Page 103 of An Inconvenient Marriage
And would be viciously snuffed out the day Zach finally walked away.
Because I couldn’t bear to think about it, I deepened the kiss instead. Or I tried to, at least. Fingers digging into my waist, he pulled away and rested his forehead against mine.
“I’d much rather have thisconversationin private.”
Oh yeah, we weren’t alone on the plane. It probably should have embarrassed me, but getting caught doing naughty things seemed to be our thing.
“I can ask the doctor to give you something to calm your nerves.”
His worried expression was back. And as much as I appreciated his concern, I immediately shook my head. “I don’t want any medication. I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
He didn’t seem convinced but thankfully he didn’t voice it. “All right, I’ll tell the pilot we’re ready for takeoff.” Those dark eyes bored into mine, and for a moment it seemed as if he wanted to say something else.
I was grateful when he thought better of it and stalked off in the cockpit’s direction instead.
With him gone, I tried to get my chair back into a seated position, but for whatever reason, it was a lot more complicated than simply pushing a button. Luckily, the flight attendant saw me struggling and came over to put me out of my misery.
I didn’t even fight her, just let her take over and snap it back into place like it was nothing at all.
“Thank you,” I said once she was done.
This time her smile was bright. “It’s no problem. Can I get you anything?”
“Still water, please?”
With a nod, she bent down and picked up the glass I’d set on the floor earlier. But I couldn’t let her walk away without saying something about Zach’s behavior.
“I’m sorry he yelled at you.”
My apology stunned her, it was written all over her face. “I understood where it came from. He was worried about you. I think I was more shocked because in all the years I’ve worked for him, this was the first time I saw him lose his cool.” She smiled; it was big and bright. “Let me get you that water.”
She hurried off, and I sank into my seat.
Leaning back, I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. Unbidden, my mind went to the last time I’d had a panic attack this bad. It was the morning after my night with Henry. Everlee had been with me then, and it had been hours before I’d calmed down.
I’d come a long way since then, but I still had an even longer way to go.
For years, I’d thought all I had to do was escape, but that wasn’t enough. The fear of my father finding me would always follow me wherever I went.
I’d never be truly free.
“We’re all set.”
Zach’s low timbre sounded out of nowhere, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. He sat beside me and immediately took my hand in his.
“You ready?”
The engines started up again, and so did that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. My legs bounced on the spot, and I quickly pulled my hand from Zach’s to fasten my seat belt. But since I was shaking so much, I couldn’t get the mechanism to click into place.
Blowing out a scared and frustrated breath, I tried again. I didn’t get very far when Zach was in front of me. Gently tugging my hands out of the way, he took over and secured me in place.
Resting his palms above my knees, he spoke in a soft, soothing voice. “Take a deep breath for me.”
I did, and his lips instantly stretched into the most beautiful smile.
