Nobody's Obligation (Swimming Upstream #2)

by Rebecca Barber

  Panic began infiltrating her mind and Ava found herself wringing her hands. Glancing around, she hoped to spot more passengers trudging down the aisle, preferably towards her. The two seats to her left were still empty.

  “That can’t be right,” Ava said to herself, shaking her head.

  “Excuse me, Miss. Did you say something?” a stunningly beautiful woman asked.

  “Sorry, I was talking to myself.”

  “Don’t sweat it. I do it all the time,” the Miss Universe entrant assured her. “Can I help with anything?” she offered, smiling, showing off her frighteningly white teeth.

  “Oh, I was just being silly. I can’t believe that I got this lucky to get an exit row with extra leg room and it looks like I’m yet to get neighbours. There’s no way I get extra room and three seats to myself. I’m not that lucky,” Ava babbled quickly.

  Giggling softly, Miss Universe explained, “Unfortunately, you’re right. This flight is full. We are just paging the stragglers now, so I would expect you will have a friend shortly. Sorry to ruin it.”

  “That’s okay. I didn’t expect it, so nothing to be disappointed about.”

  “Disappoint who?” a husky deep voice asked as he stepped around the airhostess and flopped into the seat furthest from Ava.

  Ava looked across and couldn’t believe her eyes. The flight she’d only thirty seconds before been beyond excited about had just turned into a one-way flight directly to hell.

  Chapter 19

  Tyler

  Tyler slumped into his aisle seat with a satisfied smirk on his face that danced in his eyes. He couldn’t have planned this better if he tried. He’d been running late despite his attempts to pack the night before. For someone who was used to lapping up and down the pool in the dark, he struggled to drag his body from the comfort of his pillow-top mattress this morning. Then the car that had been organised to collect him must have had the most incompetent driver he’d ever encountered. Not only did he manage to get stuck in traffic and miss a turn off, but then he proceeded to take him to the domestic terminal rather than international.

  Rather than biting his tongue, Tyler had called Jonathan’s phone, woken him up only to be greeted with a garbled mess of expletives. For a trip that he didn’t even want to be going on, he’d already had enough and wanted nothing more than to turn around and go home.

  As he’d attempted to get through customs and immigration as quickly as possible, some kids had spotted him and wanted photos and autographs. Damn kids were more awake than he was and he couldn’t even sneak away. After ten minutes of smiling and signing he ran towards the gate as his name was announced over the intercom system.

  “Fucking fantastic,” he swore as he jogged through the wide white corridors. As people’s heads started to turn and notice him, Tyler found himself grateful that he’d spent so much time in this airport in the past that he knew exactly where he was going.

  He flashed his trademark smile and boarding pass, and the airhostess walked him almost all the way to his seat. She was trying so hard to impress him, Tyler knew she would have tucked him in and fluffed his pillow if he’d let her. Instead he’d thanked her for her assistance and stumbled down the aisle. He spotted his row, and although he was silently seething that Jonathan had stuck him in cattle class, he was thankful when he saw there were no seats in front of him. At least he had leg room. Yet again another ‘helpful’ airhostess was in his way. She was obviously talking to someone who he was about to meet. His seat mate.

  He spotted Ava over the hostess’ head before she saw him. For a moment Tyler found himself frozen to the spot. This was the woman who’d single-handedly upended his life without even knowing it. And it was more than that stupid book she’d written. It was the fact that for the past couple of weeks, without warning, Ava would float into his daydreams and take a seat. Sometimes for merely moments as he recalled her laugh or her smile, and others for hours on end. Unconsciously, Tyler looked down and ran his hands over his jumper, making sure he didn’t look as bad as he felt. He was tired, hungry, and irritable, but suddenly he was overwhelmed with anxiety. Realising that the jumper he was wearing was the same one Ava had worn weeks earlier, he discreetly sniffed the collar, hoping her scent still lingered. Disappointed that it had faded, Tyler stepped closer and eavesdropped.

  Then there it was. It presented itself perfectly. His opening. “Disappoint who?” he asked with a sly, satisfied smirk.

  Stepping around the hostess, Tyler made his presence known. With delight he watched as Ava looked him up and down. Twice. He watched as she swallowed her shock and ran her hands nervously through her hair.

