Chapter 11

�Nick.�

The word slid past her lips as she shuddered against him. Nick felt himself slip over the edge. Panting, he rolled to lie beside her.

Stretching, Bridget said, �I�m going to miss these wake-up calls while you�re gone.� �Me too,� he replied, dropping a kiss on her nose.

He drifted off as she headed to the bathroom

�Get up big boy. You have a plane to catch.� She shook water from her freshly washed hair onto his back.

�Jet.�

�Come on.�

�Another minute,� he mumbled.

�No,� she said, pulling the covers from his body. �At least you don�t have to pack.�

�Yeah,� he sighed.

Once inside the shower, her comment came back to him. Packing last night had been automatic. Abe had gotten him into the habit and now it was second nature. He smiled as he remembered the first time she �helped� him pack. He could clearly see her throwing his things in the trash. He missed her fire. Hell, he just missed her, but it was done. Even though he knew the truth about the money, she still thought he had slept with Angelica. No it was done. There was no going back.

Stepping out of the shower, he grabbed a towel and began to dry off. He caught a glimpse of Bridget�s lithe body as it disappeared under her dress. This was his present and it wasn�t bad. Not bad at all. He shook thoughts of the past and the future out of his mind. The past was done and the future seemed to happen regardless of what you wanted.

********

Bear watched Abe bounce her foot. They were sitting in a private waiting area, waiting for her flight to be called.

�You are the only person I know, who gets pissed off about a first class seat.�

�I�m fine,� she said through clenched teeth.

�That is the biggest crock of shit!�

�Fine!� she said, moving to the other side of the room to get away from him.

Sighing, he followed, stopping in front of her new seat.

�Abe, this isn�t a big deal. If I didn�t have meetings for the next two days, I would have flown you to Nashville.�

�Oh no, you wouldn�t have.�

�Anna.�

�Winslow,� she countered. �Here�s the thing. I have enough frequent flyer miles to upgrade to first class anytime I want. I didn�t feel like wasting it on this trip.�

�And now you don�t. Look, I�m sorry if I overstepped my bounds. I only wanted to do something nice for you.�

�You�ve done plenty of nice things for me.�

He pulled her from her seat and wrapped his arms around her waist. �I like doing nice things for you. It�s easy to do nice things for you. Let me.�

�Why?�

�Because I like it.�

�You�re so weird,� she said with a smile.

�I thought that was a prerequisite for hanging out with you.�

She smacked him lightly on the arm. He laughed, while tightening his hold on her. Her arms slid around his neck as her cheek rested against his chest.

�Anna,� he whispered.

�Yeah?� She pulled back to look up at him.

His lips lightly brushed hers like the night before. She found herself following when he pulled away. This time she deepened the kiss. They never heard the door open.

Bridget and Nick, with bodyguard and airport security in tow, entered the waiting area. Nick felt his blood run cold when he recognized the couple kissing in the corner of the room. She wasn�t supposed to do that!

�What a small world!�

They jumped apart at the intrusion. Abe recognized the voice without turning around. Bear winked when he saw the look on her face.

�Hey guys. Y�all traveling, too?�

�Just Nicky. Are you two going on a trip,� asked Bridget.

�No. I�m heading home,� Abe replied, turning to face the couple.

�You are,� asked Nick, his eyes boring a hole through her.

�Yes.�

�Direct flight?�

�No. I�m changing planes in Dallas.� �So am I.� Nick asked, �What�s your flight number?�

�518.�

�So�s mine.�

�Are you flying economy,� asked Bridget.

�No. She�s in first class,� replied Bear.

�Now I won�t worry about Nicky being all alone on at least part of the flight.�

�We�ve got a few minutes until their flight leaves. Why don�t we have a seat,� suggested Bear.

********

The final boarding call came over the speakers in the private waiting area.

�Baby, I�m going to miss you so much.�

�Me too, Jet,� replied Nick, allowing his girlfriend to kiss him.

He was uncomfortable doing this in front of Abe. Then he saw, Bear hug her. He felt his temper simmer as he watched the other man give her gentle goodbye kiss.

�Boy, I�m getting the evil eye,� whispered Bear.

