Among The Cloud Dwellers (Entrainment Series) by Giuliana Sica Read Free Book Online

and food sounded delicious, especially the two focaccia sandwiches with prosciutto, mozzarella, and pesto I had packed. I set them on the tray along with a clutch of grapes, Belgian endive and cucumber sticks from ziplock bags, and a handful of Baci chocolates Benedetta had added at the last minute. To bless her would be redundant.
    I eyed Gabe and debated whether I liked him enough to share my treasure. He was poking suspiciously at his food with a fork. I offered him a sandwich. “Here. This is going to beat anything they might try to pass for food around here.” I nudged it toward him.
    He reached over and lifted it to his tray. “Thanks,” he said, unwrapping his sandwich. “It smells great, what is it?”
    “Panino. Italian for sandwich.” I handed him some grapes and vegetables. I had not yet decided if I liked him enough to share the chocolates.
    Gabe reached for the Merlot and poured me another glass, then took his remaining Scotch and toasted my wine. “Cheers.”
    “ Salute! ” I added, raising my glass to meet his.
    We ate in comfortable silence, enjoying the food until a flight attendant appeared balancing two enormous brownie sundaes. He grinned and almost dumped one on my lap. I stared at the heap of ice cream, steaming brownie, and melting fudge syrup. I sighed, “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid this is just too much for me.”
    “How about you take one back, mate? And leave us two spoons?” Gabe offered.
    “Yes, sir, no worries.” The flight attendant bounced away with the other dessert and Gabe’s untouched airline meal.
    My spoon, precariously hanging on the edge of the tray, didn’t make it and fell, tumbling backwards under my seat until, even with my head between my knees, I couldn’t see it anymore. I raised my head, bumped the tray, managed to save the wine bottle, and felt grateful Gabe had grabbed my full glass before it spilled. I settled back somewhat, took my wine glass back without touching his fingers, swallowed disappointment, and was about to ring to have a new spoon brought to me, when Gabe reached for his and smiled wickedly. He scooped some ice cream, brought the spoon up to my mouth, and waited, tempting me.
    This man has initiative. I lowered my eyelids to stare at the perfect bite: a little chunk of brownie covered in vanilla ice cream laced with thick fudge and a melting dollop of whipped cream. Not a single nut in sight. I bit. I closed my eyes for a minute and savored the richness. It tasted heavenly in my mouth. Gabe chuckled and took a bite himself. Several blissful minutes of perfect bites followed, from my mouth to the frosty glass to his mouth.
    The mood coated us with intimacy. Silence lingered around us, a willing accomplice. We exchanged not a single word.
    Attraction and wonder glimmered in his eyes.
    I thought of calm lights reflecting gold before sunset. Holding his gaze, I exhaled and let my guard fall. I hadn’t realized until that moment how much I had been shielding. He sensed the change and looked at me with such intensity I thought about warding myself again. I handed the empty sundae glass to the flight attendant, who had magically appeared at my elbow, and wondered how or what the hell I knew about warding and shields.
    Good that the ice cream was gone. It would have melted in such intense heat.
    Clearing his throat, Gabe reached for his bag. “Do you like music?” he asked. I watched him mess around with a portable CD player.
    “Yes, I do.” I held my breath. As if on cue, the cabin lights dimmed slowly.
    He reached over and placed small earphones on my head. He hit the play button and I recognized the first notes of one of my favorite Depeche Mode songs. He unfolded his right leg, leaned forward, and gently brushed a lock of hair off my face. His fingertips lingered just enough for me to shiver.
    I didn’t resist when his arms lifted me over his knee and pulled me until my back met his chest. I tilted my head, brushing the curve of his chin