  Pretending she didn’t recognise him, the chatty hostess reached out and took his boarding pass. “Can I help you find your seat…sir?” she mumbled her words.

  “Actually, I’m good,” Tyler replied, reaching up and slipping his bag into the locker. Tyler watched with fascination as the two women exchanged confused glances. Taking his pass from her dainty fingers, Tyler slumped into the aisle seat. Only one seat from Ava. “I’m right here,” he read out proudly as his eyes fixated on Ava’s stunned silence.

  “No problems, Mr Andrews. Enjoy your flight,” she said politely before raising her eyebrows at Ava, who responded with a half-hearted shrug before she scurried down the aisle.

  Turning to face Ava, Tyler found himself suddenly awake and already enjoying this flight. It wouldn’t stop him from making Jonathan’s life miserable, but he didn’t have to disclose the fact that he was quite content with the company.

  “Ms. Jacobs,” he stated, flashing her his panty-dropping grin.

  He watched as frustration crept over Ava’s soft features. He could tell she was struggling to remain cool and aloof. “Mr. Andrews.” She smiled so sweetly it would give a lesser man a toothache.

  Tyler waited for her to add something, but she never did. Instead she turned her head in the opposite direction and stared blankly out the window. There was nothing Tyler loved more than a challenge. And her looking away from him and pretending he was just another traveller was going to be more entertaining than Tyler could have hoped for. Besides he had nothing else to do for the next fifteen hours.

  Tyler settled himself into the seat, stretching his long legs out in front of him as he slipped his iPod from his pocket and inserted his earphones. If Ava was planning on ignoring him for the entire journey, then two could play at that game. Quickly he grabbed a dog-eared magazine and pretended to be absorbed in the words.

  Moments passed and Tyler caught Ava’s movement from the corner of his eye as she swivelled around, facing the aisle, her stare fixated on the host standing before them pointing out the emergency exits. Just when Tyler had started paying attention a tap on his shoulder roused him from his thoughts.

  “Excuse me, sir, you’re in my spot?” an elderly Indian woman mumbled, just barely coherent.

  “Sorry?” Tyler asked, stunned, feeling Ava’s gaze boring into the back of his head.

  “I have seat H, row sixty-six,” she snapped, waving her boarding pass in his face rudely.

  “Hang on,” he murmured, reaching into his back pocket and producing his own pass. “Shit,” he grumbled, realising she was right. Ava let out a snort before quickly covering her face with her hands. Tyler flashed her a knowing look. She thought he was moving. Well, she was right. “My apologies. I’ll just move into my assigned seat,” Tyler replied politely, grabbing his things and raising the arm rest between the seats and sliding into the middle.

  “What the…” Ava trailed off as the realisation sunk in.

  “Turns out I was in the wrong seat. I’m in seat J,” Tyler explained.

  Ava tried to hide in her seat. She moved to the very edge of her chair, squishing her leg under the arm rest, getting as close as humanly possible to the window. Tyler couldn’t hide his amusement at her obvious discomfort. Ava was trying to hide from him. Biding his time, Tyler slipped his headphones back in and focused on the magazine in his h
ands. The truth was he needed to do something with his hands to keep them from reaching out and touching her. This was the girl whose presence had haunted him the past couple of weeks and kept him awake. He wanted to blame her but knew he couldn’t. She didn’t even know that she’d twisted him in knots and left him bewildered. That was twice she’d done that to him now.

  Chapter 20

  Ava

  As the plane began taxiing down the runway, Ava’s curiosity intensified. Never had she been so exhilarated and so terrified all in the same moment before. Okay, well, maybe that wasn’t entirely true. She’d been this close to the edge before. Once. The day the man of her dreams had unexpectedly shown up in her office and whisked her away. He might not have seen it that way, but that’s the way Ava had chosen to remember it. And since that moment she’d never been the same. No one knew it, and even fewer understood. Without warning or acknowledging it, one afternoon changed everything about Ava that could be changed. Since that day she walked a little taller, took more time with her appearance, and cared less about everyone’s opinions. Instead Ava chose to focus on what made her happy. But more importantly, for the first time in her twenty-eight years, Ava felt worthy. She was worth it. Someone just got her. She didn’t have to pretend to be something she wasn’t. Someone she wasn’t. He’d just been okay with the real Ava. And now she was trapped sitting beside him on what was supposed to be her reward for surviving. Ava was in hell.

