A Friendly Encounter

by Alex Dafney

  He turns his back to me, walking over to the dresser. “Maybe I should just pack for you. You obviously know nothing in the art of seduction.” I sit on the edge of the bed as he rifles through my pajama drawer, knowing he’ll find nothing like what he’s looking for. I reach over to the nightstand for my wine glass just as he lets out a low whistle.

  I turn my gaze back to him, my mouth dropping open as I take in the barely there negligee he holds out to me on one finger. I close my eyes, my face heating with embarrassment at his discovery. “Oh, God. I forgot that was in there.” I glance up just as he tosses it into the suitcase. He walks back over to the dresser, pulling the top drawer open that holds my underwear and bras.

  I bolt off the bed, stepping over in front of him and closing the drawer with my back. “I can handle that part. What outfits should I take?” He gives me a shit eating grin. “Make sure you pack something that doesn’t resemble my Mom’s. Matching sets. Preferably black or bright pink with thong underwear.” I grimace at his words as he chuckles lowly. “Don’t worry, Abs. This is just as uncomfortable for me. It’s like kryptonite for my date tomorrow night.” I smack him in the arm with the back of my hand as we walk into my closet.

  I flip through my clothes, wishing I had more to choose from as he plays on his phone in his hand. “The weather there looks the same as here, minus the humidity.” I pull out a few sundresses, holding them up to myself on the hangers. He nods his head, a small smile pulling on his lips. “Perfect.”

  It’s nearly ten o’clock at night when I walk Blake to the front door. He bends down, gripping me in a fierce hug and placing a kiss to my cheek. “I love you, Abs. I hope this trip turns out well for you.” After he steps out, I push the door closed, locking it before turning around and walking back toward my bedroom.

  I take in a shaky breath as I pull the top drawer of my dresser open. I gingerly run my finger over the bra cup of the sexiest, black bra and panty set I own. I grab it, tossing it toward the suitcase as I grab the pink matching set as well. What the hell? If something is to come this weekend, not that I think it will, but I’d at least like to be prepared. I close the top of the suitcase, zipping it up and sliding it over next to the door.

  I make quick work of my nighttime routine before climbing into bed. I fall asleep thinking of the possibilities of what could happen with Jase this weekend and ponder on if I’ll be brave enough to make a move.

  I wake up to the alarm on my phone at two in the morning. Groaning, I reach for it without opening my eyes, repeatedly slapping it with my hand until it stops making noise. I roll to my side, clutching the pillow beside me in a bear hug. I know I should get up, but the memory of the delicious dream I was having has me staying put. I replay the scene in my mind, a smile forming on my face as I watch a shirtless Jase walk toward me with that smile on his face.

  He lowers his face to mine, his lips slightly parted as they touch my own. His hands roam along my back, circling around to cup my breasts as he lets out a groan against my lips. My eyes pop open as my second alarm goes off. I sit upright, turning to grab my phone and silencing the alarm. I now have forty minutes to get ready.

  I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, stretching my arms over my head with a yawn. Standing, I make my way toward the bathroom to get ready before Jase gets here. I want to look phenomenal for our flight to California. I turn the water on in the shower, stripping the T-shirt I slept in and placing my hands on the bathroom counter looking at my reflection. “You’re a confident, young woman who can have a casual fling for the weekend.” I say to my reflection, even though I don’t really believe a word of it.

  With a sigh, I turn and step into the warm spray of the shower, contemplating if I’m making the right decision by going. Jase wants to be my friend, he’s made that clear on several occasions. But he also came close to kissing me last night. And the look in his eyes as he was staring down at me wasn’t a very friendly look, more lust than anything.

  I finish showering, telling myself to stop obsessing. If something happens between us, so be it, but I can’t let my busy mind ruin a good weekend. I step out of the shower, walking toward my closet. I flip through the few dresses that aren’t packed in my suitcase, settling on a green, strapless maxi dress.

  I take extra time on my makeup and hair, opting for a smoky eyeshadow and curling my hair into big ringlets on the ends. Just as I unplug the curling iron, I hear a knock at the door. I grip the counter, looking at my reflection. “Just go with it.” I give myself a nod before turning and walking out of the bedroom.