�Yeah well, he needs to zip up his pants before he goes giving anyone else grief.�

�I guess the ride here was�um busy.�

�Would seem so. Next topic,� she requested.

�Call me when you get there.�

�Yes dad.�

�Call me dad again and you will get a spanking.�

�Yeah right,� she laughed. �Thanks again for everything.�

�Anytime. So, I�m forgiven?�

�Yes, but don�t do it again.�

�You comin�,� asked Nick.

�Yes. Bye Bridget.�

�Bye Abe. Don�t worry. I will look after Bear for you,� replied the other girl, wrapping an arm around Bear�s shoulders.

Nick waited until they were in the jettison to speak. �Guess you lied.�

�About what now?�

�You are with Bear.�

�Why do you care,� she asked, pulling up short.

He stopped and leaned over her. �I don�t. Just never thought you were big on PDA�s.�

�You should talk. Also, make sure you take care of your business before messing in mine.�

�Meaning?�

�Zip up big boy.

� �Huh?�

�The next time you have a quickie in the limo, make sure to zip your pants when you�re done,� she fired, before disappearing around a corner and entering the plane.

Chapter 12

He sighed. He shifted. He stretched. She ignored. He repeated all three actions in different combinations and still she ignored him. He got pissed.

Abe sat with her headphones on, but the player wasn't on and she held a book to further the charade. She was aware of every move and sound Nick made. She was pissed.

They were the only two in first class. He sat one row up and across the aisle from her. They were an hour into the flight when Abe made a trip to the bathroom for a splash of cold water and a break from �Sigh-boy�.

Nick was moving down the aisle when she opened the lavatory door, his bottom lip shoved out a mile. They stopped toe to toe. She looked up to meet his glare. Her eyebrow went up and he stepped to the side, allowing her to pass.

Shaking her head, she returned to her seat. God, this was going to be a long flight.

After a long stay in the bathroom, Nick moved back down the aisle and hesitated for a moment when he saw Abe watching him. Her eyes lowered.

�They�re zipped,� he spat. She smirked, which escalated his temper. �Why ya checkin� out my package anyway? Miss it?�

Her cheeks turned red. Moving to the window seat, she jabbed the empty seat next to her. When Nick didn�t move, her eyes turned dark, a sure sign of fury. �Don�t make me come get you,� she said.

Pouting, he obeyed, dropping into the seat.

�Is everything all right?� The flight attendant interrupted.

Abe plastered a pleasant look on her face. �Yes. We know each other. Rather than yell to each other across the aisle, we hope you don�t mind him moving over here so we can visit.�

�No problem at all. Do you need anything?�

�Nothing for me.�

�How about you, Mr. Carter?�

�I�m fine.�

�Well let me know if you change your mind.�

The attendant walked away and the tension returned.

�Say what you wanna say.�

�Don�t order me,� countered Abe.

�Fine.�

�Fine.�

�Fuck.�

�Fine.�

�Fine.�

�Fuck.�

Nick looked at Abe.

�Yeah, I said fuck.�

�I heard you.�

�Fine,� she said, turning to look out the window.

He waited, because he didn�t know what else to do.

Turning to face him, she said, �Even if I missed it, I still wouldn�t want it.�

�Why?�

�Not after you were with Angelica.�

�So?�

�So?� Tears pricked the corners of her eyes. �So! Why would I ever let something inside me that had been inside of her?�

�Oh.� His eyes were fixed on the back of the seat in front of him.

�Yeah, oh. I know you were hurting Nick. I know I caused that, but why did it have to be her?�

�I don�t know.� He shrugged.

�Wrong answer.� Her voice cracked as she fought back the tears still stinging her eyes.

The silence grew between them. He knew he should tell her the truth, but what difference would it make? Taking in a deep breath, he changed the subject.

�So, are you and Bear a couple now?�

�No!� She exclaimed. �God! Why do you keep asking me that?�

�I don�t know. Maybe, because he was kissing you this morning. You sure look like you are a couple.�

�Well, we�re not.�

�I didn�t think you were the type to kiss just anybody.�

�And tell me again Nick, why do you care,� she asked turning sideways in her seat. �I�m sure you are doing a hell of a lot more than kissing Bridget.�

His cheeks flamed red. �Didn�t think you�d care.�

�Even though it makes me a complete freakin� idiot, I want you to be happy.�

His eyes grew wide. �You do?�

�Yes. It�s all I ever wanted. Are you happy?�

�I don�t know.�

�You don�t?�

He shook his head.

