Page 4 of The Suitcase Swap

She heard him walk away. Despite his words, she wondered if he was going to come back. She would have understood if he’d decided to leg it to the nearest exit.Monkeys in the trees. Damn it all.She breathed slowly, willing her stomach to settle.

To her surprise, she heard footsteps coming over to her a few moments later, then the faint rustle of cloth as he lowered himself down. Something popped, probably his knee.

‘Hold out your hand, please.’

Bemused, Sophie did as he asked. Chilled plastic met her palm. A water bottle. Startled, she opened her eyes and suddenly felt sick all over again, but for a very different reason.

Blue-green eyes. Crooked grin, causing charming crow’s feet. Deep brown hair that was slightly dishevelled after the long flight, going a little grey at the temples. Dark stubble, solid jaw, and a well-tailored suit with no tie.

Oh no. He washandsome.

Sophie was suddenly very aware that she looked like something the cat had refused to drag in because even felines had standards. She sat frozen, holding the bottle of water and staring at him.

Luckily, he’d looked away and was digging through his bag. He plucked out a little disposable pouch, the kind medicines sometimes came in, and showed it to her. ‘I’ve been sick on planes before and it’s awful, so I always carry something. This should help with your stomach and any headache, if you have one.’ He gestured to the water bottle. ‘May I?’

She nodded.

He unscrewed the top with a satisfying snap. Then he tore open the packet and carefully poured the powder into the water. After he was done, he threw away the empty packet and resealed the water bottle, swirling the contents around. ‘Sip it. You’ll feel much better soon.’

She unscrewed the lid again, taking a small sip. Cool water flooded her tongue, along with a hit of artificial citrus and something medicinal. She took a few more careful sips, waiting to see if the liquid would stay put.

The man smiled at her and she swore she felt it in her bones, which was absolutely absurd. Still, she smiled back, though only faintly. His was the kind of smile you responded to, one honestly meant.

His brow furrowed slightly, the corners of his mouth turning down. ‘Are you going to be okay?’

‘I think so. Thank you.’

He waved it away as if it were nothing, and Sophie would have felt the same way if they’d swapped places. If she’d been the one handing out water and medicine, it would feel like the bare minimum, but the men she’d known until now had a very different definition of those words. He checked his watch. ‘I’m sorry. I’m afraid I have to go. Would you like a hand up?’

Sophie shook her head. ‘I’m going to sit another moment and then be off.’

His frown deepened. ‘Are you sure? I hate to leave you sitting on the floor.’

Sophie cocked her head at him. He meant it. Extraordinary. She took another sip before recapping her water. ‘How about a compromise: you help me up, then I’ll lean against this wall until I feel ready to move on.’

He hesitated.

‘I promise you won’t read headlines like, “Woman keeled over in airport – police looking for heartless man who left her splayed on the floor”.’

His lips twitched as he checked his watch again. He sighed and held out his hand. ‘I will have your word, madam, that there will be no such headline.’

‘Did you just “madam” me?’

He winced. ‘It sounded better in my head.’

‘I bet it did.’ She took his hand, his warm palm sliding against hers. She shivered.

He frowned at her some more. He was good at that, too. A sexy frowner. She bet he gave good glower, as well. Perfect. She was cracking up at JFK Airport.

‘Maybe I should walk with you.’

She waved him off as she leaned against the wall. ‘No, no. You have somewhere to be. I promise I’m okay.’ She waved a hand at her legs. ‘See? Nary a wobble. I’m wobble-less.’

He glanced down towards the baggage claim sign, frowning, before checking his watch again. When he returned his attention to her, his face relaxed as he shook his head. ‘I can’t do it, I’m afraid. You’re stuck with me until customs at the very least.’ He splayed a hand over his heart. ‘Think of my reputation. If those headlines get out, I’ll be ruined.’

Sophie took another long sip of her water. Deciding she felt slightly less wobbly, she straightened up. ‘Suit yourself.’

They moved together down the corridor, the man keeping pace with her, watching to see if she was okay. She was reminded of the time she’d taught her son how to ride his bicycle. The first time he’d pedalled on his own, when she’d let go and run beside him, hovering in case he needed help. A sweet sort of vigilance. When she paused to sip her water, he paused with her, making sure she wasn’t jostled by the flow of passengers. She had the oddest sensation of them being in their own bubble, a sense of connection that had snapped into place despite the fact that they were strangers.

---