  When I pull the front door open my eyes widen slightly. Jase is an incredibly sexy man on any day, but finding him standing on my front porch in a three piece suit? Wow. I think I need to run back through the shower. A cold one. He steps forward, leaning down and pressing his lips to my cheek. “You look fantastic.” He whispers as he pulls away, looking down at me with that grin I find so irresistible.

  I reach up, running my fingertips along his slate blue tie, giving him a flirty smile. “You look pretty fantastic yourself.” I drop my hand, turning to grab my purse and suitcase from inside the door. He takes my suitcase from me as I turn the key in the lock on the door. I turn back toward the stairs, him placing his hand on my back as he pulls my suitcase along behind him.

  Once we reach his car, he opens the passenger door for me before walking to the trunk and sliding my suitcase inside. I buckle my seat belt, my stomach suddenly in knots. I clasp my hands in my lap as he slides into the driver’s seat and starts the car. I feel him look over at me. “Are you ready?” I glance over at him, giving him a nervous smile and a nod.

  The ride to the airport is uneventful. We make small talk and he tells me about all the wonderful things we’ll do while we’re there. When we step foot into the airport my nerves bubble up again, causing my stomach to churn. We walk side by side, dragging our suitcases behind us. I follow his lead as we walk over to a counter to check our bags.

  He grabs both of our suitcases, placing them on the counter and gives the young woman the flight information. She hands him an envelope with a flirty smile. “Have a good flight, Mr. Jackson.” He gives her a nod before turning to me, placing his arm around my waist and pointing in the direction we’re going.

  As we stand in line, waiting to board the plane I have a strong urge to vomit from my nerves. Jase seems to sense my anxiety, sliding his hand from around my waist and grabbing my hand, interlacing our fingers. He bends his head toward me, his mouth inches from my ear. “Don’t tell me you’re a nervous flier.” His breath on my ear sends goosebumps along my body. I close my eyes, shuddering involuntarily.

  He lets out a low chuckle and I look up to him. “I’ve never flown before.” I give him an impish smile with a small shrug. His lips turn into a sideways grin. “We’ll have to see if they still give out those little wing pins for first time flights.” I narrow my eyes at him, bumping my shoulder into his. “Next.” We both glance over, finding the line in front of us have all boarded.

  We step up to the counter, Jase handing over our tickets. She quickly does something on the computer, handing our tickets back to him with another glance. “Have a good flight.” He turns from her, pulling me beside him as we walk down a hallway that becomes narrow. When I see the airplane door at the end I stop in my tracks as anxiety courses through me.

  I shake my head slightly. “I can’t do this.” I feel his hand leave mine, just as quickly he places both hands on my shoulders, lowering himself until he’s eye level with me. I blink rapidly as he stares into my eyes. “Come on, Abbi. Everyone’s afraid on their first flight. I promise it will be fine, and we’ll be there before you know it.”

  I take a deep breath, closing my eyes and counting to ten in my head to calm myself. I slowly open my eyes, finding him giving me a small smile. “Okay. Let’s go.” He moves toward me, placing a gentle kiss to my cheek before standing to his full height and gripping my hand in his. The flight attendant that stands just in
side of the airplane takes the tickets from Jase’s extended hand, looking them over quickly before opening the curtain beside her. “Right this way, Mr. Jackson.”

  My eyes widen when I take in the airplane. This is nothing like what I’ve seen in movies. The chairs look plush and comfortable and each has a TV on the wall in front of it. “You can have your pick of seats, sir.” He glances over to me, giving me a shrug. “Where do you want to sit?” I tilt my head to the seat closest to me before sliding down into the seat.

  He takes the seat next to me, stretching his legs out in front of him. “I’m Mary. I’ll be the attendant for first class for this flight. Can I get you all something to drink?” Jase glances over at me with a devious grin. “How about mimosas? It’s technically breakfast time.” I let out a giggle as I nod my head. Champagne will at least help calm my nerves.

