18 The Anticipation

Of course, she didn't respond. Seats were assigned before the flight. She knew his question had been rhetoric.

Bottoms up. The glass was empty when the flight attendant came around to clear items before take off.

The heat was palpable, radiating from Nick's body. He was wearing his black training pants. The US team's logo was on the side further from her. His hoodie was grey with the same logo on his left breast.

"You can imagine," he said slowly, "my surprise when I came to your door and you didn't answer."

She refused to meet his gaze. He reached out and lifted the armrest between them. Now she could feel the heat, the white hot anger seeping into his voice. His fingers gently traced patterns on her thigh.

"I must've sounded like an idiot." He half smiled but his eyes didn't change. "I knocked for about five goddamned minutes before a bellhop told me you'd checked out, through your phone, only moments earlier."

Lia gulped, her lips parted and her breath was shallow. She wasn't scared of Nick, it was all a part of the game they played. The anticipation. The punishment. She always looked forward to the price she'd pay. He was a giver. This meant no matter how hard he tried, she would always have her moment before his.

This time, his smile reached his eyes and she saw a flicker of mischief. "I grabbed the next cab to the airport. Low and behold, you can take the money out of sports but the fame doesn't change a bit."

Staring out the window, she rolled her eyes at him and let a tiny smirk slip.

"Would you like any refreshments?" The flight attendant asked. The hem of her skirt was eye level for Nick.

"I'll have whiskey on the rocks," Lia involuntarily flinched, so he would be merciless this time. "She will have another champagne."

When the flight attendant was out of earshot, he leaned close to Lia. He whispered, "You remember last time whiskey was involved. I won't be so gentle this time."

He couldn't be rough with her on the plane. People would hear. Besides Nick is a heartthrob. He's got the guy next door appearance to keep up with in public. It's why so many brands wanted to sponsor him.

She finally looked at him and raised an eyebrow, knowing full well he'd retaliate.

The attendant brought their drinks and asked, "Is there anything else I can get you?"

"Privacy." He handed her 100€ and she nodded. Closing the curtains around their seats. Lia knew it was meant to rattle her, but she smiled.

Their eyes stayed locked on each other as they chugged their drinks.

"You know," he said placing their glasses on the tray outside the curtain, "you should've stayed right where I left you."