Mind Pucked (Chicago Blue Jays #1)

3. Oakley

The fluorescent lights of the airport terminal buzz above my seat, my leg bouncing uncontrollably. My eyes dart between the clock on the wall and the gate to our flight, waiting for the inevitable call to board the plane. Anxiety gnaws at the pit of my stomach, my fingernails finding their way to my mouth as I chew on them.

“Hey, Oakley.” Gray’s voice draws my attention away from my nervous habit. He stands before me, holding a small bag of food with a gentle smile. “I got you some snacks. Thought you might be hungry.”

“Thanks, Gray.” I force a smile, trying to keep up appearances. I glance at the offered food but politely decline. “I’m not really hungry right now.”

His warm brown eyes study me for a moment, his concern evident. “You sure? You seem a little off.”

I sigh, hesitating before answering. “It’s just…I’m not a big fan of flying, you know?”

Somehow, I’d completely forgotten the fear back at my apartment when he invited me to come…

I wish I’d remembered.

Gray’s concerned gaze falls on me. “I didn’t realize you were still afraid of it. If I had known, I would have booked us a road trip instead. I just…”

“Gray,” I start, cutting him off, not wanting him to feel bad. My voice is barely above a whisper. “It’s not just that I’m scared of flying. After what happened with Mom…” The words hang heavy in the air between us. I don’t have to finish the thought, because we both know the truth that my mom died in a plane crash. “I can’t shake the feeling that something terrible could happen.”

His expression softens with understanding, and he reaches out to gently place a hand on mine. His touch is warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the chill settling over my body.

“Oakley, I promise you, nothing is going to happen. I’ll be right there beside you the whole time.”

My heart swells at his reassurance, but I can’t help the sarcasm that slips past my lips. “Are you suddenly an expert on aviation safety, Gray?”

He laughs, the sound soothing my frazzled nerves. “No, but I am your best friend. And I’d never let anything happen to you.”

Yes. My best friend. That’s what I need right now.

“Thanks, Gray,” I murmur, meeting his eyes. “You always know how to make me feel better.”

“Of course, Oakley.” He smiles warmly, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze before releasing it, just as our flight is called. “Now, let’s board this plane.”

As we make our way through the boarding process, I follow closely behind Gray, my heart pounding in my chest. But as I glance over at him, his steady presence calms me like nothing else can. And for the first time in a long while, I allow myself to trust, to lean on someone who has always been there for me.

The moment my foot crosses the threshold onto the plane, I feel a wave of apprehension wash over me. Gray’s hand on the small of my back grounds me, and I focus on the gentle pressure. We make our way down the aisle, and I can’t help but blink in surprise when we arrive at our seats—first class.

“First class?” I quip, trying to hide my nervousness with humor.

Gray chuckles as he stows our carry-ons in the overhead compartment. “I figured if it’s your first flight in years, you should do it in style. I’ve been riding in first class for years now.”

“Style, huh?” I arch an eyebrow, putting on my sassiest expression. “Well, Mr. Fancy Pants, let’s see what all the fuss is about.”

We settle into the plush leather seats, and I have to admit that the extra legroom and luxurious surroundings do bring a modicum of comfort. As I’m exploring the various buttons and adjusting my seat, Gray leans in closer, his warm brown eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Enjoying yourself?” he teases, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face.

“I admit, this isn’t half bad.” I grin at him. “So, tell me, how has life been treating you since we last caught up? Still scoring goals and breaking hearts?”

Even though I say the words, I know the truth—Gray has never been much of a playboy. Matter of fact, I’m pretty sure he’s only ever had one girlfriend. I don’t know why, though. He’s extremely good-looking, rich, and kind. What woman wouldn’t want him?

Except for me.

“Something like that,” he replies with a light laugh. “But enough about me. Are you still figure skating?”

The second I hear the words, the smile drops from my face, and I blow out a breath. I try not to think about my failed figure skating career, but how could Gray have known that?

“Uh, no,” I answer, a bit awkwardly.

He frowns. “Why not?”

“It doesn’t pay the bills.” I shrug. “It was just a little childhood dream anyways. Being comfortable is more important to me than pursuing some dream.”

Gray seems like he wants to say something but refrains. “Are you still working at the hotel?”

“Yep, I’m a front desk agent.”

“And…you enjoy it?”

“Well, you know,” I say, leaning back in my seat and crossing my legs casually. “It’s a never-ending parade of demanding guests, late-night check-ins, and room service orders. But it does have its perks.”

“Perks?” Gray asks, intrigued.

“Free shampoo and conditioner,” I deadpan, smirking at his laughter. “But seriously, there’s something about helping people find comfort during their travels that appeals to me. I might not be chasing my passion like you are with hockey, but it’s a satisfying job.”

“Oakley, you’ve always had the gift of making people feel at ease,” Gray says, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “And I’m glad you found a way to use it in your career.”

“Thanks, Gray,” I reply, feeling a warmth in my chest at his kind words. “You know, sometimes I think about what it would be like if I had followed my passions instead of focusing on comfort and stability. But then I remember how much I love free toiletries, and the decision is clear.”

Gray chuckles, shaking his head. “You never cease to amaze me, Oakley. And for the record, I believe you could do anything you set your mind to, passionate or not.”

“Aw, you’re too sweet, Gray. Stop it before I get a cavity,” I tease, playfully swatting at his arm.

The hum of the plane’s engine vibrates beneath my feet, making my heart race faster. I can feel every ounce of blood pulsing through my veins, and it’s getting harder to breathe as the flight attendants finish their preflight checks.

Gray glances over at me, concern etched on his features.

“Hey, Oakley,” he says softly. “You’re going to be okay. I promised, remember?”

As the plane starts to move, my fear takes over, and I impulsively grip onto Gray’s arm. He doesn’t hesitate for a second, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. “Just focus on me, Oakley. I’m right here. Breathe.”

I try to steady my breathing, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne and feeling the reassuring rise and fall of his chest. My rational mind knows the statistics, that flying is safer than driving, but memories of my mother’s death still haunt me.

“Gray, I—” I begin, but before I can finish my thought, Gray pulls me even closer and presses his lips against mine.

My initial shock leaves me frozen, my eyes wide and my mind reeling. But then something inside me snaps, and I surrender to the kiss, allowing myself to get lost in this unexpected moment.

His lips are warm and tender, evoking emotions I didn’t know I was capable of feeling. The world around us seems to fade away, and Gray deepens the kiss.

When he finally pulls away, he does so with a gentle smile that makes my chest ache.

“See? We’re in the air,” he says softly, his warm brown eyes meeting mine.

I hadn’t even realized we were airborne, my fear momentarily forgotten while he was kissing me. The realization hits me like a ton of bricks—Gray was just trying to help me get my mind off of takeoff.

“Thank you,” I whisper, not knowing what else to say.

“Anytime,” he replies, his voice barely audible over the hum of the airplane’s engines. “It’s a short flight, but try to go to sleep. It’ll make it go by even quicker.”

I rest my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes as I try to process the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. Our kiss was nothing short of electrifying, igniting a fire within me that I can’t seem to extinguish. It isn’t the first time we’ve kissed, but this time it felt different than it did all those years ago.

As the plane ascends higher into the sky, I allow myself to drift off into a fitful sleep, lulled by the steady rhythm of Gray’s breathing. Despite the lingering taste of fear on my tongue, I can’t help but feel safe and secure in his arms.

He’s always managed to make me feel safe.