Girl on a Plane

by Cassandra O'Leary

The Tube ride to Gabriel’s Soho hotel had been quicker than expected and it was a short walk from the underground station. She was bubbling with excitement, or was it nerves? Sinead couldn’t wait to see Gabriel again. Although she wasn’t sure what she’d do if she found he’d cheated on her. A sigh escaped her lips as she checked her phone. She’d texted when she was down on the street but he hadn’t responded yet.

  She popped out of the hotel elevator and tried to get her bearings. The glitzy marble and mirrored hallway sent reflections bouncing every which way, playing havoc with her sense of direction. Never mind, she should be able to find the café near the gym in the public area of the hotel.

  Still shivering from the biting wind outside, she wrapped her short coat around her and scanned her surroundings. Checking the signs in the hallway, she headed towards large entrance doors set into a wall of glass.

  Entering the café, she looked for Gabriel but he was nowhere to be seen. The only people were a table of older women enjoying cups of tea.

  Wandering to the opposite glass wall overlooking the swimming pool on the floor below, she spied a lone male swimmer, slicing through the water like a shark. He was long and lean with tanned skin and broad shoulders. There was something about the way the swimmer moved with such effortless grace, absolutely in the zone. It was too hard to see any more details from a distance, but she had an inkling it was Gabriel.

  Heading out of the café and down a short flight of stairs nearby, she soon reached the entrance to the swimming pool and slowed her pace on the wet tiles. She took a seat on a concrete bench against the far wall between two Roman style columns. It was definitely Gabriel, she’d know that profile anywhere. And those shoulders. She watched him, captivated, as he swam lap after lap.

  After a few minutes, he slowed and neared the end of the pool near where she sat. Gabriel reached out for the edge of the pool and gripped it, coming to a stop and breathing hard. He braced himself on the tiles and lifted himself from the water, muscles tensing and releasing. He hadn’t noticed her yet.

  Rising up, water falling in his wake like a trail of shimmering crystals, Gabriel pulled himself to stand on the edge of the pool. Sinead could only stare and hold her breath.

  He was magnificent – a god from an ancient world, a golden man of myth exuding power and strength. From his muscular thighs she’d like to bite, to the narrow waist, hard, rippled muscles of his abdomen and his broad chest with a smattering of dark blonde hair, he was perfection. Perfection glittering with moisture.

  He reached up and ran his hands through his wet hair, slicking it back from his face, droplets tumbling. Putting on a further show as he flexed his biceps.

  She swallowed, hard, trying to stop her gaze drifting lower, to the tiny Lycra swimming trunks that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. She couldn’t stop herself. Everything was outlined and defined. No shrinkage problem with the indoor pool being so warm.

  Sweet Mary, mother of Jesus. What a man.

  For the life of her, in her hot and bothered state, she couldn’t remember why she’d invented the rules. All she wanted to do was climb him like a tree.

  He glanced in her direction and did a double-take, his eyes widening and a lazy smile spreading over his face. Her own expression was probably stunned-looking, when he strode towards her.

  “Hello, Irish. You found me.”

  She nodded, raising an eyebrow. “Hello, yourself. Budgie smugglers? Really?” She’d picked up some Aussie slang on her travels.

  Gabriel laughed at the comment on his swimming trunks.

  She bit her lip and squeezed her legs together, ignoring the pulse between her thighs. And she took off her coat.

  She’d barely regained her breath when Gabriel shook the excess water from his body and walked a few paces to a folding chair with a towel hanging on it. He’d begun towelling himself dry when he twisted from the waist and met her eye. Pat, pat, dab, dab. The towel was getting a workout drying all that bare, wet skin. She followed its path with her eyes.

  Abs and pecs and biceps, oh my.

  The way his clear blue eyes sparkled and the cheeky look he shot her, made it clear he read her dirty mind. She didn’t care.

  She breathed a deep sigh of satisfaction as he sat next to her, close enough for her to notice tiny droplets of water still shimmering on the blonde hairs on his forearms. Also the toasty-coloured hair on his chest. She couldn’t think of another thing to say. His nearness was stealing her breath.