�Then that makes me very sad Nick. You deserve to be happy.�

�You deserve to be happy, too.�

�I�m tryin�.�

�Me too.�

She saw the tears threatening in his eyes. Reaching out, she cupped his cheek and he nuzzled into her hand.

�Be happy,� she whispered.

He searched her eyes and saw the sincerity. �You too,� he whispered back.

When the attendant arrived with their meals, the spell was broken. Nick pulled back and swiped at his eyes. �Yippee. Airplane food.�

�It could be worse.�

�How?�

�You could be in coach with peanuts only.�

�True,� he said with a chuckle.

********

�How long is your layover,� asked Nick, as they taxied up to the gate.

�An hour.�

�That�s not bad.�

�Nope. Just enough time to change planes without rushing.�

�I guess I better get back to my seat and let you get out of here.�

�I�m not in a hurry. We can let the others get off.�

�Okay.� He was surprised that she wasn�t rushing away from him.

They watched passengers from coach walk by on their way off the plane. The flight attendant walked up from the back, stopping at their row.

�I�m sorry, but we are going to begin boarding in a couple of minutes.�

�Thanks. I�m ready to go.�

The attendant moved on, allowing Nick to stand up in the aisle. He helped Abe get her bag from the overhead. Slipping into place on her shoulder, he allowed his hand to rest there.

�Good luck with the interview.�

�Thanks. Good luck with the recording sessions.�

�Thanks.�

She tipped up on her toes and brushed a kiss on his cheek.

�Bye Nick.�

He felt her shoulder slip from beneath his fingers as she turned and walked away. He watched her disappear out the side of the plane. He didn�t even comprehend he was moving until the attendant stepped in front of him.

�Mr. Carter, we don�t have time for you to leave the plane.�

�I only need a minute. I forgot to tell my friend something.�

�Hurry.�

He bolted out of the plane. He rounded the corner of the jetway and saw she was almost out into the airport.

�ABE!�

She turned and gave him a puzzled look, but met him halfway.

�What�s wrong?�

�Nothin�.�

�Okay?�

�I had to tell you somthin�.�

�All right.�

He leaned down and whispered in her ear. �I didn�t sleep with Angelica.�

He turned ran back down the jetway. As he turned the corner to enter the plane, he saw her riveted to her spot with a stunned look on her face.

�I didn�t,� he yelled, before disappearing completely.

Chapter 13

Abe opened the door. �You�re early.�

�I know. Good winds,� replied Bear, dropping a kiss on her lips as he moved past her.

�You could have called.�

�And ruin the surprise?�

�Yes.�

He looked at her. Fire danced in her eyes, the blue over powering the green in them. �How long are you going to be mad at me?�

�At least, ten minutes.�

�Can we drop it down to five, if I promise to take you out tonight?�

�My choice?�

�Okay,� he said, drawing out the syllables.

Looking at her watch, she said, �Okay. Five minutes.�

She sat down on her couch and folded her arms. He mimicked her. The only noise was all outside the apartment. Her foot started bouncing. He followed suit. She glared at him, then reached over and popped him on the knee.

He attempted to return the glare, but there was too much amusement dancing in his sky colored eyes. Instead of popping her on the knee, he tickled her ribs.

She squirmed. �Stop.�

�Sure.� He watched the corner of her mouth twitch. �Come on. Don�t fight it.�

She made a face. He threw his head back and laughed.

�Fine.�

Pulling her closer, he wrapped his arms around her. �Time�s up.�

�You think?�

�Yes,� he said, kissing her soundly.

Pulling back, he released her. She was expecting her reaction. Maybe it was, because she wasn�t prepared, but the kiss cause a jolt of electricity to travel through her body.

�Do I get a tour?�

�Huh,� she asked, unconsciously running her fingers over her lips. �Oh�sure.�

********

Abe took the back way into her complex. They were coming back from dinner. Bear looked around. There were several groups of people cluster in front of buildings throughout the complex. Pulling up to her building, she parked.

