Page 60 of Catalyst
“Mm-hmm.”
“Which means we’re getting on the plane to fly somewhere. And since I already know that, you can just tell me where we’re flying.” Ellie smiles at me as if she’s trapped me in a corner I can’t escape from.
“Your logic is a little flawed, Ellie Beans.” Matthew laughs.
Ellie slumps in her seat. “It was worth a shot.”
Before this article nightmare happened, I’d planned to take Ellie to a Raptors game in New York. Desmond Areneto hooked us up with some box seats, and I also bought Ellie a signed jersey to wear.
There are entirely too many things I should be doing at work to combat the blowback that’s come from this article, but I couldn’t get myself to cancel this trip. Knowing how surprised Ellie will be when we pull up to the stadium will be worth it. I hope.
I park the car in the lot outside of the small airport, and the three of us head inside the building. We only have to wait a few minutes before we’re able to board—perks of flying private.
“How about now?” Ellie grins at me once we’re in our seats. Now I think she’s asking to be a pest.
I lean in close, keeping my voice low so only she can hear. “I will spank you if you ask one more time.”
Ellie raises an eyebrow. “Are you ever going to tell me where we’re going?”
I want to kiss that sly grin off her face. In fact… I lean in and press my lips against hers. Her smile stretches wide before she kisses me back.
“Okay, you two, cut it out. I’m enough of a third wheel as it is. I don’t need you to rub it in my face.” Matthew groans.
Ellie pulls away with a laugh. “Sorry, Matthew.”
“I’m not. Do you know how many times this asshole has made out with a girl in front of me? Hell, I used to drive you to Benden Point and have to sit outside the car while you macked down on some chick from high school.”
“Really, Matthew? Gross.” Ellie scrunches up her nose in disgust.
“What can I say? I couldn’t keep them off me.” Matthew puts his hands behind his head and smirks.
Ellie gags at the same time that I protest, and Matthew cracks up laughing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts. We’ve been cleared for takeoff. Our scheduled arrival time in Teterboro is five p.m.”
I grimace. I didn’t think the pilot would give away our destination.
Ellie’s eyes are wide as her smile grows. “We’re going to New York? Does this happen to have anything to do with the Raptors game that starts at seven?”
“I was hoping to surprise you when we got to Madison Square Garden, but yes. We’re taking you to a game.”
Ellie’s squeal is ear-piercing. “Matthew, close your eyes. I need to thank your brother.” She launches her body at me as far as her lap belt will allow. I wrap my arms around her waist as she palms my cheeks and kisses me soundly.
Her tongue parts my lips, making a groan slip out of me. The taste of her is like eating a strawberry popsicle by the pool in the middle of summer.
Ellie pulls away, her breath ragged as she stares at me. Her sapphire blue eyes slay me every time. “Thank you, Adam. This means more to me than you’ll ever understand.”
“You’re more than welcome.” I quickly kiss her again before turning back to see Matthew reclined all the way back in his seat with his arm over his eyes.
“Matthew!” I yell, making him startle forward.
“Was that truly necessary?” He frowns.
“Yes, we need to discuss this article. After Jessica put out our statement, things have only seemed to get worse.”
“That’s because you basically told the world to go fuck themselves,” Matthew counters.
Ellie snorts, and I glare at her. It only makes her smile wider.