  He dipped his head and whispered low. “I missed you, while you were flying. Glad you’re back.”

  Sinead’s insides flipped over at his words, but then she remembered she was supposed to confront him. Somewhere along the line, since her chat with Bridie and seeing him again, she’d lost her certainty he’d cheated on her. It didn’t feel like the truth. His missing her and wanting to be with her – that seemed true. She wanted it to be true. She believed in honesty and needed his side of the story.

  “I tried to call you the other night, but a woman answered your phone.” She left it there, wanting his explanation, unprompted by any jealousy or anger.

  “Ugh, sorry. I’ve been down for the count for two days with the worst migraine. I wanted to call you, but it took a while to get moving again. Today’s the first day I’ve been back on my feet.”

  She nodded. His migraines were severe. But he hadn’t responded to her pointed enquiry. “And the woman was?”

  “Oh, Charlotte. Someone from the London office, a project officer. She was with Ryan and they helped me back here to the hotel. Ryan’s my best mate, head of the London office. I’ll have to introduce you.”

  She breathed out the stale air in her lungs. “So she wasn’t some woman you picked up? I assumed …” She shook her head and looked down at her hands in her lap. At the chipped nail varnish on her chewed thumbnail.

  “Sinead, no. She was being helpful, making sure I was okay. I didn’t even know who she was, I was so out of it. Anyway, I think she was trying to impress Ry.”

  Her breath rushed out all at once. She hadn’t known she’d been holding it.

  Gabriel touched her arm, just for a second. “Hey, I told you I didn’t want anyone else. I meant it.”

  Her eyelids fluttered closed. “I’m sorry. I have a few issues trusting men. I’ve been let down in the past.”

  She sensed him nod beside her. Then he reached out and touched her cheek, brushed it with the back of his hand. She trembled when he ran his thumb across her cheekbone, then brushed her hair back behind her ear. He stroked his fingers through her hair, over and over.

  She didn’t care about the no-touching rule now. Her breaths came short and shallow. Panting, really.

  He’d moved closer. His swimming pool blue eyes were right in front of her.

  “Is it okay if I kiss you now?” he asked in a low, ragged tone.

  “Yes.” Her voice was barely there, little more than a squeak.

  Her eyes fluttered closed when he bridged the distance between them, bringing his lips down upon hers, gentle as a drop of rain falling on her from the sky. His kiss was soft but deliberate. He left it to her to set the pace, to let him know what she wanted. If only she could decide what it was.

  Trying not to overthink it, she let her body take the lead and deepened the kiss. Like every time they kissed, a wave of desire washed over her and she was swept up in its wake. She groaned into his mouth as he fisted her hair and slid his tongue against hers.

  When her hand crept to Gabriel’s bare knee, skirting the hem of his towel, the pleasantly rough texture of his body hair under her fingertips and the hitch of his breath awoke her to the reality of her surroundings.

  She pulled away from him. They were sitting in a public area, right next to a swimming pool where a bunch of grey-haired ladies were splashing about, ready for a water aerobics class. The ladies from the café. She hadn’t even noticed them come in. Not the ideal place for an intimate moment. She was snagged in Gabriel’s gaze; his e
yes were intent on her face, drawing her in.

  “We could go up to my suite, but I do have to get to work soon.”

  “No. I know I keep bending the rules, but I’m not ready to break them yet, all right?” Lord, she could have kicked herself. She had to keep on making things difficult. But even with the heat between them, she had to be sure of her own feelings this time. Before she jumped in at the deep end.

  Gabriel continued to stare into her eyes. “All right, for now. But I want to see you tonight and kiss you again. In private.”

  Sinead couldn’t focus completely on his words, while he stroked his fingertips up and down her spine. Even through her shirt, it was like he strummed a guitar, plucking her strings and making beautiful music with her nerve endings.

  The words simply poured out of her. “Oh Lord, yes.”

  Sinead frowned in confusion at Gabriel’s deep chuckle.

  “I like it when you call me Lord.”

  She snorted at the cheek of his comment and smacked him on the knee. “Yes, my Lord. But I draw the line at curtseying to you.”

