Page 2 of Fumbled Love

The corners of his eyes crinkled in humor like he found this whole thing amusing. “You’re actually cute when you huff like that. It makes me wonder what other sounds come out of your mouth in the heat of the moment.”

My face turned a bright shade of red. “You are unbelievable.”

He raised his eyebrows. “I’ve heard that before too.” And then he squeezed his way over to the ticket agent, who had stars shooting from her eyes. They seemed to grow bigger with each blink.

“Mr. Cross. We sincerely apologize for the disruption to your trip. Please be assured that we have put you on the priority list. The next available flight is on Friday, at 1:15 p.m. We will notify you through the online app and ensure your first-class seat is secured. We have booked you a room at the Four Seasons and will cover your expenses free of charge.”

My mouth flew open. I didn’t even get a voucher for a five-dollar sandwich. Inhaling a deep breath, I scanned the boarding area and felt a tiny bit of tension melt away when a few other passengers started to grumble about his preferential treatment.

He looked at me over his shoulder, winked, and pulled out a signed player’s card, which he slid across the counter to the woman kissing his royal ass. “I guess things could be worse. Hopefully, the storm will pass soon.”

“Yes, our deepest apologies. We have also arranged a car service to pick you up at the front gate. They will meet you outside Concourse C.”

“Hey, wait a minute.” I raised my finger and pointed to her computer monitor. “You told me the next flight out was on Saturday.”

“I’m sorry, but the flight leaving on Friday afternoon is oversold, and Mr. Cross is a Diamond Member, so therefore he gets priority.”

I’ve officially heard enough, and arguing with her was getting me nowhere. I gripped the handle of my rolling carry-on and lugged it through the crowded terminal. The look of victory on his face paused me in my tracks. I turned and cupped my hands over my mouth and screamed as loud as I could, “Oh, my God! It’s Maverick Cross, the quarterback for the Atlanta Arrows!”

Before he knew it, at least thirty people collapsed in around him with pens, paper, and cameras in hand, begging for an autograph or a selfie.

I quietly smiled to myself as I stormed my way through the airport and ordered my ass an Uber.

CHAPTER2

KINLEY

“I’m so sorry, Mom.”I sighed into the phone and settled into my seat at the bar.

“Honey, no one could have predicted a blizzard at the end of November.” She tried to disguise her disappointment, but I could still hear it through the phone, making me feel even worse.

“I know, but I should be sitting by your nice cozy fireplace sipping on hot chocolate. Not at a bar in Midtown Manhattan.”

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked, plucking a napkin out of the holder and setting it down in front of me.

My eyes scanned over the drink menu, considering my options. “I’ll have a dirty martini, extra dirty.”

“My kinda girl.” He winked. “What kind of vodka?”

I covered my hand over the phone. “Surprise me.”

“You got it.” He knocked his knuckles on the counter and walked away.

I set my purse down and watched him grab a bottle of Tito’s from the shelf. His black T-shirt stretched across his broad chest, and I could see his black boxers peeking out from the waist of his tight-fitted jeans. When he turned and caught me staring, I looked away and focused on my phone call.

“Maybe you could take an extended leave and spend a few extra days around Christmas,” my mom suggested.

I played with the paper napkin in my hand. “I was actually thinking the same thing.”

“Oh, Kinley. That makes me so happy.” I could hear the joy in her voice. It wasn’t fair that she always had to make the trip to see me, but she never complained. That’s why I knew it was the right thing to do.

The bartender came back a few minutes later and placed my drink down. He settled his thick forearms on the bar top directly across from me. “Anything else?”

“I’m good for right now. Thank you,” I whispered. The twinkle in his eyes made me blush, so I picked up my martini and took a long sip.

“Kinley, are you still there?”

“Yes,” I said once I swallowed my vodka. “I’ll let you know the exact dates once I get them approved.”

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