Coffee and Cockpits (16 page)

Two minutes later, I found myself in the shadow of a hanger.

My heart constricted as I took in the crumpled machine that almost killed us. Its wings had been righted with pulleys, so the bottom mess was visible. It was the main attraction in the hanger, taking up lumbering space, whispering of things that went wrong.

It looked as if the runway had turned into Jaws and tore a huge jagged hole in the fuselage. Glints of intestinal insulation and rubber tires of the failed landing gear, winked through the mangled undercarriage.

“Mikin. Come to check out your mess?” Nikolai appeared from the office.

My hackles rose; I struggled to keep my face impassive. “Rivers. How’s it going?”

We shook hands as we stared at the bird. Broken wings and gaping stomach aside, it was still a beautiful machine. The crisp whiteness of its cladding was grimy with dust and bright red straps encircled its girth looking like streaks of blood.

The recollection of hurtling to earth and whacking my head roared over me. I rocked on my heels, jamming hands in my jeans.

“I haven’t had time to go in depth yet, but I’d say you were pretty lucky to make it. I was told by air traffic control you were about fifty minutes from landing when the initial fault happened.”

Memories of the bang, turbulence, and panic-inducing nosedive hit me with violence. My stomach sank to my toes, reliving the horrid, unscheduled descent to earth. Why was Nik talking to me so easily? Was it his attempt at making things better between us? Because nothing could make the past disappear. I had no desire to talk to him about what we lived through or anything else for that matter. 

Scowling, I said, “Yep. It was hard, but we got here in one piece.”

He chuckled sardonically, pointing to parts of the aircraft strewn around the hanger. “I wouldn’t say in one piece. But close enough.”

My jaw clenched, adding pressure to the headache I’d had since the crash.
Don’t rise to his bait.
I swallowed my retort, staying silent.

Nikolai cleared his throat. “Look, Liam. I’m really glad you made it. I’d like to talk to you properly. Clear the air, you know?”

He wanted to talk about it? After ten years? I didn’t think so. I wasn’t that forgiving. “Whatever you have to say about that night, I don’t want to hear it.”

Nik’s face shuttered, but not before guilt and shame flared in his eyes. “Fair enough.” He shuffled on the spot, before adding, “By the way, whatever you feel for Nina. I feel for her, too. I don’t know what the deal is with you two, but there’s a connection between us. And I won’t give it up easily.”

Did he really just say that? He could have anyone. With his skills on the dance floor, I doubted his bed was cold at night. Whereas, I suffered my sentence alone. I worked my ass off to squirrel away every cent so I could leave the memories behind. I never indulged in anything I wanted. Nina was the first thing worth climbing out of my funk and fighting for.

“Back off, Nik. Now is not a time to push me.” My fists curled, and I quickly scanned the hanger for witnesses. Five staff members lingered around the undercarriage, far enough away to hit Nik’s smug-ass face and run before anyone saw.

His face darkened. “It wasn’t just you who lost something that night. Nina is the first girl who reminds me of what I’ve been missing. That’s too precious not to fight for.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” I seethed, turning to face him, my body tense, ready to pummel.

“All I’m saying is, don’t expect me to stand by and let you win her. I’m going to try, too, Liam. Both of us deserve to be happy, and I’m sorry we’re interested in the same girl, but I can’t help who I’m attracted to.”

My head screamed with pressure. I hated Nikolai in that moment. He’d set his eyes on Nina. Why did he have to be on the flight? Why did she have to dance with him?

As much as I didn’t want to admit it, he was right. Despite my animosity, we both deserved to be happy after what happened, but it didn’t mean I’d play the victim like I did all those years ago.

I was different. I was harder. I’d fight.

“In that case, Nikolai. Let the best man win.”

I
spent the rest of the morning lounging around the pool with Joslyn. It was hot, humid, the sun was bright and high in the sky. I couldn’t stop stressing about Sam and the Captain. I hoped Liam managed to get them off okay. I hated to think of them in pain. It seemed wrong Joslyn and I were sprawled in the sun, without a care in the world, while they were in limbo; both in mind and countries.

The sun seared into my jeans and grey t-shirt. I hadn’t exactly packed for an island getaway, and the sun seemed intent on stripping layers of skin, even through my clothes.

My mouth watered as I gazed at the teal pool. It curved into the distance with an infinity edge, so I struggled to see where the pool ended and the crystal-blue ocean began. All around us heaven beckoned—the hotel with its manicured gardens, the tropical birds in the trees with their kaleidoscope of feathers, and the coconut laden trees dancing gently in the sea breeze.

I’d considered swimming in one of my corset and underwear sets, but I doubted it’d suit hotel policy—fishnet stockings and a garter belt were a little overdressed, not to mention, it screamed whore.  

Unfortunately, I couldn’t take the heat anymore. I was a parched goldfish flopping in a broken bowl. I needed to get in that water. I’d sizzle into charred meat if I didn’t.

Standing, I said, “I’ve got to go shopping. I need a bikini.”

Joslyn, the crafty girl, had brought a set with her. As if she knew a crash landing would result in a week of paid holiday in Samoa.

She waved, mumbling from beneath her cowboy hat. “Be safe. Don’t go too far from the hotel.”

“Of course I’ll be safe. It’s not like I’ll be eaten by the locals, Jos.”

She giggled. “Bring me back an ice-cream.”

Slinging my bag on my shoulder, I turned to go. “I think you need
sun
-cream more than you need an
ice
-cream. You’re turning into a shish kabob.”

