my new favorite memory.”