Page 47 of The Disasters of Dating (Love Connections #6)

I smile at not Grandpa Tim. “I’m sorry if I was frowning, love.” I’m not really feeling the accent, but I’m too far in to drop it now. “I was hoping the Boston flight would be arriving soon. But it looks like Atlantic City be coming in first.” Apparently, I’m an Aussie pirate.

His brow furrows. “You have the flight schedule memorized?” It’s kind of him not to mention my terrible accent. He pats my hand. “My dear, I think you work too much.”

I grin as he picks up his little plastic bag of snacks and walks out of the shop.

“G’day. Have a great flight,” I call after him.

He stops and turns enough to give me a smile and a little wave.

Man, it’s people like that who make me stay working here at the airport.

That and it’s great research for when I open my own shops.

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

I pull it out to see a message from Keaton. I frown. Does this mean his flight’s delayed? My stomach sinks in disappointment.

Keaton

Hey, what’s up?

Nothing. Just working. What about you? I thought I’d see you by now.

Keaton

My flight was delayed again.

Dang it. Am I going to miss seeing you?

Keaton

Not if I can help it. You look too cute tonight to miss taking you to dinner.

I reread the message. I look too cute? How does he kno—I look up and scan the terminal outside The Wandering Reader. There, leaning against a pillar, is Keaton, looking far too good for someone just coming off a cross-country flight. I smile.

I’m not the only one looking good tonight.

Keaton

But you don’t look rumpled and smell like burnt coffee.

How do you know what I smell like?

Keaton

Because it’s become my new favorite smell. I have no idea what it is, but it’s…well, my favorite.

I’m glad you like it. It’s called Chakra Crown. It’s my own blend.

Keaton

I’m not surprised. Maybe you can mix me up one so that I can carry it with me.

Why are we texting when you could come in here and we could talk?

Keaton

You don’t have to ask me twice.

He comes into the shop, dragging a suitcase behind him. He leans down and kisses me lightly on the lips. “Hey,” he says.

I smile up at him like some giddy teenager. “Hey, back.”

He leans against the counter. “Man, I missed you.” He frowns. “I hope that doesn’t freak you out.”

I pull my bottom lip between my teeth. “Nope. I’ve missed you, too.” I grin. “I’ve been watching the gates you usually fly into, but I never saw your flight.”

He smiles as he reaches up and grips the strap of his backpack, shifting it up on his shoulder.

It’s then I notice the black cord with the three stones snugly wrapped around his wrist. He probably only slipped it on as the plane landed, but I don’t care.

I’ve never felt so seen. I’ve never wanted to kiss him more than I do right then.

But a customer walks in and grabs a few things off the snack wall and moves over to the electronics.

Keaton’s gaze keeps dropping to my lips, and I think that maybe I’m not the only one wanting a kiss.

I move behind the counter. “Do you need to leave right away? My lunch hour is in about fifteen minutes if you want to grab something to eat with me.”

He smiles. “I’ve got nothing planned. I’d love to take you to dinner.”

I swear it’s been at least thirty minutes by the time Kendra saunters in to relieve me, although the clock says it was indeed only fifteen minutes. Conspiracy? Perhaps.

Keaton had stood next to the counter, talking to me when the crowds died down, pretending to look at merchandise when people were in the store. Now he’s at my side.

Kendra smiles when she spots him. “You two going for dinner?”

I nod. “Yep.” I say, grabbing my fringe-y bag from beneath the counter.

She winks at us. “Have fun.” She glances down at Keaton’s bags. “Do you want to leave those behind the counter?”

Keaton looks at me.

“You trusted her when she was a total stranger.” I lift my shoulder.

He grins at Kendra. “If you don’t mind.”

She shakes her head. “Not at all.”

Keaton hands off his backpack and suitcase. “Thanks a lot. I appreciate you keeping them here.”

“No problem at all. Now, go enjoy your lunch break.” She gives me a look that I’m sure she thinks I know what it means. Knowing Kendra, I probably don’t want to know.

“Thanks, Kendra.” I say, and we head out of the shop. But a step into the terminal, and I stop and turn around. “Can I get you anything?”

She shakes her head. “Nope. I’ve already eaten. But thanks for checking.”

I wave at her as Keaton takes my other hand in his. Man, will I ever get used to the feel of it? I mean, the tingles stop after a time, right? I can’t imagine my Grandma Sue still feels tingles when she holds Grandpa Tim’s hand. That thought disappoints me a little.

“Where to?” I ask.

Keaton motions to an empty corner at the far end of the terminal.

I look up at him in confusion.

But before I can question him, he’s pulled me to him and covers my mouth with his.

I don’t hesitate to slide my hands around his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair.

It seems to only spur him on. He pulls me tighter against him, running kisses along my jawline and neck, before returning to my lips.

I’m not sure how long we’re like this, as time seems to stand still. I know, totally cliche. But it’s true.

A throat clears, and someone taps me on the shoulder. I grudgingly pull away from Keaton, and look over to see Officer Joe staring at me with arms crossed over his ample chest.

He’s frowning. Not a good sign.

I run my fingers over my mouth, more as something to do with my hands than actually wiping anything away.

“Miss Ashcombe…”

I smile big and pull Keaton behind me—as if I’m protecting him. From what, I’m not sure. I mean, they may kick him out of the airport and put him on the No Fly List. But that seems a little drastic for making out in the terminal. I mean, let’s be real, we’re not the first people to do it.

Joe’s forehead creases when he looks at Keaton. “Wait a minute, aren’t you the guy she tried to have arrested?”

I look at the floor.

“I sure am,” Keaton says with far too much glee in his voice. “We’ve made amends.”

“Obviously,” Officer Joe says.

“Miss Ashcombe, please save your extracurricular activities for outside the airport. You were causing a scene. And you know how much security hates scenes.”

I nod. “Yep, Joe. I do.”

Keaton grabs my hand. “We’ll act with more decorum. You have my word.”

Officer Joe glances from me to Keaton and back to me. “See that you do.” He turns and heads in the opposite direction.

I nod. “Have a good evening, Joe,” I call after him.

He lifts a hand but doesn’t turn around.

Keaton squeezes my hand. “I’m sorry if I got you into trouble with security. Again.”

I brush my hand along my shoulder. “It’s okay. It was worth it.”

He grins as we walk down the terminal. “Man, I’m starving. What are you in the mood for?”

I almost say I already got what I was in the mood for but that feels far too forward. “How about a burger? ”

He nods. “Sounds good.” He shakes his head. “Geez, I’m glad to see you.”

My whole body tingles. And not only as residual from the kiss.

I feel the same way as he does. I’m wishing school didn’t start tomorrow.

Am I even going to see Keaton this week?

Except for tonight, I’m not sure. I only have two days off.

I guess I can at least look forward to seeing him on Saturday night.

It’s about the only thing I’m looking forward to on that night.