Sex Drive. Susan Lyons

with you. It was stupid. I’m sorry.”

      Her face softened a touch. “That’s it? An apology, with no attempt to excuse yourself?”

      He shook his head. “I was wrong. Period. Again, I’m sorry.” He tried out a low-powered version of the smile he knew many women found irresistible. “It’s a knee-jerk reflex, flirting with a pretty lady. And this being engaged thing is so new, I’m not used to it. We really want to keep it a secret for now, so please don’t spread the news.”

      “Well, I have to say, you’re gonna break some hearts when women find out you’re off the eligible list, Damien Black.” Her expression was a degree or two warmer when she moved away to serve the people behind him.

      He wondered what she’d think when his engagement was never announced.

      When Theresa returned, she said, “They give us chocolates, too?”

      “It’s their version of the chocolate on your pillow.” He winked. “Speaking of which—pillows and all—you weren’t planning on watching a movie, were you?”

      “I really should work.” Her voice lacked conviction.

      So should he, but hell, this opportunity—this woman—was too good to pass up. “Don’t want to disillusion Carmen. She’ll figure our marriage is doomed to failure.”

      “Oh gosh, I’m so worried about Carmen’s opinion.”

      He chuckled. “Besides, remember the ‘all work’ thing? Isn’t the prof allowed some time off to play?”

      “Well…” Her cheeks were pink again. “Dare I ask what you had in mind?”

      “I think you just did.” He gave her his full-wattage smile. “Whatever we feel like. A little more talk. Maybe…” With his index finger he smoothed hair away from her temple. “A kiss, right about here.” Then he touched her nose. “Another, here.” And, finally, her lips. “And definitely one here.”

      “You’re—” Her voice came out croaky. She cleared her throat. “You’re giving me warning you intend to kiss me?”

      “Let’s say hope rather than intend.” He studied her face, which reflected a mix of embarrassment, uncertainty, and arousal. The physical signals—flushed cheeks, gleaming eyes, beaded nipples—said she was turned on. But would she get over her hang-ups and acknowledge her desires? “Figure that might be more fun than grading exams?”

      Humor sparkled. “Undoubtedly. But…” She ducked her head. “Maybe you shouldn’t have asked. Maybe you should have just gone ahead.”

      “No. I want you to opt in.”

      Slowly she raised her head and gazed into his eyes. “To what, exactly, Day?”

      “Three kisses. Temple, nose, lips. And then we’ll see.”

      Those enticing lips curved. “That doesn’t sound too awful.”

      “If it is, we stop there.”

      The curve deepened. “And if it turns out to be enjoyable?”

      “Then it’s your turn. You pick the next three things. Kisses or anything else you want.”

      She sucked in a breath, and he wondered what she was imagining. Something that made her cheeks flame again, and that could only be good as far as he was concerned.

      Before he could ask, Carmen stopped beside them. “More chocolate?” She’d lost some of her attitude, he was glad to see.

      When he and Theresa both turned down the offer, with thanks, Carmen went on. “We’ll be settling in for the night. Do you have everything you need? Pillows, blankets, water? You know how the video screen works? There’s a movie guide in the side seat pocket.”

      Theresa said, “Could I get a bottle of water, please?”

      “Make it two,” Damien said.

      “Of course.”

      When Carmen had gone, Theresa said, “I don’t believe it. She’s acting more civil.”

      “Yeah, well, I apologized.”

      “Apologized?” She studied him with some surprise. “Hmm. That’s kind of sweet.”

      Sweet. He rolled his eyes. Then he made a trip to the loo, taking the toiletries kit so he could shave and brush his teeth.

      When he came back, he noticed that the older gent across the aisle seemed to be dozing, sleep mask covering his eyes. Beside him, his wife was taking out her own sleep mask and earplugs. “Have a good night,” she said softly. Was that a twinkle in her eye?

      “You, too.”

      Throughout the business-class cabin, there were a couple people with computers out, another couple reading, and a few who were focused on their video screens. But, for the most part, people were settling down to sleep. Rustlings and hushed voices died away.

      Damien got pillows and blankets out of the overhead bin as a female voice came over the loudspeaker, advising them the cabin lights would now be dimmed and instructing them where to find the individual seat lights. “We wish you a pleasant night, and to minimize disturbance we’ll avoid walking through the cabin unless we need to. If there’s something you’d like, please press the call button or come up to the galley and we’ll be pleased to help you.”

      A moment later, the main lights went off. Now the cabin was illuminated only by faint lights on the floor marking the aisles, a glow where the galley and lavatories were located, and the occasional seep-over around a cocoon chair where a passenger had turned on the seat light.

      He leaned toward Theresa. “I can hardly see you,” he murmured. “How’m I going to find that temple, for the first kiss?”