Then he said the line that now sounded far too practiced.
“You’re insecure.”
That Tuesday morning, Claire got on a 7 a.m. flight to Denver because of a serious supplier issue at work. Drained from almost no sleep, she moved through security and bought overpriced airport coffee before boarding.
Ryan had said he was flying to Portland.
Before stepping onto the plane, Claire texted him.
Safe flight. Love you.
He replied almost at once.
Love you too. Boarding for Portland now.
Claire put her phone away and headed toward row fourteen.
She took the window seat and shut her eyes.
Then she heard his voice.
“Take the window seat, babe.”
Her whole body went still.
Slowly, she leaned out toward the aisle and looked up at first class.
Ryan was standing there, helping Chloe lift her luggage into the overhead bin.
Like a husband helping his partner.
Chloe was wearing a cream coat Claire recognized instantly from an office event picture months ago. And the smile she gave Ryan was not professional.
It was possessive.
Claire felt her breath catch.
But she stayed perfectly composed.
She didn’t shout.
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