  Mary moves away from us, stepping back through the curtain we entered through. I tilt my head back to rest against the seat, closing my eyes and trying to relax. Just as I feel somewhat relaxed the pilot comes on over the intercom. I open my eyes to find Mary at the front of the cabin, a wide smile on her face as she demonstrates the floatation device and oxygen masks.

  My mouth slowly drops open at the instructions. I feel a warm, familiar hand on my forearm. “Relax. I’ve flown at least three hundred times and I’ve never needed any of this information.” He slides his hand down my arm, lacing his fingers with mine and giving a gentle squeeze. I sit back in my seat, closing my eyes and blocking out the instructions that I’m sure you would only need right before certain death. After a few minutes the pilot’s voice fades, and I gingerly open my eyes as the plane begins to move.

  My entire body tenses as we turn onto the tarmac. I open one eye, turning my head slightly toward Jase. He gives me a reassuring smile. “I have a favor to ask?” I let out a huff, pinching my eyes closed as the plane increases speed. “Abbi.” I open both eyes, turning my head toward him. “No more favors. You asked me to get on this damn plane and then they start telling my what to do if it crashes.”

  A throaty chuckle escapes him, and I can’t help the small grin that tugs at the corner of my lips. “Well, in that case, I have a request for you.” I make an mhmm noise as the plane begins to rise, my back pressed firmly against the seat as I squeeze my eyes shut. “Do you want to know what this request is?” I nod my head quickly. I’d love nothing more than a distraction from my current situation.

  “I need you to go to an event with me tonight.” I raise a questioning eyebrow, not opening my eyes. “When we land, my driver is going to drop me off at the office and you’ll be taken to Rodeo Drive where my personal stylist is going to meet you.” I pop my eyes open, staring at him with confusion. “Personal stylist?”

  He gives a one shoulder shrug. “Yeah. She’s great though. She knows all the best places and she has my card. I’ve already given her instructions for an evening gown for tonight but buy whatever you want.” I stare at him, my brows knitted along my forehead. “You don’t have to buy me a dress. I plan on paying you for the airline ticket and I’m more than capable of buying my own clothes.” I pull my hand from his, realizing how tightly I’ve been gripping his hand as I fold my arms over my chest.

  The pilot comes over the intercom, informing everyone that we’re to altitude and we can remove our seatbelts. Jase instantly removes his, swiveling his seat toward me as he drops his elbows to his knees, sitting forward and placing one hand on my knee. “I know you are capable, Abbi. I just want to treat you today. Give me that much.” His voice is soft and sincere. I glance over to him, giving him a glare.

  “Fine. You can pay for the evening gown since I’m sure I’ll never have a need for it again, but anything else I’ll purchase myself.” He raises a challenging eyebrow at me, opening his mouth to argue but snaps it shut, shaking his head instead. “Deal.” The look on his face does not look like one of a deal, but I let it go. It’s not like he’ll be able to stop me from paying since he won’t be with us.

  Glancing around the first-class cabin, I realize we’re the only passengers. “Why are we the only passengers here?” I look over to Jase who shrugs as he fiddles with the remote on his seat. “I bought all of the seats.” My mouth drops open in shock at his casual admittance.

  He looks over to me after a few seconds, seeming to realize my silence. “I, uh, I’m used to flying alone. I normally take the company jet when I travel.” Mary, the flight attendant walks through the curtain with two mimosas in hand. Giving one to me before turning to Jase with a warm smile. “Is there anything else I can do for you?” I shake my head as I take a sip of the drink in my hand.

  She walks away without another word, leaving the same way she came. I look over as the large TV in front of Jase’s chair comes to life. He flicks the remote in his hand through numerous movie options. “Oooh! That one! Can we watch that one?” I point to the screen as the picture shows one of the rom coms I’ve been wanting to see.

  He gives a chuckle as he presses play on the remote, the opening credits starting to roll across the screen. I lean over in my seat, craning my neck to see the screen. I glance over to him as he laughs. He slides over in his large seat, patting his hand next to him. “Slide in with me. Maybe we can get a nap in before we land.” Without hesitation I unbuckle my seatbelt, standing and stepping over to his seat.

