“We have an hour and a half layover until our next flight. How about we grab something to eat? I know that half a protein bar didn’t do much for you and the idea of dinner on the plane is a little revolting. Totally not my idea of fine dining.”
Drew Westbrook seemed like a really nice guy. A really hot and sexy nice guy. His six-foot stature, dark hair, smoldering brown eyes to match, the stubble he sported on his face, and overall demeanor was refreshing. A little panty soaking but refreshing. Was he hitting on me? Probably, but it didn’t matter. Guys were off limits to me and would be for a very long time. Not until I found me, would I even consider finding a guy.
“Sure. Why not.” I smiled.
“Great. Is there anything in particular you’re in the mood for?”
“A nice thick juicy burger and a plate full of French fries.”
He narrowed his right eye. “Really? I wouldn’t have thought you ate stuff like that, considering how fit you look.”
“I normally don’t, but today calls for comfort food.”
“I see. Okay. A nice thick juicy burger and a plate full of French fries it is.”
As we headed in the direction of our gate, we stopped and took a seat at Umami Burger.
“What can I get you?” the waitress asked.
“I’ll have the LAX burger, please.”
“Everything on it?” she asked.
“Yes. And whatever you have on tap.” I smiled.
“And for you, sir?”
“I’ll have the veggie burger and whatever you have on tap.”
“The veggie burger?” I smirked.
“Is something wrong with a veggie burger?” He cocked his head.
“No. Nothing at all.” I snickered.
“I didn’t take you for a beer kind of girl.”
“Oh really? And what kind of girl did you take me for?”
“The kind of girl who drinks fine wines, fruity cocktails, and expensive champagne.”
I looked down as I ran my finger and thumb along where my ring once sat.
“I like a beer every now and again.”
He was right about me. I did drink fine wines, fruity cocktails, and expensive champagne. Ever since I could remember, my mother used to tell me that beer was for the lower class; that it was a cheap man’s drink and I had an image to uphold. I could never drink a beer around my parents or Grant. He was just as bad as they were, only drinking his scotch or bourbon on the rocks and holding his glass in such a prissy manner as to alert everyone he was the upper class and not to be fucked with.
“Earth to Jillian.” Drew waved his hand in front of my face.
I looked up at him and lightly shook my head. “Sorry. What were you saying?”
“You seemed lost in thought. Care to talk about it?”
The waitress set down our beers in front of us and I quickly took a large sip.
“No.” I smiled as I set down my glass.
His eyes narrowed at me as he studied me for a moment.
“Who are you, Jillian Bell?”
Tilting my head to the side and giving a light shrug, I spoke, “I have no clue.”
A confused look swept over his face, and before he had a chance to say anything, the waitress set our burgers in front of us.
“How’s that veggie burger?” I asked.
“It’s good. How’s that grease-dripping burger you’re eating?”
“Fantastic,” I spoke with a mouthful of food.
Drew let out a light chuckle. Once we finished eating, I leaned back in my chair and puffed out my cheeks.
“Oh my God. I’m so full.”
Did I care that I had just scarfed down a burger, a plate of fries, and a beer in front of a sexy man that I had just met a couple of hours ago? No. I didn’t even give it a second thought. I was over what anybody thought of me.
“We better get to our gate,” Drew spoke as he pulled out his wallet and threw some cash on the table.
Reaching into my purse, I pulled out some money.
“I got it, Jillian.” He smiled.
“No. No. I’m paying for my own.” I set the dollar bills on the table.
Drew picked them up and placed them back in my hand.
“I said I got it. See? Now I’ve once again made your shitty day a little less shitty.” He grinned.
I couldn’t help but smile as I stared into his deep dark brown eyes. He was a really nice guy. Or was he just trying to get into my pants? Either way, I let him pay. He could be nice all he wanted but he wouldn’t get a piece of me, even though the thought of his muscular strong body on top of mine was enticing. Shit. I needed to stop thinking that.
As we boarded the plane for Hawaii, I took my seat next to an older woman who was dripping in gold and diamonds. She wore a Donna Karan suit, and when I looked down at her feet, I couldn’t help but notice her Jimmy Choo’s. Her hair was secured in a perfect bun and her makeup was immaculate. She reminded me too much of my mother. Drew’s seat was two rows behind me and I admit that I was a little disappointed he wasn’t sitting next to me.
“Excuse me, ma’am?” Drew spoke as he stood in the aisle. “Would you mind switching seats with me? I have a lovely window seat two rows back.”
“I’m fine where I’m at,” she spoke with an attitude, not looking up from her magazine.
I looked up at Drew, gave him a wink, and motioned for him to go sit back in his seat. Suddenly, I began to cough loudly until the woman looked over.
“Are you all right?” she asked.