Bear remained quiet as they moved through the people out front. He watched Abe. She kept her head down as she moved through them.

Inside her apartment, he asked, �Is it always like this?�

�Only Thursday through Sunday�they haven�t cranked the music�yet.� She attempted to joke. He gave her a stern look. �Bear, I�m safe. They leave me alone. I didn�t realize this was a party place and up until a month ago all of it was back in the complex.�

�When is you�re lease up?�

�In a couple of months. I�m already looking. Now, can we drop it and enjoy the rest of the evening?�

Sighing, he said, �All right.�

�Good. So you want to watch a chick flick? Or channel surf?�

�Channel surf.�

�Chicken,� she teased and was rewarded with a smile.

�Damn Straight.�

�I�m going to get my jammies on.�

�You do that,� he chuckled.

He turned on the TV and waited for her to come back out.

He felt his heart skip a beat when she appeared around the corner. She was wearing shorts and a white tank top, which hugged her curves.

He cleared his throat before saying, �my turn.�

�Sure. Want some popcorn?�

�Sure.�

He disappeared into her bedroom as she moved to the kitchen. As she started the popcorn, the phone rang.

�Hello.�

�So what are you doing on this fine evening?�

�I�m having a massive rave with X and all kinds of naughty things with Hef and all the bunnies.�

�Hell, I can be there in 6 hours and how dare Hef take off with the bunnies without telling me!�

�AJ,� she laughed. �How are you?�

�I�m good. So now, what are you doing, really?�

�Popping popcorn.�

�Exciting.�

�Shut up. Bear and I am going to watch some TV.�

�Ooooh Beeeaarr is there.�

�Shut � up!�

AJ cackled. �How long has he been there?�

�He got in today.�

�I see,� he teased.

�Did you have a reason calling?�

�I was bored.�

�I feel the love,� she said.

�Don�t ya know it! Anyway, I won�t keep you. Thought I would check on you. Are the neighbors still irritating me?�

Bear walked in at that moment. He was wearing sweats and nothing else. Abe stared at him for a minute. He smirked.

�I can�t talk about that right now. Hang on.� She thrust the phone to him. �Talk to AJ while I dump the popcorn into a bowl.�

�Hello AJ�Yes she can be rude�No�No�chick flicks�that�s what I said�take care, she�s taking to phone back.�

�I am not rude.�

�You are so predictable. Anyway, I�ll let you go and no chick flicks.�

�I already agreed to channel surfing. I�ll call you tomorrow.�

�Okie Dokie. Bye.�

�Bye.�

Hanging up, she pulled two cokes out of the refrigerator. Hesitating, she remembered how he was dressed. She chided herself. It was just Bear. She walked into the living room to find him with his propped up on her coffee table and the bowl of popcorn in his lap. She started down at her desk. Bear gave her a questioning look.

�Sorry. Habit.�

�No problem.�

She sat down beside him. Breathing deeply in an attempt to calm her nerves, instead a combination of soap and cologne filled her nose. She concentrated on the TV. Bear stopped on �The Thomas Crown Affair.�

She said, �I love this movie.�

�Me too. Too bad, it�s halfway through. Popcorn?�

�Thanks. Geesh! Here�s a coke.�

�Thanks.�

�I have it on DVD.�

�Then let�s do this right.�

�Sounds good to me.�

They were about 20 minutes into the movie and Abe still hadn�t relaxed. Bear picked up the remote and paused the movie.

�Abe, will you relax?�

�I�m relaxed.�

�That�s why you are sitting so rigid. What�s wrong?�

�Well, you�re sitting there without a shirt and stuff.�

�I can put a shirt on if that�s a problem.�

�No. It�s just�weird. This�you and me. I don�t know,� she wailed.

�Chill. I told you I wouldn�t pressure you and I won�t. Okay?�

She sighed. �Yeah. I�m a dork.�

�Some times,� he laughed. She smacked his arm. He put around her shoulders and pulled her closer. �But you are a cute dork.�

�Thanks.�

�Shall we start the movie again?�

She nodded. They went back to watching. After a moment, she stole a look at him. He looked at her with his eyebrow arched. She leaned forward and kissed him. Breaking the kiss, she smiled at him then snuggled in closer.