  Gulping down a deep breath to calm her nerves, Ava reached out and grabbed the armrest on either side of her. Digging her fingers into something solid, gripping until her knuckles went white. Ava was glad she had something to hang onto as the plane jolted forward. She felt the exact moment that the pilot put his foot down and her heartbeat matched it.

  “Just breathe, Ava,” a deep, soft, soothing voice whispered.

  Ava was too out of it to care about appearances. Instead she kept repeating his words over and over in her head. Clinging to them like a life line. “Breathe,” he repeated calmly. Without a word of warning, Tyler reached over and unwound her now numb fingers from the armrest and enveloped them in his own.

  And that was the end of Ava’s fears. Instantly they were gone. She barely noticed as the plane tilted and leapt gracefully into the sky. Instead Ava’s entire being was focused on the warmth spreading through her from a simple touch. She didn’t want to look. She knew who was holding her hand. And she knew exactly what she would see if she risked a glance, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Taking deep breaths, Ava tipped her head back against the seat, closed her eyes and willed her heartbeat to slow. Moments of silence passed and Ava was thankful for the peace. She just needed a moment.

  With her pulse back under control, Ava pried her eyes open and looked up into Tyler’s face. He was as beautiful as she remembered, but this time she didn’t see laughter behind his eyes. Instead his heated gaze was laced with concern and something Ava couldn’t quite put her finger on.

  “You okay?” Tyler asked, his voice thick and enchanting.

  Still unable to form words, Ava nodded quickly before once again locking her eyes on their hands. Now that she’d regained control she needed her hand back. Ava tried to wiggle her fingers free but Tyler held firm. “Mmm…I n-need my hand back?” she stuttered nervously.

  “You need it back or you just don’t want me to have it?” Tyler dared, tightening his grip.

  “Both,” Ava admitted sheepishly.

  With a sigh, Tyler relented. “Okay, Ava. You’re free,” he agreed reluctantly as he let go.

  Instantly Ava was surprised with the loss of warmth. Not only in her fingers but her whole body rocked with a shiver as it ran through her body. “Thanks,” Ava said, no louder than a whisper.

  The moments passed by uneventfully for a while as Ava and Tyler continued to try to ignore each other. They each snuck glances when they thought they wouldn’t get caught, but in those moments when their eyes met, both were caught in a daze.

  Tyler wiggled uncomfortably in his seat almost constantly. Even from her seat, Ava could smell the lady on the other side of him. She carried the aroma of an Indian restaurant. She smelt like a mix of exotic spices and body odour. Even over Tyler’s masculine scent, Ava could smell her. She wasn’t sure how strong his stomach was, but she knew her own limits. And fifteen hours was going to prove to be a challenge.

  It didn’t take long for Ava to become annoyed by the accidental elbow digging into her ribs or his heavy foot landing on top of hers before Ava summoned the strength from somewhere to confront Tyler about his fidgeting. “You all right there?” she whispered, not wanting the whole plane gawking.

  “No. I’m really not,” Tyler snarled without looking at Ava.

  “Sorry!” Ava apologised, returning her gaze out the window. As she sat there contemplating the soft white clouds, she felt a large warm hand land on her thigh.

  “Sorry, Ava. I didn’t mean to snap. Just this woman stinks. And she has this enormous bag in her lap that she won’t put down and I’m in coach and I’m squashed and you’re sitting next to me and you’re pretending I’m not even here,” Tyler babbled.

  Startled by his confession, Ava spun to match his stare. “Look, I’m sorry you’re stuck sitting next to me. I definitely didn’t plan this. But I’ve seen your panty-dropping smile, so if you pull your head out of your arse for five minutes and turn on the charm, I’m sure you can talk your way into a first-class seat and far, far away from me,” Ava retorted rudely.

