Page 41 of Hot in the City
She shot a glance at Gabriel, who held her hand on the armrest between them, even as his head lolled to one side. Fast asleep, looking peaceful as an angel.
But he was overworked, her husband. Fine lines bracketed his eyes now, that weren’t there five years ago when they first met. Of course, a little age looked good on a handsome man. Refined, mature. Bastards.
Women with fair skin like hers often aged like spoiled milk. Who cared about diamonds? Sunscreen was a girl’s best friend. And coffee, of course. She sipped her latte and enjoyed the bittersweet taste of it, despite it being decaf.
The sun set outside the jet’s window, painting the horizon a luminous shade of orange flecked with bubblegum pink, over a deep navy blue ocean. That kind of view never got old. She leaned forward, until her nose was almost pressed against the glass. There. The Whitsunday Islands came into view, a string of havens more exclusive than the finest pearls. Little teardrop shaped gems, surrounded by white sand like encrusted diamonds.
Gabriel squeezed her hand, and her breathing stuttered. How did he cause such a reaction? “Are we almost there? I can’t believe I fell asleep,” he whispered.
When she turned around so her eyes met his, she blinked from the impact of his blue eyes, crystal clear and unguarded, as he only was with her. He’d always had the ability to look deep inside her, to know her innermost thoughts. Well, he didn’t know all of them this time.
She flashed him a smile. “You bombed out, my angel. Anyway, we’re approaching the island now.”
Gabriel’s lips twisted to one side. “Still no hint as to where we’re staying?”
“Aye, here’s a hint: there’s a view from every room.”
“Mmm-hmm. Informative. Practically a guided tour.”
Sinead smoothed her ponytail over her shoulder as she carefully chose her next words. “When we get there, we need to talk about something.”
The serious note in her voice must have grabbed his attention. He squeezed her hand as he asked, “Are you alright? Sinead, seriously. Tell me.”
She nodded, trying not to freak out. Now he probably thought she was dying or something. Which she definitely was not. It was only a major change to their lifestyle, their future plans, level of responsibilities, freedom and of course the physical strain on her. She was trying not to think about that. If it was a hundred years ago, she actually could have died.
Not freaking out, not at all.
“I’m fine. We’re fine.” Her voice came out as almost a whisper, as their flight attendant approached down the aisle.
She glanced at the younger woman, someone she’d known well enough to say hello to years ago. Blonde hair, perfectly groomed, a little like Sinead herself as a flight attendant starting out. To be fair, this woman was probably more beautiful than Sinead had been. More glossy, somehow. What was her name? Jessica. . . something.
“Hello Jessica, it’s grand to see you again.” Sinead plastered her fake happy face on, but it had been a while and maybe it didn’t stick.
Jessica raised an eyebrow, her eyes darting between herself and Gabriel. “Yes, you too. Your dinner service is ready. Can I offer you a glass of champagne?” She batted her eyelashes. “Mr Anderson? Anything special for you?”
Oooh, that was underhanded. Flirting with a woman’s husband right in front of her, regardless of whether she was only a former flight attendant and he was a rich, gorgeous young CEO.
“Thanks Jessica, but I’m perfectly happy.” Gabriel leaned in and kissed Sinead’s cheek.
Sinead’s head spun a little. He was a keeper all right.
Their dinner was served before Gabriel had a chance to say another word. In their proper leather seats with little fold out tables, there was enough space to spread out. She tasted her green salad, perfectly dressed with lemon and oil. The grilled salmon and mashed potatoes dish looked divine, but suddenly her stomach turned over.
Oh, no. Not now.
She sipped her sparkling water, hoping for a minor miracle. She would keep her lunch down. She wouldn’t embarrass herself in front of the sneaky Jessica. But, no. She couldn’t eat the salmon. Just the smell of it was enough to have her stomach protesting.
“Gabriel, would you mind if we swapped meals? I think I’d prefer the steak.”
He raised an eyebrow and didn’t say a word but handed over his plate with eye fillet and asparagus, plus creamy mashed potatoes.
She thanked him and couldn’t contain her groan when she tasted the steak. “Oh, this is heavenly. Thank you.”
He kept his eyes on her while she ate, and maybe he knew some of what was going through her mind. “Is that better? You were looking a bit washed out.”
“Huh. I suppose so. I feel better now that I’ve eaten.”
“Good.”
