Page 2 of Destination: Edinburgh

My heart rate slows down as I focus on the feel of his thumb rubbing my skin. I open my eyes and turn toward him, wanting to get the most out of this experience.

I never give the opposite sex the time of day, or maybe it might be the other way around. Being the chubby girl who studies nonstop never did me any favors either. Charlotte, Maya, and Rory have been my biggest cheerleaders since sophomore year, trying their best to pull me out of my shell. I must admit it’s worked mostly, but I’m still focused on my goals more than ever. My parents are counting on me.

“So you flew to Edinburgh, although you hate flying, because of a bet?” He flashes me a ten-thousand-megawatt smile as he places his sunglasses on top of his head, his eyes alight with mischief.

“Not exactly. I applied for the art history master’s degree program at Edinburgh University, but came a few weeks before classes so I could get to know the area.” My voice quivers slightly as the plane quickly drops again.

“What about you?” I question, wanting to shift the focus off me.

“I travel all the time. Planes, trains, boats, anything that can get me where I want to go.” He leans forward, close enough to kiss me, but quickly veers to the right.

“But Edinburgh is where I call home,” he whispers into my ear.

I attempt to remove my hand from his grasp, but he tightens his grip. I don’t know what it is about this man, but everything I thought I knew about the opposite sex has gone out the window.

“I don’t know if it’ll live up to your big city expectations, but it's beautiful.”

“I’ve never been outside New York state before. I also spend little time anywhere but in my grandparents’ house, the public library, or school. I know it could beat that any day.”

“Well, we have nothing on New York style pizza.”

“No one does it better than New York when it comes to pizza.” I smile brightly as Callen lets out a boisterous laugh.

I gasp in shock as the plane lands with a jolt on the ground. My ears pop as the plane slows to a normal speed and taxis toward our gate.

“See, nothing to fear.” He smiles softly.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Edinburgh Airport. Local time is six p.m., and the temperature is fifty-four degrees.” The flight attendant begins her speech, but I tune her out.

I should feel relieved to be on my way off this death trap, but I’m filled with a soul-crushing sadness. The idea of never seeing this man again causes a huge lump to lodge in my throat. This was only supposed to be a little fun to keep my mind off the possibility of the plane meeting a fiery end, but I’ve been drawn in. Something about Callen calls to me and has me wanting to throw all my plans to the side for a chance to spend time with him. This is a first for me for sure, but I can’t throw everything away for someone I just met. Can I?

“Is it wrong that I’m a little sad we’re getting off this plane?” His eyes lock with mine as he brings my hand to his mouth and plants a gentle kiss on the back of it.

I shake my head, unable to find the right words to describe what I’m feeling.

“It doesn’t have to end.”

My head whips to the side, and I focus on the lady near the window.

“This is the twenty-first century. Ask for his number and call him sometime.”

“You could.” He smirks at me as he slides from his seat and opens the overhead compartment.

My eyes immediately zero in on the sliver of skin peeking out from under his shirt. Images of running my tongue along his waistband before unbuckling the buckle, sliding his pants down, and taking his cock into my hand fill my mind. Would it be firm? Thick? Long?

I shake my head free of all the dirty thoughts running through my mind like a movie reel. I need to focus. I came to Edinburgh to fulfill my parents’ dream of becoming a museum curator. I can’t lose sight now just because an incredibly gorgeous man paid attention to me. For all I know, he could be married.

My eyes flick to his ring finger as he brings his bag to the ground and pulls the handle up. No ring. Not married.

“If only I was that lucky,” I mumble, licking my lips as I pull my bag from beneath the seat in front of me and slide out into the aisle directly behind Callen.

The idea of having a quick fling before school starts doesn’t sound too bad, but what if it turns into something more? I have a feeling that getting involved with him could be a complication I’m not prepared for. One that could change the course of my life forever.

Is that such a bad thing?

My inner voice is obviously against me ignoring my feelings for Callen, but what choice do I have?

“Are you going to ask or what?” Callen’s voice brings me back to the present as we shuffle toward the front of the plane.