“It’s my purse,” she protests, hugging her oversized bag.

“It is,” I confirm. “She carries her entire life in there.”

I’ve seen her pull out clothespins, lollipops, Legos, markers, all kinds of snacks, even dryer sheets. It’s like Mary Poppins’ bag.

Claire tilts her head, giving me a nasty glare.

“Either way, she’s sitting in the first row,” the flight attendant says with an apologetic voice. “Your belongings go in the overhead compartment. Same goes for you, sir.”

I extend my hand toward Claire. “Let me help you. I’ll fetch it for you once we’re allowed to move around the cabin.”

Claire blinks twice and hands it to me, that’s when I say, “If you want, you can take the window seat.”

She twists her lips from side to side and says, “This seat was empty earlier when I checked-in. Are you stalking me?”

“Sir, we have other passengers. Would you mind taking your place?”

“Claire, honey, take the window seat,” I insist.

Her eyebrows shoot up, and then she narrows her eyes before she speaks, “I’ll take it, but I’m still not working during my trip.”

“I give you my word.” I smile reassuringly.

Once she’s settled, she asks, “Why are you following me?”

“I’m not following you. You happen to be traveling to the same place where my sister is getting married,” I say.

“Would you like something to drink, sir?” Another flight attendant approaches us.

“Water for me.” I turn to Claire. “Juice, water, or wine?”

She twists her mouth. “Red wine, please.”

“Two glasses of wine and water, please.”

“Of course, sir.”

As the passengers continue boarding, we receive our drinks and finally settle in.

“Sorry about the emperor thing,” she apologizes.

“You wounded me.” I set a hand on my chest, feigning hurt. “I always believed myself to be more of a Han Solo, but I guess sometimes I come off as an asshole to some of my employees.”

“You’re putting words in my mouth.”

“It’s okay,” I say, shrugging one shoulder. “I’ve heard worse than Emperor Palpatine. My position in the company is complicated. Making friends isn’t my goal.”

“It’s making money and sucking the life out of your employees.”

“Are you calling me a vampire or Hannibal Lecter?”

She scrunches her face, suppressing either a smile or a laugh. But those brown eyes are shining with humor.

“Instead of Han and the Princess, we can be Clarice and Hannibal.”

“Ha!” she says. “Look at you, making jokes.”

“I have some charm.” I wink at her. “You could find out more while we’re in Cancun.”

“Won’t you burst into flames if the sun hits your skin?” She gasps and covers her mouth. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. I don’t know where that came from.”

I frown. “You don’t like me, do you?”

“I plead the Fifth.”