Page 14 of The Perils of Pretending
Cowboy shifts his weight in his seat putting himself closer to Sadie. He uses his two fingers and walks them up from Sadie’s elbow to her shoulder. “I’m a very generous man, darlin’. I don’t need to hog the whole thing. You tell me what you need and I’m happy to accommodate.”
If I wasn’t gagging already from his stench, that comment alone is enough to make me vomit. Does this guy think he’s being smooth? He’s coming on way too strong in more ways than one. And he needs to stop touching Sadie. It’s gross.
Sadie clears her throat. “I’m okay. Really.”
Cowboy puts his hand on Sadie’s knee. My stomach clenches. Who does he think he is that he takes such liberties with someone he doesn’t know?
I clench my fists, fighting the urge to smack this guy’s arm and tell him to leave Sadie alone. Sadie is capable of handling herself, but that doesn’t stop my protective instincts from flaring and wanting to send this guy a message.
“There’s no need to be shy, sweetheart. You need a pillow?” He pats his shoulder. “I’m as comfy as it gets. You cold?” He strokes Sadie’s arm. “I’m great at warmin’ up damsels. You need a snack?” He kicks his backpack underneath the seat in front of him. “I’ve got you covered.Need a drink?” He snaps his fingers.” I can get the flight attendant over here faster than you can say which kind. Stressed?” He picks up Sadie’s hand, massaging her palm. “I’ll have ya meltin’ like putty. I am completely at your service during the flight and when we get to Seattle. It’d be my honor to be your tour guide and keep ya safe from riffraff, darlin’.”
Sadie yanks her hand out of his. “No, thanks.” Sadie leans toward me, burying her face in my side.
My eyes go wide as she nuzzles in.
I freeze, taking in the scene. Stinky sleazeball talking to Sadie. Sadie smelling what I smell. Yeah, I’m one hundred percent okay with her trying to find relief and a reason not to engage with this guy. If it’s in my arm pit, so be it. My deodorant for sure smells better than his malodor.
I put my arm around her shoulders, letting Cowboy know to leave us alone.
Sadie pulls out her phone, keeping it turned toward me and away from the scumbag, tapping away at the screen. She shoves her phone in my face. In a note, she’s written:I cursed us. This is worse than I ever imagined. I’m not sure how I’m going to survive. Are you okay with me sticking close to you?
She already invaded my space. It’s a little late to ask permission. I take her cell from her, tapping out a response.And deny you the privilege of getting to know this guy?
I can’t not mess with her. Her reactions make me laugh, and after all the heavy crap I deal with at work, innocently teasing other people to lighten the mood keeps me sane. Besides it’s our dynamic as honorary brother and sister.
Sadie reads the message as I type.
She pulls away from my arm a few inches, her head tilting to the side, her chin lowered, and her brows rising. “You think I’d be interested in him?” she whispers.
I shrug. “How should I know?”
“It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out.”
Cowboy inserts himself into our conversation. “Do y’all know each other?”
Her head was in my armpit, man. It’s a pretty awkward place for strangers to share.
Sadie keeps her gaze on mine, her eyes wide, pleading. “Yes, we do.” Slowly, she takes her left hand and places it on my thigh. Her fingertips curve the slightest, the pads of her fingers resting on my inner leg.
My muscles contract. Heat spreads through me like Nutella melting on toast. I blink a few times, processing her hand on my leg. Must be the hot July sun shining through the window combined with Sadie’s body heat.
“Pardon me, sir,” Cowboys says. “I meant no offense talkin’ to yer girl.”
I nod once, acknowledging him.
Sadie gives my thigh a quick squeeze. I assume it’s meant as a thank-you for going along with her scheme.
“Oh, hey, babe I forgot I picked up something for you.” Sadie bends down and grabs something out of her backpack. She smiles as she hands me a package of trail mix and a granola bar. “In case we get stuck or you get hungry.”
Huh. I’m surprised she would do that for me. But when did she get these? I was with her the entire time in the airport. “Thank you, princess,” I say gratefully. “That’s very considerate of you.”
Sadie shrugs. “You know how I like to be prepared.”
I chuckle, remembering what I said to her about how much luggage she brought. I feel a little bad about teasing her since she did something kind for me. “Yes, I do.”
Cowboy takes his hat off his head. “Happy flight, y’all. See ya in Seattle.” He settles his hat over his face.
Thank goodness we won’t have to talk to him anymore. If only we could breathe.