  I sit next to him, our thighs snug against each other’s. He wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me to his chest as he reclines the seat. I roll to my side, wrapping one arm around his waist as I snuggle into his side, my head placed on his firm chest. Try as I may to pay attention to the movie, my eyes become heavy and I soon find myself drifting to sleep in the familiar comfort of his embrace.

  “Miss. Knowles?” I open my sleepy eyes to an unfamiliar voice. Blinking rapidly, I try to focus. “Forgive me, but we’re landing soon, and I need you to return to your seat and strap in.” I nod to Mary the flight attendant as I lift my head, swinging my legs down to the floor. Jase tightens his arm around me as I start to push off his chest. I look down at his beautiful sleeping form, a smile creeping on my face.

  I gently pat his chest. “Jase.” His eyes flutter slightly, and I pat harder. His eyes open, meeting mine. He gives me a small smile as he reaches beside him and sits the seat upright. “We’re going to be landing soon.” He nods as he covers a yawn with his hand. I extract myself from his arm, standing and stepping over to my own seat and plopping down to put my seat belt on.

  Chapter 8

  As we stand to exit the plane Jase grips my hand in his. We step off the plane into a hallway much like the one we entered the plane from. As soon as we exit the small hallway my eyes widen. There are so many people bustling about. I follow along as he expertly leads us through the crowd. “Damn. I hate flying commercial.” I hear him murmur. I’m too busy taking in my surroundings.

  We stop at a baggage carousel, surrounded by a group of people. I look across from us, noticing a large group of people surrounding someone as flashes from cameras go off rapidly. My eyes widen in surprise as I slap Jase’s arm with the back of my hand. “Oh my gosh! That’s Ashley Knight!” She’s the main actress in the movie we just watched on the plane. I’ve never seen a celebrity in real life and the mere proximity has my heart pounding as my excitement soars.

  I look over to Jase as he pulls my hand, suddenly aware that he’s retrieved both of our suitcases from the carousel as I stared at the beautiful actress and the mob surrounding her. I grip the handle of my suitcase, pulling it behind me as he leads us through the crowded airport. Finally, we step outside, the warm, dry air hitting my face.

  A limousine pulls up to the curb in front of us. Jase drops my hand, stepping over and opening the back door as the driver hurriedly grabs our suitcases from the curb. I stare at the scene in front of me, unmoving. “Abbi?” I look over to him, finding an amused smile on his face as he gestures his hand toward the inside of the car. I take the few steps, ducking my head as I slip in
side. I slide along the seat as he ducks in after me.

  Before either of us are situated the car lurches forward, throwing me to the back of the seat. I quickly right myself, looking up to Jase who wears an amused grin. “You have a limo?” He shakes his head slightly as he reaches over and opens a refrigerator. He pulls out a tiny bottle of champagne and a bottle of cranberry juice. “I don’t own this limo. My normal driver is on vacation, as well as my normal pilot. I didn’t think it was right to interfere with their time off since I wasn’t planning to be back for a few more weeks.”

  He grabs two glasses, filling them with ice before he pours the champagne and cranberry juice in each. He turns, sliding back in the seat as he passes me a glass. “I’m not sure what this is, but.” He gives a casual shrug as he takes a sip of the drink. I let out a giggle before bringing the glass to my lips. I have to admit, it’s better than the mimosa we had on the plane.

  “We have about thirty minutes before we reach my office.” I sit back in my seat, getting comfortable for the car ride. I pick my legs up, swinging them up to the side of me as I turn so I can face him head on. I tilt my head to the side as I look at him sitting next to me. “What exactly do you do? You said something about design, but you have a driver, a company jet, and a personal stylist. You must be some kind of big shot.”

  He throws his head back laughing, causing me to chuckle along with him. He drops his head, his eyes meeting mine as a small smile plays at his lips. “I’ve been dreading this conversation with you.” I tilt my head to the side, giving him a puzzled look. He lets out a sigh as he crosses his ankle over his knee, sitting back in the leather seat and looking out the window. “Why would you dread talking to me about what you do for a living? You’re not into anything illegal or… weird. Are you?”