just a movie star, he’s so much more. But when it’s time to put his fame to use, he does it well.
By the time we cut to the front of the long security line, courtesy of our new pal Raf, and arrive at the gate, our plane is already boarding. As priority members, Hunter not me, we bypass the passengers waiting in the general boarding line and quickly make our way to the ticket handler. It’s fast but with our VIP treatment, we are settled into our plush seats within minutes.
“That was incredible. I’ve never had airport service like that before,” I say as I fasten my seatbelt and explore all the amenities in the lavish area they call first class. Not only does the tray table fold out from the arm, there’s a phone charger right next to me. And the seat lies almost all the way back! I need to save up more points on my credit card because this is definitely the way to travel from now on.
“It definitely makes traveling a lot nicer, that’s for sure.”
“I bet if we were running any later they would even hold the plane for you.”
Shaking his head, he adjusts the cap on his head and twists in his seat, facing me. The plane begins to fill with passengers, the volume increasing tremendously. I lean forward, the movement shifting my shirt and sending a stabbing pain through my shoulder.
“What’s wrong?” Hunter asks me, concern written all over his beautiful face. Or I assume so. I can’t really see much of his face with that damn hat.
“Sunburn. I kind of forgot about it for a minute. Have no fear, it has reminded me.”
Reaching over, he grabs my hand, holding it in his much larger one and leans his head back, eyes closed. “Next time, I’ll remind you to wear sunscreen.”
He said next time. Like we’re going to frolic in the ocean again. Together. Obviously, I’m delirious. Who uses the word “frolic” anyway?
• • •
“Hunter Stone, you have spoiled me.” I may or may not be wiggling in my seat. I don’t think I can ever go back to sitting in basic economy. Who could after experiencing such plush seats?
Laughing, he adjusts the overhead air blower not bothering to respond. I think it’s actually called an air vent, but it blows air so hard and loud I like calling it a blower. Our layover was long enough for us to grab a drink and eat a leisurely lunch in the private airline lounge. This time, I didn’t have to beg for entrance. Nope, being on Hunter’s arm and with a first class ticket meant I was greeted with open arms.
Okay, not actual open arms. They weren’t handing out hugs. This has been one heck of a bonus to an already awesome long weekend in the tropics. A girl could get used to this life.
“I can’t believe we’re both headed to New York,” I comment as I fasten my seatbelt. Hunter, on the other hand is taking his sweet time getting settled. “What do you have there? An interview with Kelly and whoever her current co-host is or something?”
He looks up to the ceiling and puffs out a breath. “Shit. I’m so sorry, Celeste. I keep forgetting about that interview I promised you.”
I wave him off. “It’s not a big deal.”
“It’s a very big deal. I don’t want anyone to scoop you.”
I flash him an incredulous look. “I’d hardly say one of the most popular talk shows on television interviewing the biggest and, if I’m honest, hottest actor is “scooping” my little blog. It’s what they do. I’m just an opportunist,” I joke. “But seriously. I’m truly not worried about it right now. We’re still in vacation mode so just relax. Do you want to watch a movie?” I ask him as I scroll through the screen to find something we’d both enjoy watching.
Hunter doesn’t respond, just digs around in his carry-on, looking for something.
“What’s wrong?”
“Hmm? Oh nothing. I just feel a headache coming on. Here it is.” He pulls out a Tylenol bottle and shakes it at me in victory. “The cabin pressure will make it worse if I don’t take something now.” He opens his prize and shakes some pills out into his hand. Only that’s not Tylenol.
“Um… what exactly are you taking?”
“Tylenol. I have a headache.”
“But there are four different kinds of pills there.”
He looks down and smiles. “Oh that. Yeah, it’s a bad habit I picked up from my mother.