I spend the entire flight enjoying all of the perks that come with being on this side of the mysterious navy-blue curtain. There is no shortage of food and beverages as the flight attendant seems to come by every few minutes with some new treat.
The main meal is absolutely delicious––so unlike anything I’ve ever eaten on a plane before. I devour mine and half of Zane’s, since he doesn’t seem interested in it.
Although I’m concerned that I might pop from fullness after devouring both of our meals, I’m unable to resist the tiny container of Häagen-Dazs ice cream the pleasant woman offers me.
When Zane shakes his head to decline his ice cream, I whirl my head around to bug my eyes out at him. After he sees my stunned expression, he says to the woman, “On second thought, maybe you better leave it.”
After she hands it to him, he sets the small tub of ice cream on my tray table.
“Thank you,” I say around a spoonful of my decadent frozen treat.
He chuckles lightly at me, despite how subdued he has been for the majority of the flight. I want to ask him what is wrong, but am not sure how intimate I should allow this fake relationship to get. I don’t want to end up falling for the hunk just in time for our big frake-up. It’s hard enough to keep from diving head over heels for him, even without actually getting to know him on a deeper level.
After the pilot makes the announcement for the flight attendants to prepare for arrival in Miami, I toss back the rest of my ginger ale, so I can hand over my fancy glass. After the flight attendant takes it, I turn to Zane to say, “Thank you so much for upgrading my ticket on this flight. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
The look he gives me is so warm and adoring, I want to video record it and replay it over and over every day for the rest of my life. But I don’t dare do that. I’ll just need to ingrain it into my memory to relive it mentally.
Finally, he says, “You’re quite welcome.”
Almost as an afterthought, he adds, “It’s so refreshing to see how you fully enjoy every moment of your life, Holly Hennessey.”
I grin down at my lap as I ponder his lovely compliment. I do generally try to look at the bright side of things, but I’ve never had anyone take note and comment on it before.
Deciding to repay the favor, I pat Zane’s forearm as I say, “You have a unique talent for making me feel special and truly seen. I love the warm feelings that overtake my senses when I’m with you.”
His expression immediately brightens. We beam at each other for a long moment.
Eventually, I add, “You’re a wonderful friend, Zane Alexander.”
If I didn’t know any better, I could swear that his gorgeous eyes darken with disappointment at my words. My heart flutters rapidly in my chest at the mere idea of it.
Is it possible that Zane wants to be more than just my friend and fake date for Christmas? Nah, there’s no way….