Sinclair Duet

Chapter 3

Damien

Gabriella Crystal.

The gem who got away.

When I looked up at the airport bar and saw Ella taking a seat, I couldn't help but stare. She'd played a recurring role in my dreams and fantasies for so long, it took me a second to realize she was real.

Ella was more than a dream come to life.

No longer across the room, my gem was seated at my side. As I retook my seat, I told myself to give my assistant a raise. I'd need to call him and thank him for booking a commercial flight. If only we were headed to Hawaii or Paris instead of Los Angeles. The longer the flight, the better.

Ever since the night Ella walked out of my life, I'd known I'd missed the opportunity of a lifetime—more accurately, squandered rather than missed. There was a time I'd had this amazingly beautiful and exceedingly competent woman at my side. Letting her go was the worst decision I'd ever made.

Truly, I hadn't let her go. She left.

In time I realized that when she was with me, I took her for granted.

I'd been focused on succeeding in business and forgot that personal relationships also needed attention.

Time was a stringent teacher.

Maybe the gods were offering me another chance.

I didn't deserve that, but not deserving something had never stopped me before. Life was about opportunities. Mine was pushing her bag under the seat and fastening her seat belt.

Ella was as beautiful as I recalled—no, even more so.

She didn't need glitz and glamour to be attractive. Simply once again being in her presence, having her at my side, heated my blood.

Her little power play in the bar was perfectly Gabriella.

When the bartender told me that my check was taken care of, I was equal parts annoyed, impressed, and turned on. No, I'd put turned on ahead of the other two emotions.

Fastening my seat belt, I turned and flashed my charming smile—yes, I knew my assets consisted of more than my company and bank accounts. When presented with a second chance as I was now, I would employ my entire arsenal of strengths.

“Again, thank you for my lunch," I repeated. “You left the restaurant before I could voice my appreciation."

Shaking her head, Gabriella turned my way. Her crystal-blue eyes looked into mine. “Maybe we could spend the next four-plus hours not talking."

My lips twitched with the need to smile.

“We could spend the next four-plus hours in other ways" —I lowered my volume— “but there are children on the plane, and we may cause a stir. The bathrooms are rather small, but the mile-high club is always taking new members." I grinned. “Maybe we could call it renewing our membership."

“Why are you here? Isn't there a plane with your name on it ready for inducting unknowing women into that club?"

“Never unknowing. I'm all about full disclosure and consent."

With a humph, she turned toward the window.

I went on. “This trip was last minute, and my plane was already committed. I'm extremely glad that I was convinced to fly commercial. I think I'll give my assistant a raise."

“I'm sure she gets plenty of bonuses."

“No, Ella." I waited until she was again looking my way. “I don't sleep with every assistant. Only one, and when I screwed that up, I lost more than a fantastic assistant."

“Hmm. At least you can admit you screwed up." Lifting her chin, she turned toward the oval window.

Her profile was perfect in every way. The elegance of her slender neck, proudness of her jawline, and the upturn of her nose. No artist could duplicate her image, give it the beauty it deserves.

“Would either of you like a drink prior to takeoff?"

I turned to the woman in the blue dress with the name tag that read TAMMY and then over to Gabriella. “Would you like something?"

She turned to the flight attendant. “Honestly, yes. Would it be possible for me to change seats?"

Tammy straightened her neck and peered down the length of the plane. “First class is full."

“I really don't care where you put me. I'll take row twenty-seven."

“Let me see if we have any seats available," Tammy said with a feigned smile before walking away.

Gabriella's attention went back to the window.

I lowered my tenor and spoke in a hushed whisper. “You don't need to move seats, Ella. I won't bite…however, I don't recall your being opposed." When she didn't respond, I tried for a less sensitive subject although I knew the answer. “What takes you to LA?"

“Work."

“I heard you're working for Beta Kappa Phi."

She turned her mesmerizing gaze my way. “Are you stalking me?"

“Yes," I replied with a scoff. “Today has been an elaborate plan on my part. Now that I have you here, I would prefer you didn't change seats."

“Damien, what you prefer isn't my concern."

“Excuse me, ma'am," Tammy said, reappearing at my side. “I'm sorry. We're a full flight."

“Thank you for trying," Gabriella said. “In that case, I'd like a glass of chardonnay."

Tammy looked at me.

“The best bourbon you have, neat."

I turned to Ella. “Perhaps we could start again." I offered her my hand with a grin. “Hello. In case you don't recall, I'm Damien Sinclair. Maybe we can call a truce for this trip."

“This trip? Four and a half hours." She sighed. “When it's over, we part ways. I can do that."

“I'm afraid it may be a bit longer."

“Why?"

“I, too, am on my way to LA for the Beta Kappa Phi gala."

Her blue eyes opened wide. “You are stalking me."

“I'm not, but I wouldn't mind taking credit. You see, a friend of mine—"

“You have friends now?"

I smirked. “His name is Donovan Sherman."

Her eyes closed as she laid her head back on the headrest.

“You know him?" I asked.

“He's one of the donors being recognized tonight. I'm presenting his award."

My cheeks rose as my lips curled. “Does that mean you'll be seated at Donovan's table?"

Tammy returned with our drinks.

After thanking her, I turned back to Ella. “Donovan's table?"

“Yes."

I lifted the plastic cup with a shot of amber liquid toward Ella. “To tonight."

She narrowed her gaze. “My luck has definitely run out."

My cup was still raised. “I'll be happy to share mine, Ms. Crystal. You see, my prospects for this trip have improved exponentially." I tipped my cup and lifted it to my lips, remembering when Van had mentioned Beta Kappa Phi. I'd hoped it would mean my path would cross with Ella's. “I'm sure you understand. Supporting foundations that promote good health is important to Sinclair Pharmaceuticals."

The amber liquid burned, adding fuel to the fire growing within me.

“f**k," she mumbled before lifting her wine to her luscious lips.

She didn't need to ask twice.