Runaway

Turbulence

Shortly after we got up in the air I got settled in for the flight. Which means I dug out my laptop and begun scanning through documents and doing some audit prep. Our itinerary doesn't have us meeting with the potential acquisition until tomorrow, but I want to ensure I am fully prepared for the meetings. 

"Do you ever relax or are you always this focused on work?" Kaylex asks breaking the silence.

"Well, as a matter of fact I do relax. But this isn't a vacation, this is a business trip. I don't want to go into this week unprepared and embarrass myself. " I reply

"I doubt you could embarrass yourself. You are extremely knowledgeable and have gone through these peoples finances with a fine tooth comb." Kaylex says.

"I appreciate your confidence in me, but I'm not so sure." I shrug. 

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you lack confidence in yourself? 

"I don't lack confidence, I just don't like being unprepared."

"Be honest, why do you lack confidence? Why are you so worried you are going to make a mistake and embarrass yourself?"

"I don't lack confidence, and I would appreciate it if you would stop saying that!"

"Why? Does it upset you being called out?"

"What the hell is your problem? Why are you interrogating me about this?"

"I'm not interrogating you, I just want to understand."

"Look, growing up with a learning disability made me an easy target for bullies. I made a promise to myself that I would work harder than anyone else and make sure no one ever had a reason to put me down for being different. It sucked being sent to a special class everyday to work on my math and spelling because of my dyslexia and ADHD. So yeah, maybe I am a little self-conscious and a bit of an over achiever, but I'll be damned if I let being different ever hold me back." I finish my rant out of breath. I hate that he drug that out of me. I don't like talking about these things. I don't want anyone's pity, just respect for my hard work. 

"Thank you" was his simple reply

"Thank you?!. That's all you have to say?" I could feel my face heating up with anger. He provoked me into sharing something that I prefer to keep to myself and his reply was 'Thank you'. You have got to be kidding me. 

"Yes, thank you for feeling comfortable enough to share that with me." Kaylex replies.

"I didn't feel comfortable, but I also felt like you wouldn't leave it alone. I hate talking about that stuff." I reply.

"Liz, I hope you know that you shouldn't feel ashamed or uncomfortable about your past and the things that make you different. Some kids would've shut down from being bullied for being neurodivergent, you chose to focus your energy and overcome. That's really  admirable." Kaylex says so calmly.

"Kaylex, I'm not ashamed anymore. I just don't want people to pity me or treat me differently. Yeah, some things are harder for me and I may exhibit certain behavioral traits that are hallmark to ADHD, but I don't want to be singled out for it."

"Liz, I expect more from you then probably anyone else who works at the firm. You have shown in a very short amount of time that you have limitless potential and I hope to see you realize that potential under my leadership." 

I take a deep breath and sigh and look up at Kaylex and see pure sincerity in his eyes. "Thank you. That actually does mean a lot to hear that. I'm a proud person because I have had to scratch, fight and claw for everything I have. It's hard for me to believe when people are being genuine." 

"Good, now having said all of that. Put away your laptop and relax. I have seen you go over that document too many  times recently. I have read all your reports and believe without a shadow of a doubt you are fully prepared for this meeting. I want you to relax and enjoy the flight. There will plenty of work left for the rest of the week." he says flashing me his breath taking smile. 

"Fiiiinnee" I say drawing out the word while rolling my eyes and start putting my things away.

"Oh, and Liz..."

"Yes?"

"Don't roll your eyes at me his says with a smirk.

"Yes sir!" I say sarcastically.

Since I had planned on doing some work on the flight and now that was out the window I decided to pop my ear buds in and listen to some music while I read. Luckily I downloaded a few books to my tablet last night as well as a new playlist. I've been addicted to classic country lately so I think I'll tuck into some Patsy Cline. 

------

Some time later Mrs. Betty taps me on the shoulder to get my attention. I pause my music and look up at her "Yes ma'am?"

"Would you like something to eat my dear?"

"Yes, that sounds good, What's available?"

"We have a fresh strawberry salad with a light vinaigrette if you want a light lunch or we have lobster ravioli. I could also make you a sandwich if you prefer."

"Oh, a salad if fine thanks."