  “I would never expect you to, my Irish Princess.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  “We can make it work. We’re a team, and I’ve got your back.” Ryan relaxed on the black leather sofa, crossing one ankle over his knee.

  Kicking back in the bright red, high-backed swivel chair in Ryan’s office, Gabriel welcomed the relief surging through him. Ryan was right. They could make it work. Gabriel didn’t have to be the only one in charge, the only one calling the shots. He had Ryan, plus a whole team to call on.

  After his swim and a coffee with Sinead following their extremely hot, tension-filled kiss that morning, he’d experienced a clarity he couldn’t remember feeling for years.

  He no longer wanted to be CEO, and surprisingly it didn’t scare him to acknowledge it.

  Even a few weeks ago, he couldn’t have made the decision without a gaping hole opening up inside himself. He’d asked himself the question many times: if he didn’t have his job, what else did he have?

  Until recently, the answer would have been terrifying. Now, with Sinead on the scene, he was starting to imagine a different path. Of course it was still early days and their relationship was up in the air, but if he could visualise a future with her, he could work towards it. If he could get his personal shit together.

  He’d been dreading this meeting since this morning, worried Ryan would feel let down. The London office was brand new and Ryan hadn’t been the man in the big chair for long, and he’d never had the ultimate responsibility to the Board, or the staff and shareholders. That was about to change, but Ryan had proved he was up for the challenge. Anyway, Gabriel wouldn’t disappear completely.

  Ryan’s thick eyebrows knitted together. “So what’s the plan? Let’s think about your role. What are the parts of the job you enjoy? What do you want to focus on?”

  The questions cut to the heart of the matter. Gabriel was glad they understood each other.

  “I’ve always wanted to spend more time on special projects, new technology, what’s going to set us apart from the market in a few years’ time. The day-to-day problems and managing the financial side of the company, it’s more of a headache than a challenge. The last thing I need is more headaches.”

  Ryan nodded and stood. He paced the length of his office. He liked to walk and talk, saying it helped him think. Gabriel swivelled his chair and gazed out the window at the London skyline and the River Thames below. Threatening grey clouds dominated the sky, but a hint of blue and gold peeked through. The view was an incredible reminder of exactly how far he was from home, but also how much he’d achieved.

  “I agree. I had no idea your migraines had gotten so bad. You should have told me,” Ryan said with a sigh.

  Gabriel’s guilt rose up from his gut and crawled into his throat, a tangible thing, a rope threatening to choke him.

  Ryan stopped pacing and stared down at him. “It’s okay, I get it. It’s hard to admit you need help sometimes. We’ll work it out between us. You need to change your lifestyle and look after yourself. Go see your doctor, get those tests.” His friend pinned him with a stare saying he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “And I think Director of Innovation and Special Projects sounds like a winner.”

  Gabriel nodded, ignoring the way his throat constricted at the mention of doctors and tests. “Great title. I can work on a job spec and a project proposal. Then I’ll chat to the PR guy and work on the information for the Board.”

  “And what’s the situation with your Mum? What did her carers tell you earlier?”

  Gabriel rubbed the heels of his hands over his eyes and breathed deeply before he could answer. He hadn’t mentioned the call. But Ryan knew Gabriel checked in every day with his mother’s carers. It didn’t matter, didn’t change the facts. He’d spoken to the care facility after his catch-up with Sinead. It had made the conversation easier, somehow, knowing he had something to look forward to.

  Gabriel looked out the window again as he spoke. “She’s been sick with another infection but it’s not an emergency. The head nurse said the antibiotics kicked in and she’s eating again. But she recommends permanent care. I think I’ll stay here for the launch party and then head home.”

  Home. His mother’s house was the only real home he’d ever known. Since she’d become ill and gradually faded away, losing her memories and eventually forgetting her own son, the little cottage had lost the feeling of belonging and safety. His apartment had never been anything more than an investment and a place to crash. It was still as cold and soulless as the display apartment it once was.

