Hargrove - One Shameless Night (A West Sisters Novel #2) Amazon

Piper

My belly lurched at the thought of leaving my family, but mostly my sister, Sylvie. I had flown in from the U.K., where I was studying for my masters, in order to attend her wedding. She had twins that were only a couple of months old and they were absolutely adorable. I loved school, but I loved my family more. Homesickness gut-punched me, and it was all I could do not to bawl like my tiny nephews did when they were hungry. The entire crew piled into a van and we all left together in order to get me to the airport on time for my flight from Vail to Denver. My connection to London was a direct flight from there. Evan, my new brother-in-law, had been kind enough to buy me a first class ticket, so I'd have a bed on the way. I doubted I'd use it because of my sadness at leaving.

We said our goodbyes, but Evan had to practically pry me off of Sylvie. When I attempted to kiss the twins, he rerouted me toward the airport doors and told me it would probably be best if I just went inside. Dad hugged me and promised he'd visit soon. Most likely he said that to make me feel better because you could barely get him away from the babies. Who could blame him? I sniffed again at the thought of how those cute little humans would look entirely different the next time I saw them.

Waving to everyone through the doors, I eventually turned to check in. The rest of the family would be flying back to New York in Evan's private jet. Tears threatened again when thoughts of snuggling the babies during the flight circled in my mind. The flight to Denver turned out to be fine, other than I sobbed all the way. One of the flight attendants brought me a box of tissues, and I pitied the poor woman sitting next to me. As soon as we landed and they opened the door of the plane, she scurried away without a glance at me. I didn't blame her. Who wanted to sit next to a blubbering mess like me?

When I got to my connecting flight, I was told there was a problem. The plane had mechanical issues and they were rescheduling all passengers. Everyone scrambled to get onto another flight. Luckily enough, I got re-ticketed, although it was in coach. That was my only option if I wanted to get back to London in time for class the following day.

I found the new gate and waited to board. As luck would have it, I was in the very back of the plane, by the bathrooms and galley. So much for sleeping. Then I cried again as the thought of everyone on Evan's fancy jet, on their way back to New York, struck. My only salvation was I had the aisle seat so at least I could stretch my legs out during the flight. I was wiping my leaky eyes when a raspy voice said, Mi scusi. He pointed to the seat right next to me. I was sure he spoke either Italian or Portuguese, because I was familiar enough with Spanish to know it wasn't that.

I stood so he could get to his seat and even then, I had to look up. He was tall, with blond to light brown hair, amazing hazel eyes, and wore glasses. There was something about men in glasses that I'd always found hot. Sexiness oozed from him. I even noticed it in my depressed state. I checked to see if he wore a wedding ring. He had on several rings, but I didn't know if they were the kind that indicated wedded bliss. I dropped my gaze down to his ass because it was right in front of me now as he slid into his seat, and it was delicious. I'd been so focused on it, it wasn't until I heard him clear his throat that I snapped out of my ass-trance and sat down.

Sniffing back my tears, his gaze burned through me. I'm sure he was thinking how rotten his luck was because he'd gotten stuck next to an emotional wreck of a woman. Some tissues appeared next to my hand. Turning my head, I noticed he was smiling. God had gifted this man with a smile that was full of sexual promise. If only.

Thank you. I wiped my eyes, which I was sure looked like hell. Mascara must've been perched on my chin by now.

You're welcome. I hope everything is okay?

I'm only being foolish, I answered, sucking back more tears. I left my family behind. My sister just got married and has infant twins. My mother recently died, I'm on my way back to the U.K. I was supposed to be on a different plane in first class, but it had mechanical problems, so here I am, crying my eyes out next to you. I'm sorry. I just vomited out my life story to this poor guy. What the hell was wrong with me?

You too? I was supposed to be on that flight in first class. This was the only option, unless I wanted to wait two days, and I have to get back to the U.K. as well.

His beautiful smile had me smiling in return.

I guess we're in this together then.

I'm sorry about your mother. I lost mine at a very early age.

I grabbed his hand, which surprised him by his startled expression. Oh no! That must've been horrible. I can't imagine. I'm twenty-five, and it's killing me. Mine passed in January and I keep telling myself it'll get better. But I constantly want to call or text her, until I remember she's gone. I don't know how a young child could manage. My heart hurts for you.

Yes, it was a terrible time for my father and me. He was very, very sad. I remember he cried all the time, and I went to stay with my grandparents. I didn't understand why my mother didn't come to get me. Children can't understand those things.

As he told me his story, I cried for the broken child he must've been.