Page 22 of Single Mom's Guide to Love

“Passengers, we ask you to put your tray tables up and to have everyone return to their seats as we prepare to land in Nashville.”

With the interruption of the announcement, Maeve turns her attention back to her phone, typing something as I just watch her. The way her fingers are flying and her nose is crunching, she’s emailing Kat.

I need to stop her from sending that email, but what do I say?

“Oh, hey, funny story. It turns out I’m the client who keeps canceling on you. Yeah, that vague assistant who goes incognito until NDAs are signed? She’s mine. Sorry about that. Care to still decorate my home? And while we’re at it, would you like to go on a proper date with me?”

Yeah, I’m sure that would go over well…

“You firing back that response?”

She shakes her head and puts her phone on her lap. “No. I was. I typed it. It’s saved in my drafts. But I know better than to react while angry. I watched my brother for years act before he thought, and while I love my brother, that is one of many ways I strive to be the opposite of him.”

I laugh, and also inwardly let out a sigh of relief. “But acting on impulse can be fun.” I give her a wink.

She fixes her eyes on me, making sure I hear whatever is about to come out of her perfect mouth. “Not in the least.”

The double meaning is clear as day, and while I might love pushing her buttons, I also know when to give an angry woman room to simmer down.

Neither of us say another word as the flight starts to descend. I still can’t believe the odds of all this. I had only entered the first-class lounge where we met because I finished my business in Atlanta early, so I arrived at the airport ahead of schedule. When I saw her sitting there alone, I knew I had to say hello. The rest of the night was gloriously unplanned.

We’re not the only two flying first class today, though I couldn’t tell you who else was around me. Once I realized I was sitting next to Maeve, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

Or replaying the events of last night.

Before I know it, the wheels of the plane hit the runway at the airport. The second our plane comes to a stop and the seatbelt light flashes off, Maeve has jumped from her seat, grabbing her overhead suitcase and tossing her mobile in her oversized purse.

“In a hurry?”

She doesn’t even look back to me. “I just want to go home. Return to real life.”

“I get that,” I say, standing to grab my bag from the overhead bin as well. “Good luck with your client. Maybe I’ll see you around sometime?”

A cocky thing to say? Yes. Especially because I’m choosing not to tell her who I am.

She finally turns to me, eyes tired and a drained look on her face. “Logan. Last night was fun. But that’s all it was. One night of forgetting responsibilities and letting go a bit. Can we call that for what it is?”

“I get it,” I say, but not before leaning in toward her. “Can I ask you to do one thing for me though?”

She swallows a lump in her throat. “What’s that?”

“Don’t forget me, Love,” I whisper. “When you need to find the calm, remember last night.”

I turn my head just enough to place the smallest kiss on her cheek. I see her shiver when I do, but we’re quickly snapped out of it by the loud rush of air coming in as they open the exit door.

Maeve quickly steps away, her cheeks flushed as she hurries out of the plane. I should follow her, but I think she needs a minute.

Which is fine. I have a very important email to send.

To: Katherine Smith

From: Logan Matthews

Subject: Interior Designer Appointment

Kat,

Put the meeting with the interior decorator back on the schedule for tomorrow. If she can’t do it then, ask when she can. Whatever her answer is, cancel any meetings I have. My appointment with her is now top priority. Also, issue a check to her for $25,000 for the canceled meetings. Scratch that. Make it $50,000.

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