The Mysterious Mr. Hastings

nt?" I asked, pacing my hotel suite. My pers

oulder-length chestnut hair pulled back in a ponytail. We'

replied. "Still wa

started changing, trading my suit for jeans and a shirt. "Is my jet ready for takeoff?

ded back home this morning with Theod

ng as I reviewed my pa

a short haul-and Chris Stewart defi

et's move. And sto

hris," he sai

ly a backpack. Theo had already taken the rest of my luggage. People moved in a frantic blur around us; I wasn't used to the crow

e last to get on. I took the middle s

a slim waist. Admittedly, my eyes linger on beautiful women, and she was striking. She had feminine curves, vivid blue eyes, and long, straight chestnut hair pulled back in a ponytail with a side-swept fringe. She wasn

the plane began to taxi. "This

n said with a smile. She reached into her shoul

ed kindly. "They're highly re

r, took the tube, a

Chris," he said, handing me a

ly began to ease. The woman

dy feel better." She smiled a

these for you in the future." She

ng?" I asked, looki

oward me. It was the latest release

rely had the time, but I'd alwa

ks up around the middle," she said pat

nce novel," I said. "Most wome

. "I can't relate to those 'can't live with you, can't live w

ck on a plane, and he repays her with dinner?" I asked with a

actually close to a heart attack," she c

e flight commenting on the cabin temperature and the noise from the

wn?" I asked. Simon

Chris," he answere

"I just hate

nola bar from her bag

o do with this?" I as

o listen to your complaining, and I can read in peace." Simon stifled a laugh

s the woman tucked her book aw

front of me, acting as a shield, and I followed him out. I thought I heard a female voice shouting "Chris," but Simo

d a cab, an

n asked. I s

head home. I need to pick up a few things at the new place and grab a gift fo