  Catching the bewildered look that consumed Tyler’s face, Ava’s words caught up with her. It was like every thought she’d ever had just took a stroll through her mouth without a warning label. A long, strained, silent moment passed between them as both waited for the other to react. Ava refused to yield.

  “Ava,” Tyler softened.

  “Just don’t. Okay? I’m not one of these air hostesses that keep walking past you every five seconds waiting to fall at your feet. Just ask them for another seat, Tyler.” Ava huffed as hurt filled her and tears filled her eyes. Ava wiped at her eyes and forced her gaze out the window. She didn’t want anyone to see how pathetic she was. Most of all, not Tyler.

  “Ava,” Tyler tried again.

  Again Ava ignored him.

  “Ava. Please, look at me.” Tyler’s pleading tugged at her.

  Reluctantly, Ava lifted her eyes and met Tyler’s intense stare. “I never meant I wanted to get away from you. What I meant was you’re here next to me. And I’ve wished for that more times than I would care to admit and now you don’t even want to know me. And yes, I’m uncomfortable sitting here because of the spice girl next to me, but unless you kick me out of this seat or scream bloody murder, I’m not moving. I get to be next you for the next thirteen hours, and you can’t run away from me. I’m taking advantage of that,” Tyler declared adamantly. “You don’t even have to talk to me.”

  “Oh,” Ava mumbled, completely caught off guard.

  With that famous panty-dropping smirk, Tyler asked, “Oh? Is that all you have to say?”

  Slapping his chest playfully, Ava smiled. The first real smile she’d shown since he had slipped into his seat. “Shut up!” Without another word Ava unbuckled her seatbelt and stood up, earning her glares from the air host who was stalking towards them with a scowl.

  “Ava! Sit down and put your seat belt on,” Tyler admonished.

  “Tyler, shut up and scoot over. I’ll take the middle seat and you can have the window. It’ll give you more room. I’m smaller than you,” Ava instructed.

  “You sure?”

  “Move it before we get in trouble,” Ava hurried him, noticing the air host closing in on them.

  “Thanks,” Tyler accepted gratefully as he slid across into the seat she’d just vacated.

  Ava dropped into the middle seat and secured the seatbelt just as the air host reached them. With a scowl he said nothing, spun on his heel and stalked back the way he came. Ava risked a look at Tyler, who already looke
d more comfortable and happier than moments ago. Even though she was now squished between bodies and having a serious aversion to Indian food, Ava knew she’d done the right thing. Seeing the grin dancing on Tyler’s kissable lips was the only confirmation she needed.

  With seating arrangements settled, Ava whipped out the airline issued earbuds and flicked through the in-flight catalogue. After choosing her movie, Ava pushed in the earphones and clicked on her personal entertainment centre. Moments later the screen beamed to life and the opening titles began to roll. Sinking back into her seat, Ava knew now was the moment to relax and enjoy her much deserved holiday.

  A tap on her shoulder brought her from her peace a moment later. Turning to face Tyler, Ava yanked the ear bud from her ear, ignoring the sting as she addressed him, “What’s up?”

  “Whatcha watching?” Tyler enquired playfully.

  “Just some chick flick,” Ava admitted, suddenly embarrassed by her choice.

  “Wait up a minute, I’ll watch with you,” Tyler announced like it was the most natural thing in the world for them to watch a movie together. “Which channel?”

  Stunned, it took Ava a full minute to comprehend his question before she could form an answer. “Thirty-seven,” she blurted.

  “Thanks,” Tyler said, flicking to the channel and untangling his earphones. “So what are we watching?”

  “The Notebook,” Ava offered, slipping her earphones back in.

  Chapter 21

  Tyler

  Tyler had heard about this movie, his mates had whinged when they’d been forced to watch it, but he’d never had to suffer through it. They called it ‘being Notebooked.’ Something every guy should avoid. One of his mates even went so far as to declare that unless there was a ring on her finger, under no circumstances did he have to sit through that soppy dribble. But somehow all of that advice and encouragement didn’t deter him. Instead, Tyler was sitting there willingly watching. And even more surprising, it was his choice. She never asked him to. She seemed indifferent either way, but he sat in silence watching. Or more pointedly, he sat silently beside Ava watching her watch the romantic, sappy crap.