  “I’m sorry mate, that’s rough. I’m happy to help however I can, with work or whatever you need. I could come back with you for a few days.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it. But I think I’ll ask Sinead to come with me. I’d like her to meet Mum, at least once.”

  “Phew, this is a whirlwind romance. It’s serious?”

  “Like I said, she’s different. I’m attracted to her, but it’s more than that. Attracted isn’t even the word for it – I want her so much it’s causing me actual pain. My head’s not right when she’s gone.” He laughed at his own comment. His head was a problem these days. “She makes me laugh. I’m happy when I’m with her and stop worrying so much. I don’t know, it sounds crazy.”

  Ryan smirked. “Not crazy, but you could be crazy in love.”

  It couldn’t be true, of course not. Ryan was obviously trying to freak him out.

  “Who are you, my best mate or a bootylicious pop star? Crazy in love? No way.”

  Ryan’s laugh was more of a hoot. “Who are you trying to convince, me or yourself? By the way, when am I going to meet this woman?”

  He crossed his arms. Challenge accepted. “How about tonight? If you wrangle yourself a date, we can all go for a drink.”

  Ryan rubbed his hands together. “You’re on.”

  The cool night air rushed into the trendy Soho bar behind Sinead, but she snuggled into Gabriel’s side, his arm around her waist as he guided her across the room. She was insulated by his warmth, and all melty-glowy like an ice cream cake covered in candles.

  After treading only a few paces across the dark wooden floorboards, she heard a deep voice call Gabriel’s name. She and Gabriel moved in one fluid motion in the same direction. Gabriel waved, took her hand, then steered her over to his friend’s corner.

  Sinead took the opportunity to assess the man and the woman seated on a velvet sofa next to a low table as she crossed the room. Gabriel’s friend Ryan, and his mystery date.

  Ryan was tall and well-built, with dark and brooding good looks. He wore a fancy suit and a flashing white smile. He reminded her of a polo player, little as she knew about the game. Even from across the room he’d oozed self-confidence and charm.

  The combination of Gabriel and Ryan together out on the prowl, intelligent and charming men in their prime, dripping with handsomeness would b
e a danger to the sanity of women everywhere. She was glad Gabriel was with her now. Although her own sanity was sometimes in question when she was close to him.

  As they approached the couple, Sinead took in the pretty woman seated next to Ryan. Gabriel hadn’t said anything about her. She was fairly young, early twenties, slim with dark brown curly hair and enormous chocolate-coloured eyes. Her lipstick was dark red, making her look a little older, along with her conservative grey dress and heels.

  Ryan’s date was nervous, judging by the way she sat, cross-legged, slightly apart from Ryan, tapping her fingertips against the glass of red wine she held in a tight grasp. Perhaps it was their first date?

  “Hello, hello.” Ryan all but shouted his greeting when they arrived at the sofa opposite where he sat. He gestured for them to come closer.

  Gabriel drew Sinead close to his side. “Hi Ry. I’d like you to meet Sinead.”

  Sinead offered her hand and Ryan shook it firmly, but dropped it when Gabriel cleared his throat. Ryan grinned, his eyes sparkling. “So pleased to meet you Sinead. You’re the wonderful woman who has my friend all turned upside down and grinning like an idiot.”

  She laughed, taking an instant liking to Ryan. “Lovely to meet you too, Ryan. And I don’t think Gabriel’s an idiot for smiling. I love to see it.”

  Gabriel smiled then, his whole face lighting up. She even saw a hint of dimple. Her belly flipped over in response.

  Ryan motioned to his date then placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’d like you both to meet Charlotte. Although come to think of it, Gabriel’s already met her.”

  “I have?” Gabriel tilted his head and frowned. “Charlotte, of course. Thanks so much for helping me the other night. I was so under the weather I can barely remember anything.” He glanced at Sinead, lowering his voice. “Charlotte works with Ryan. She helped me when I had a migraine this week.”

  Sinead shouldn’t have been jealous or distrustful of the other woman, but both emotions danced inside her for a moment. So this was the woman on the phone the other night. Charlotte offered Sinead a shy smile, and Sinead’s opinion started to change. She didn’t behave like any kind of seductress.