Page 28 of Beauty Beneath the Sorrow
He tugs on his tie, loosening it slightly. “I guess we’ll be seeing even more of each other.”
I smile. “I’m looking forward to our run on Tuesday.” Little does he know what a fool I’ll make of myself when we actually start training together. But this year, I’m determined to take it seriously for more reasons than one.
“Yeah.”
At this point, my bladder is about to burst, and I’m due to get on the plane shortly, so the flirting has to be cut short.
“I guess I’ll see you around then,” I say.
He gives me a quick nod. “See you onTuesday.”
I palm the door as I hear Carter’s footfalls drift away and further down the hallway. Every time I see him, I wonder when I’ll be able to see him again.
With my back facing out, I glance over my shoulder. “Oh, and—” He stops and turns around with that same perfect smile. “Happy landings, Captain Hernandez.”
Chapter Eight
Lina
We’re in Denver for the night, and even though there’s a sharp chill in the evening air, Carter still thought it would be a good time for him and me to bite the bullet and start training together. Even though we had this planned as a first run for a while, a part of me still has cold feet. I’m not one to work out, but this does seem like an excellent way to work through the tension between us lately.
He sent me the message about heading out together thirty minutes ago, and I have yet to get back to him. I’m not ready to embarrass myself in front of him. Carter’s broad shoulders and filled-out pilot’s uniform tell me he’s no stranger to a good workout.
One time, he was coming out of the cockpit while I had my head down, searching for a trash bag to finish cleaning the cabin, and when I came back up, my forehead hit him right in the stomach. If I hadn’t been so distracted by the way he smelled, which was fresh, clean, and fucking delicious, I would have been more aware of the hardness of his pecs that I fell into. Similar to what happened by the restrooms in the crew lounge last week, my body was quick to remind me.
In my hoodie, running shoes, and baseball hat, I sit on theedge of the hotel bed, contemplating whether I should go over to Carter’s room. We had a long day of flying, stopping in Houston, Atlanta, and now Denver. I can use that excuse for my lack of athleticism.
I let out a frustrated breath.Why am I overthinking this?I have a sexy body, a Pilates ass that is as plump as it is round, and I look adorable tonight. I push myself off the bed, grab my phone, and head out the door.
I love that the airline can book us all on the same floor. I feel safer that way, especially when walking in the halls after dark. With a brief shot of confidence, I march right up to Carter’s door and knock.
“Lina.” he has a surprised expression when he sees me.
My eyes immediately fall to his gray sweats and the clear bulge that weakens my knees. Gray-fucking-sweat season. Of course, he’s the type of guy who’d own a pair.
“Sorry I didn’t text back,” I say, zipping my necklace back and forth. “I wasn’t going to come at first. It’s been a long day.”
He steps back, gesturing for me to come in. “It was, but going on a run always helps me calm my high from flying.”
I only step halfway into the room, keeping my hands in the front pocket of my hoodie. Looking across the room, I see his clothes haphazardly placed on one of the beds and his uniform hanging from the hook inside the bureau doors.
“A little messy in here, isn’t it?”
Carter cocks his head to the side. “Are you judging me?”
“No, absolutely not.” I shake my head, smiling. “I’m simply making an observation.”
“Maybe we should walk over to your room on the way out tosee what yours looks like?” he retorts.
I bite back a smile at the thought of him in my hotel room. “I don’t think so.”
“Are you worried I’ll see your panties lying all over the floor? Because if I had to take a guess, I’d say you’re pretty messy yourself.” He rests his palm on the wall next to me.
Carter referenced my panties. He’s toying with me, and it’s making my horny mind run amok. “Whatever. When you’ve been traveling as much as I have, you get more relaxed and not as worried about keeping things in order.”
He gives a wide grin. “Same with me.”
“Touché.”
