Page 9 of Vinny

Immediately her eyes sparkled as she spoke, “The Celtic name for music or musical sound is Easnadh. It’s pronouncedAs na.” Giving a little shrug, she added, “Not all harpist name their instruments, but I suppose I’m sentimental. She’s a beautiful instrument and when I play her, it’s as though I’m a part of her sound. Her music.” Looking back up at him, she blushed. “I’m sure that sounds silly to you, doesn’t it?”

He wanted to tell her that some soldiers name their weapons, but assumed her world would never understand that piece of information when all she brings is joy from her instrument. Instead he just said, “I think the name and the harp are beautiful, but not nearly as much as the player that brings out the music.”

Annalissa was used to compliments. About hertalent. Her music. Even the way she looked when all made up for a concert. But it had been a really long time since a man told her she was beautiful as though he really meant it just for her. Blushing, she looked back out of the window, unable to keep the smile off of her face.

A female voice from the side broke the moment. “Mr. Malloy, how nice to see you again. Is there anything I can get for you? Anything at all?”

The seductive purr had Annalissa’s head swinging around quickly. The flight attendant was bending over Vinny’s seat, her breasts straining at the navy blouse that was unbuttoned a couple of buttons below what was surely regulation. The woman’s face held a sensual expression, her mouth opened slightly as her tongue slipped out to moisten her already glossy lips. Annalissa’s gaze flew to Vinny’s face and she could not help but notice his eyes drop to the woman’s chest before lifting back to the attendant’s face.

The attendant leaned closer, whispering to Vinny but in a voice loud enough for Annalissa to hear. “I don’t know if you remember, but we met the last time you took a flight out to California. We had a very good time the night you were there.”

Annalissa thought,Of course. That would be exactly what a man like him would want. Worldly. Sophisticated. Ready to jump into bed at his panty-melting smile.She started to turn her head back to the window, refusing to see the interest flare in his eyes, when his hand came to rest on her arm.

He leaned over to her and asked, “Do you want anything to drink? It’s going to be a long flight, do you want some coffee or juice?”

Her gaze shifted back to his, seeing him looking directly at her and not the attendant, who still had a smile on her face that now did not reach her eyes. “Some juice would be nice,” she answered. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

Turning back to the attendant, whose body language had stiffened, he gave their order before giving Annalissa’s hand a gentle squeeze. He felt her pull her hand away from his and place it in her lap.Shit, I would have to run into someone I’ve fucked before.

Leaning back he closed his eyes, his mind whirling.What is it about Annalissa?The attendant was exactly what he had been going for ever since getting out of the Army. Stacked. Exuding confident sex. Easy.Easy? Yeah,he admitted to himself.Always easy. Nothing I had to work for. No one to have to explain things to, make excuses to.Relationships took too much work and when he had been in the Army and since working for Tony…that was all the work he wanted to concentrate on. No one to impress other than my prowess in bed. Get ‘em off, get me off, and get outta there.

Opening his eyes as their drinks were served, he noticed a different attendant now.Good. One less thing from my past right in my face.Looking sideways at the woman next to him sipping her juice, he was overwhelmed with the desire to know her. Really know her. He snorted.But what the hell would she want with me? At least we have several hours together.

“Tell me how you got started with the harp?” he asked, hoping she was still talking to him. Her shy smile was the response he craved.

“My mother was a violinist. She was amazing,” she said with conviction. “Not just with her musical talent, but as a person.”

“Was?” he asked, curious, then instantly hating the sadness that flashed through her eyes.

“She died about five years ago. I had just finished the music conservatory when she lost her battle to cancer.” Lifting her gaze back to his, she added, “But she did get to hear my senior recital. They wheeled her in from the hospital just so she could be there.”

“That must have meant a lot to her. And to you,” he said simply.

Nodding, her gaze was unfocused, years away in her mind. “Yes,” she agreed softly. “She said…” her voice broke and she swallowed several times to battle back the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

He sat perfectly still not wanting to interrupt, but watching her carefully. He saw her battle back the tears and lift her chin a little higher.She does that,he realized.When she’s steeling herself for strength, she lifts her chin.

“She told me,” Annalissa said, her voice stronger, “That listening to me play the harp was like listening to the angels welcoming her into heaven.” Neither of them spoke for a moment and then she added, “The next day, mama died peacefully.”

He looked down at their clasped hands, not even remembering when he reached over to take hers. Her tiny, yet strong fingers, were intertwined with his.Whenwas the last time I held hands with a woman?He could not remember, but this felt right.

Rubbing her palm, he began to feel the tingles of electricity jolting between them. Her gaze shot up to his and he knew she felt it too. Jerking his hand away, he cursed himself.Keep your mind on the job. But damn, I didn’t even give her time to finish telling me about her music.Glancing back over, he saw her turn to the window effectively blocking him out.

Disappointment flooded her as she felt his hand move away. Turning she looked out of the window again, the clouds below them, and wishing once more that her mom was still around for her to talk to.

Vinny saw that Annalissa had finally fallen asleep and leaned his head back as well. Movement to his left caught his attention as the older man in the seat across the aisle loosened his tie, grimacing. His complexion was pasty and Vinny was instantly on his feet, his Army medic training kicking in.

“Sir, do you have chest pain?”

The man nodded as Vinny assisted him in removing his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. The man’s wife began to panic, trying to grab her husband while Vinny spoke to calm the woman. The flight attendant moved over quickly and said, “I’ll alert the captain,” before moving away. Another attendant came to assist and Vinny barked, “Get your AED.”

Annalissa was instantly alert, watching the activityacross the aisle from her, wishing there was something she could do. Seeing the wife getting in the way, she maneuvered past Vinny in the aisle and moved to the empty seat behind the woman. “Ma’am, please come back here so your husband can lay down.”

In her panic, the woman appeared unable to understand, crying and grasping at her husband. Annalissa stood and placed her hands on the woman’s arms, pulling them away. Speaking sharply, she continued to talk and pull the woman back. The wife finally turned and looked at Annalissa, fear in her eyes.

“I’ll help you, but you must move to let them help your husband,” she said, more gently. As the woman finally understood, she allowed Annalissa to assist her over the back of the seat. It was rather undignified, but with the help of a gentleman in another row, they managed to get the wife settled where she could see but not be in the way.

Vinny glanced at Annalissa as he laid the man down across the double seats, shooting her a look of gratitude. By then the attendant returned with the AED. “The captain needs to know if you have done this before.”

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