"Ok dear, give me a few minutes and I'll bring it out." Mrs. Betty says as she begins to walk back towards the front of the plane. I suddenly realize Kaylex isn't in the cabin with me and wonder where he could be. I remembered that the plane has a bedroom on board and assume he laid down to take a nap. I decide that now would be a good time to run to the restroom and freshen up while I wait on my salad. 

I stand up and start to walk towards the back and realize I can't remember which door is to the bathroom and which one is the the bedroom. So I decide to take a chance and open the door on the right slowly. That way if Kaylex is inside resting hopefully I wont disturb him. When I crack open the door I realize its the bedroom, but I notice the bed is empty. Across the room I see a full length mirror on the wall and reflecting back in it is Kaylex. Standing there like some sexy lumberjack naked as the day he was born with a towel hanging low on his hips. My breath catches in my throat and I can't stop looking at his amazing body. I feel my body heat with a desire I haven't felt in a long time. I hear a throat clear and look up and his eyes are staring straight into the mirror and I know I've been caught. 

"Oh my god! I am so sorry I was looking for the bathroom and I opened the wrong door I quickly stammer out."

He laughs and says "that's okay. No harm, no foul."

"Yeah, um. Sorry again. I'll just... yeah." I mumble as I start backing out of the door,

"Liz" I hear him call

"Yeah?" I say looking anywhere but towards him.

"Don't be embarrassed. I'm not." 

"Um. Too late. But thanks." I say as I quickly shut the door. 

Oh my god that man is hot and he caught me looking. I just want to crawl in a hole and die, but instead I'm stuck in the flying sardine can with him for several more hours. I may just fall over dead from embarrassment. I quickly  dart into the bathroom behind the other door and curse myself for getting caught checking out my super attractive boss. I know my vivid dreams are going to get much more vivid after this. Now my stupid brain has more content to work with. Dear lord I'm going to need a back up vibrator. 

I do my business and wash up. By the time I step out my salad is setting on the small table as well as a plate of lobster ravioli, which I assume belongs to Kaylex. 

"Oh good, Betty has our lunch ready." I hear Kaylex say as he pops out of the bedroom. 

"You ready for lunch Liz?" He asks with a mischievous smirk. 

I have no other choice but to straighten my back, square my shoulders and look him in the eyes with a smile on my face. The hole is dug, might as well turn it into a swimming pool and jump in. 

"Absolutely starved" I say as I set down and pull my salad closer to me. Kaylex sits right next to me and pulls his meal from across the table. I can feel my face heating up and turning red. Why did he have to sit right next to me? He could've easily sat across from me, but instead its like he is playing a game with me. 

"Me too" he says leaning in so close I can feel his hot minty breath on my neck and ear. It sends delightful shivers down my body and my mind jumps back to his half naked body just minutes ago. I feel the tingle building as my core pools with the thought of having his body. I clench my thighs together and give myself a pep talk. I have got to get ahold of myself. 

"Hmm... that salad smells delicious" he says leaning over me with a big grin on his face. Like he has some little secret. 

"I'm sure it is." I say trying to sound aloof. I'm sure I failed, but hey I tried. 

"So how much longer till we land?" I ask.

"Oh not to long, just a couple more hours. Why are you ready to be away from me so soon?" he ask

"No. Plus we are staying at your estate. So I'm not exactly getting away from you." I say

"Yes, but I like the intimacy of the plane. Once we get to the estate its so large it feels cold."

"Sounds lovely" I say sarcastically.

"It can be with the right company." He says leaning closer into me. 

I can't seem to break eye contact with him. I want to touch him, but I have no idea how to pull that off without being obvious. Like he is reading my mind he reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. I feel that static charge run from his finger tips and across my skin. It's all I can do to not lean into his touch. 

"Would you two be needing anything else?" Mrs. Betty interrupts. It feels like a cold splash of water as I come back down to reality. Here I am lusting hard after my boss again. What is blazes is my malfunction?!

"No Betty. Thank you though." Kaylex replies politely. 

While he is distracted I dig into my lunch before he has a chance to distract me again. I have no idea what he is playing at, but we can not be playing this game. I am going to have to be more aware of my actions. I don't want to ruin a great job for a stupid fling with my boss.