She groaned. “Just go away. You’re interrupting my tanning.”

I laughed and left her to it. Meandering through the gardens, I ascended the lobby stairs. It was rather odd having free time. I was normally so busy. I bit my lip, thinking. Was Nikolai hard at work assessing the plane? Where was Liam? Was he back from the airport? It was strange not having communication. 

Every step I walked, my jeans chafed my sweat-beaded skin and my corset scraped against tender flesh. The moment I bought a bikini, I would take this lingerie off, and it would stay off until I departed the over-heated island.

The concierge glowed as I asked her where I might find some ladies attire. She gave me a few options: either the hotel boutique on the ground floor next to the spa, or head to the small row of shops not far down the road.

I chose the small shops—to get some culture and cheaper prices—and left in the way she pointed, making a mental list of things to buy.

The road was dusty and under kept, but it didn’t stop speedsters on motorbikes from charging past or local boys on bicycles wolf-whistling at me.

By the time I saw the row of five or six shops, I was ready to melt into a puddle. My list had grown incredibly long and included: water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and as many loose-fitting clothing as my wallet would allow. Screw sexy corsets in this heat. I’d never let my ‘puppies’ be free and loose before, but going braless sounded like the best idea I’d ever had.

The little bell above the door of the tourist shop jingled, and I sighed in relief as air conditioning blasted me above the door; slicing a temperature barrier between the stagnant heat outside and the chilly fridge of the shop. Thank God for a reprieve.

“Morning, ma’am.” The young girl behind the counter smiled. “Looking for anything in particular?” She was barely visible amongst all the inflatable rubber rings, pool toys, and blow up crocodiles. They truly did cater to western tourists.

“No, I can manage, thanks.” I grabbed a basket and shopped; throwing numerous items that weren’t on my list—such as chocolate and soft drinks—into it. Snacks for after dancing. Just thinking about spinning with Nikolai gave me happy chills. I just hoped we didn’t have an audience. Liam wouldn’t understand it was purely physical. Nikolai didn’t tug me the way Liam did. I couldn’t even decide how Liam made me feel yet… it was all too confusing. Then again, there was a hidden vulnerability in Nikolai that screamed for a hug and to get to know him better. Confusion chased those thoughts away. I didn’t have time to ponder about men. I was here to shop.

The convenience store didn’t sell bikinis, but I did manage to find a lovely white sequinned sarong which was only a couple of dollars.

The girl giggled as she rung up my bill. “You’ve almost wiped me out of sunscreen. Good thing too with skin as white as yours.”

I laughed. “That’s what happens when you live in a cold country.” Penguins were better suited to living in New Zealand, or fluffy sheep with their coats of wool.

She eyed my sweaty hair and rumpled t-shirt. “If you’re looking for cooler clothes, head next door. The lady hand makes her own things. They’re very good.”

“Awesome, thanks.” I loved local stuff. It always provided memories of the trip, even after their use had passed.

Lugging my plastic bags next door, I fell instantly in love with the bikinis on display—feminine and sexy. I spun in place to look around me with delight.

The older woman behind the desk took my shopping bags. “Here. You have fun. I’ll put these behind the counter for you.”

Everyone was so nice and friendly. I relinquished my bags and beelined straight to a pink bikini with a strip of diamantes running over the tummy.

Then another caught my eye.

And another.

I was star-struck by glitter. Obsessed with sequins. By the time I made it to the changing room, I clutched six bikinis that I was head over heels in love with.

I’d just slipped into a blue one-piece with different patterns cut out from the torso, when the lady threw open the curtain.

I covered up my breasts on impulse. Crap, since when did shopkeepers just whisk open curtains like that?

She tut-tutted, shaking her head, her thick black hair flicking. “Nope. That one won’t do.”

“Excuse me?” I looked at myself in the mirror. I thought the bathing suit was quite nice. It hid my stomach, but hinted at sexiness. “Why won’t it do?”

The woman ignored me and rifled through my hangers, picking the white bikini I’d grabbed with a string of large diamantes hanging from the base of the bra cups to the scant briefs below. Rhinestones scattered the straps, along with the smallest fringe of lace. It was very cute, but I worried it might be too much.

“Try this. With your complexion, it will go lovely.” She pulled the white sarong I’d bought next door from behind her back. “Plus, it will match this perfectly.”

Ignoring the fact she’d been through my things, I nodded and took the sarong. “Okay. I’ll try it.”

I tugged the curtain closed, but she fought me. “Once you have it on you come out and show me, deal?”

Oh sure, bossy one
. I nodded, smiling despite myself. “Yes, I’ll parade it for you. Now shoo.”

She giggled and disappeared, leaving me to strip and shimmy into the white bikini. The moment it was on I knew I wasn’t going to take it off again. It was perfect. It covered all the right places and graced all the others with delicious details. The diamonds glittered like teeny tiny strobe balls, while the lace was the extra sexy touch it needed. In fact, it was very provocative in a nice way. I tied the sarong around my hips, beaming at my reflection.

I was pretty if I didn’t mind saying so myself, and all those hours spent dancing meant my stomach didn’t have an inch of fat.

Opening the curtain with a flourish, I flounced out with a spring in my step, giving the woman a show.

I choked and slammed to a halt. Holy crap, what was he doing here?

Blood raced in my veins as his gaze travelled down my curves before meeting my eyes again. I blushed as he pushed off from the counter; his body rigid as his eyes deepened from aquamarine to glittering lapis.

Liam.