Page 5 of No Strings Attached
Me: Flight got canceled. I’m trying to book a new one, so I’ll be late.
I brace myself for it.
Worth: You should’ve flown over with me and Brianna.
Mom: I told you not to book your flight at the last minute, Henson.
I knew it.
Me: I know, Mom, but I had no choice.
Worth: *cough*
Me: STFU, Worth.
Mom: STFU?
Dad: Shut the fuck up.
Mom: Clive.
Me: No, Mom. STFU = shut the fuck up
Mom: LANGUAGE!
I chuckle, about to respond, when Amira suddenly exclaims, “What? No flights for the nextthreedays?”
I slide my phone back into my pocketand move closer.
“I have to be in Nantucket by tomorrow evening. There has to be something available. Anything connecting?” she presses.
Nantucket, huh?
“Ma’am, I understand your frustration, but we only have seats available in first class on tomorrow morning’s flight.”
Turns out I was right—the kid behind the desk is barely out of his teens.
Amira covers her face with her hands, clearly distressed. I decide to step in.
“I’ll take two first-class seats on tomorrow’s flight.” I set my passport on top of Amira’s and slide them both over to… Joshua, from what his name badge says.
Amira looks at me, wide-eyed. “No, Henson. You can’t do that. Those tickets are ridiculously expensive.”
“Middle-aged billionaire, remember?” I joke, flashing her a grin.
She lets out a small laugh, but shakes her head. “I still can’t accept. You don’t owe me anything. You don’t even know me.”
“Let’s fix that, then.” My voice dips lower, testing the waters. Amira doesn’t immediately object, so I push a little further. “We have all night.” My meaning is clear—I’d gladly spend every minute of the night with her, and not just in casual conversation.
Amira was spot on—I’m definitely the go-big-or-go-home type. Relationships aren’t in the cards for me. But no-strings-attached? That I can do. And if she’s game, tonight could be interesting.
There’s a flash of something unreadable in her eyes, though she doesn’t pull away.
“Fine.” Amira relents with a smile.
“Ring ‘em up,” I tell the agent.
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