DOM: Alliance Series Book Three (7)

I think I hear him say something. Something like that’s my girl, but that can’t be right.

In silence that should be uncomfortable, I walk through the busy airport terminal, eating a cookie, with a handsome-as-hell man at my side. His arm is still over my shoulder, and my backpack is on his back, like we’re a happy couple on vacation, not a pair of total strangers who literally ran into each other.

But what’s the harm in pretending?

Lean in.

My eyes flutter closed for two steps as I let myself lean into him. Lean into the feeling. Lean into the make-believe world where this is my life. Where this man is really here with me. Where I’m happy. Loved.

A tightness wraps around my throat, and I blink my eyes open, shoving another bite of cookie into my mouth.

Make-believe, indeed.

At least side by side he can’t watch me eat, so I hurry and finish the rest of my cookie. Because this is the real world. And he’s just being nice.

He’s probably someone who travels a lot. Probably a little bored. And sure, I’m cute enough. I’m chubby, but I think I carry it okay and my face is nice. But in my tennis shoes and bright yellow dress, I’m no match for him.

He’s probably the VP of something. Someone who owns more than one vehicle. Someone with self-esteem and a mom who loves him.

A pang hits deep in my chest.

This is only a moment. I will be happy in another moment.

I repeat the words my therapist has told me time and time again.

Then I repeat the words Dom said only a few moments ago.

Lean in.

I fill my lungs with a deep breath and decide to pretend this is my life.

I’ll be happy in this moment.

A big hand plucks the empty napkin from my hand, and he balls it up with his own and drops them into a trash can as we walk past.

“So.” I force my courage to the surface. “Do you live in Minnesota?”

There’s a light pressure on my far shoulder as he tightens his grip on me, just the smallest bit.

“No, just passing through on my way to Chicago.” His tone sounds almost apologetic, and I try not to feel disappointed.

It’s for the best, I tell myself.

He’s just being nice, I tell myself.

“I’m surprised they didn’t have a direct flight,” I say to make conversation, thinking there has to be one from where we are in Denver.

“Already trying to get rid of me?” Dom is clearly teasing me.

So I try to tease back. “You are a little clingy.”

His laugh startles me, and this time he curls his fingers around my shoulder, holding me in place. “Valentine, you are a fucking delight.”

Delight.

The blush on my cheeks is basically permanent now. “Thanks.”

Thanks?

God, why am I so weird?

Usually, I’m outgoing. I’ve been called bubbly by coworkers, and it’s fairly accurate.

It often takes a lot of effort, but I try my hardest to be nice, kind, and accommodating.

My therapist says it’s a defense mechanism. That I do it because I want people to like me and I’m overcompensating for my fear of rejection. My fear of not being liked. Not being wanted.

Stay in this moment, I remind myself. There will be plenty of time for pity parties later.

Our steps slow as we reach the gate, which is overflowing with travelers waiting for permission to board.

When we come to a stop, Dom’s arm slips away, and I have to fight off a shiver as cool air fills the space where his arm was.

“I suppose it’s too much to ask what seat you’re in.”

His comment reminds me that I need to go up to the desk. “I don’t actually know yet. My boarding pass says to get my seat assignment at the gate. Not sure why.”

“They probably flagged you for being so unruly on your last flight.”

I don’t fight my grin as I look up at him. “Heard about that?”

He winks. “I hear about everything.”

I let him see my eye roll. “I’m sure you do.” Then I sigh, assuming this is it. “Well, I better go get that seat assignment.”

Without arguing, Dom slides my new backpack down his arm before holding it out to me.

I grab my phone out of the front pocket, then hoist it onto my back, sliding both arms through the straps this time.

“Thank you for the backpack and the cookie and being…” I lift a shoulder.

I was going to say nice, but that sounds stupid. Even a little pathetic. Thanking someone just for being nice to me.

“I always try to be.” Dom dips his chin, then steps away.

And I wonder if he’s the most sincere person I’ll ever meet.





CHAPTER 3





Val





The soap dispenser is empty, so I have to scoot over to the next sink to fill my palm with the foam.

First class.

Lathering up my hands, I think about Dominic’s Vegas idea. He might be onto something since my luck seems to be miraculously good today. First, crashing into a hot guy who is way too nice to me. Then, going up to the desk and being told they overbooked the flight and I’ve been bumped up to first class.

Okay, so it’s only two things if I don’t count the material gifts, but I can’t help but hope that maybe Dom flies first class, too.