“Always,” she said, releasing my hold. “I’m starving. You must be too. Let’s make dinner, and you need to start packing soon. Are you excited?”

“Beyond words,” I said cheerfully, as my eyes twinkled with elation. “I’ll send you pictures through my phone.”

“Make sure to send me pictures of hot male models,” she said, pacing to exit my room. “Come on, let’s make dinner.”

“Max made me sing hallelujah,” I blurted before she was out of my sight.

Becky swung around, arching her brows in bewilderment without a word. But I knew that look that was plastered on her face, so I spoke before she could ask.

“No. I didn’t sleep with him. But when he stood in front of me, looking like he wanted me, I could almost feel his naked body on mine.” I giggled shyly.

Motionless, Becky’s eyes lit up. She parted her lips as if she wanted to say something, but didn’t.

“It took every once of my will power to walk away from him,” I continued. “I’ve never felt that with Luke…ever, or with any other guys before.”

“I think you know what you need to do. Singing hallelujah doesn’t come that easily.” Becky gripped my hand and tugged me out the door. “I’m starving, and we need to talk some more.” Then she started to belt out “Hallelujah” by The Canadian Tenors, making me sing right along with her.

**

Becky offered to take me to the airport, but I declined. Driving to the airport was bad enough, but I didn’t want her to get stuck in traffic both ways, coming and going. After checking in my bag and going through the security gate, which was hell, I sat comfortably while I waited to board.

Thumbing through my texts, I saw that Luke had arrived home late the previous night. I had texted him earlier that I was going to New York for work during the weekend, so he had called me early that morning wishing me a safe trip, and said that he would take me out when I got back.

I didn’t know why I felt so bad, as if I had cheated on him; we were just dating, right? Sure, Max was invading my mind even more so after our so-called meeting, but we hadn’t gone out. Feeling a little antsy, I got up when a whiff of coffee tickled my nostrils, so I headed to Starbucks. After I ordered my favorite, hazelnut latte, I headed next door as I savored the sweet taste.

Peacefully walking by myself, I took the moment of solitude to simply enjoy being by myself; no friends, no Luke, and especially no Max, so I could try to clear my head. As I looked through the magazines, I decided to buy a few and stuffed them inside my oversized bag. Looking at my watch, I noted the time and started panicking. Was it time to board already?

Grabbing my ticket out of the bag, I ran to the back of the line. Thank goodness I hadn’t wandered that far. What was I thinking? The lady collecting the tickets cut a section off my paper ticket that I had confirmed on line and gave it back to me with a smile. Following in line, I walked through what looked like a tunnel and stepped onto the plane.

“Can I help you find your seat?” the stewardess asked.

“Sure, thank you,” I said. After I handed her the ticket, I turned to the coach seats.

“Ma’am, you’re going the wrong way.”

I turned, giving her a confused expression, and headed back to her. Looking at my ticket, she pointed at my seat number.

“You’re in business class,” she smiled.

“Oh, sorry.” I let out a nervous giggle and followed behind her. Wow! I didn’t know. Well…I guess I should have checked. I naturally assumed I would be flying in economy class.

Passing through a split curtain, I felt like I was in a different plane. There were fewer seats per row, and only about twelve of them in total. A few people were already seated, but it was pretty much empty, while the other side of the curtain was pretty full. I could understand why…it was double the price, which most people couldn’t afford—like me.

“This is your seat, Ms. Mefferd. If you need anything, please let me know. I’ll be serving cocktails and lunch soon after we take flight.”

“Thank you,” I smiled, taking off my overcoat. Normally, I would have to scoot side ways to get to the window seat, but I walked right to it. Talk about luxury. Sinking onto the plush leather cushion, I buckled the seatbelt, placed my overcoat over me like a blanket, and closed my eyes. Feeling the stress of starting a new job and then the men in my life, I guessed I was simply tired.

When I heard the sound of someone sitting next to me, I opened my eyes. I didn’t want to make it obvious by turning my head, so I just waited for the opportunity to open up. But I didn’t have to wait too long.

“It’s good to see you again, Ms. Mefferd.”

There it was, that heat spreading through my body again, and that voice that did crazy things to my insides. Slowly, I turned to him and shrank as far into my seat as was possible.

“Mr. Knight? What are you doing here? I mean…are you…will you…are we going to the same destination?”

“I believe so. You’re part of my team. Didn’t Mrs. Ward inform you?”

I didn’t want to get her in trouble, so I played along. “Yes, she did, but she didn’t tell me who was on the team. All I knew was that Megan and Jake and his team left yesterday.”

“I see,” he nodded and reached over. Pulling my seatbelt to make sure it wouldn’t unbuckle, he pulled his too.

As I watched him being so kind to care for my safety, I continued with my questions. “Exactly who is on our team?”