I shrug. “Nine hours stuck next to a very tall, muscular guy who took up a lot of space and did not want to move when I needed to use the bathroom. I just hope I have an aisle seat on the way back.”

“Wait. What?” He stares at me, and I smile.

“Like I said. I’m here now with you; that’s all that matters.”

“No, it’s not. You were supposed to fly first class. Or business class if that wasn’t available. No one should have been blocking your seat.”

I shrug. “I was in economy. It’s how I flew to the US the first time, but an aisle seat would have been much easier. I survived.”

His nostrils flare. “I’m calling Mindy. I gave express instructions for your fare. This is my time to try and impress you and convince you that you need to be with me. I wanted to give you the best.”

I reach up and stroke his stubbled cheek. “Josh, it’s okay. You don’t need to impress me.”

“But I wanted to.”

“You’re so cute when you pout.” We can worry about this later. Right now, I just want him.

He shakes his head and chuckles. “You disarm me every time. I can’t get angry around you. You’re the charming one.”

I laugh. “I’m not sure I deserve that honour.”

He takes my hand in his, raises it to his lips, and kisses my palm. “I love you so much. And I’m pissed that my grandstanding has been made ineffective by Mindy. She’s never screwed anything up like this before.”

“At least you’re acknowledging that you were grandstanding.”

“You’ll be in a much better seat on the way home, I promise.” He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me in tight against him. “That’s if I let you go home.”

“Is there something in your pocket, or are you really pleased to see me?”

“Stop trying to distract me.”

“I shouldn’t have to distract you. You wanted me here, and you got me. Alone. For two whole weeks.” I run my tongue slowly across my upper lip. “Question is—what are you going to do with me, Joshua Carter?”

“Oh, I can think of a few things.”

I squeal as he bends, and throws me over his shoulder. We fall in a heap, unceremoniously on the bed, kissing and laughing.

“Seriously? Your way of getting me into bed is to throw me on it?”

He nuzzles my neck. “Do I really have to try to get you into bed?”

“Are you saying I’m not virtuous?” I clutch at my chest in mock horror.

“I’m sure you are. At times.” He grins. “You make me laugh. It’s so hard to focus when you’re around.” He kisses me hard.