“Can I sit here?” says a deep, familiar voice just as we’re almost to the end of the flight.
I look up, up, up at the man standing in the aisle, wearing a snug black sweater that hugs his chiseled pecs, and worn jeans slung low on his narrow hips. “Mason?”
He flashes a semi-startled—or maybe confused?—look. Brows shrugged, eyes just a bit too wide. “Not sure who Mason is. Is he as good looking or rich as me?”
Uhh…
“May I?” He gestures toward the seat next to me.
I nod, dumfounded. “How are you on this flight?” Two seconds ago, I was literally wishing I could talk to him.
“Horse ranch. Remember? I went to meet with the manager and staff. They were disappointed to hear you wouldn’t be coming to live there.”
How’s it possible there are so many coincidences with this man? “Not sure why they’d be disappointed. I know nothing about horses or ranches.” I study his face and every feature—the eyes, the lips, the shape of his jaw—looking for any sign of ghostly features. This is the first time I’ve seen him since I discovered his secret.
I witness only a live, beautiful man next to me. Just to be sure, I might have to poke him. Or kiss him?
“The property has had five owners in the last decade. It needs someone who’s committed to staying and making it into what it could be. But that doesn’t concern you.” He slides his cell from his pocket and checks the screen. “Not your wish. Not your problem.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
“Don’t worry, Ginnie. I’ll find a capable businessperson who doesn’t mind getting his or her hands dirty.”
I really want to jump all over that prickly statement, but I have bigger fish to fry. “So, I got a call from your sister.”
“I don’t have a sister,” he says uninterestedly, reading something on his phone.
“Rebecca McMillan?” I push.
“Never heard of her.”
There’s not a twitch or flinch or anything else to indicate he’s joking. Does he really not know who she is?
I adjust in my seat. “Mason—”
“My name is Marus. I already told you that.” Again, he shows little interest in my words.
It’s official. I’m swimming in sketchy waters.
I clear my throat, trying to keep an even, calm voice. I’m looking for answers, not to run him off. “Marus, of course that’s your name. I guess you remind me of this guy named Mason. Sorry about that. Hey, so, you never told me where you’re from.”
“Why do you want to know?” His tone is filled with suspicion.
“I just want to learn more about you.”
“I’m a crazy asshole. What more is there?” Finally, he looks up at me, and there’s a flicker of displeasure in his cool blue eyes.
Oh, jeez. I almost forgot. “I’m really sorry about what Moose said. He’s protective of me and his sister, Olivia—my best friend. We all grew up together.” I lean into him a little and rest my hand on his arm. It feels good to touch him again. “I promise, I never said that about you. Not exactly.”
He looks at the spot where my hand is touching him and holds his gaze there for two seconds. Suddenly, he lowers his head and rubs his forehead like he’s fighting off another headache.
Uh-oh.
Just as I’m about to say something, he drops his hand, exposing his irritated frown—flat lips, brows knitted together. “That’s the thing you don’t get, Ginnie. I’m not here to prove myself to anyone. I don’t give a damn what anyone says or thinks about me.”
I find that hard to believe, given his current chosen profession—hot, real-life genie. He seems to care very much. Otherwise, why not find a remote tropical island and live out his days sipping mango-tinis?
He adds, “I only wanted to sit next to you for a moment and apologize for never finding your perfect wish. And,” He pauses, like he wants to elaborate but instead says, “I hope you enjoy the money.”
“I’m giving it back,” I say.
“Sorry. No returns. But I do wish you all the best.” He starts pushing out of his seat to leave.
“So that’s it? ‘Here’s your wish, Miss Angelico,’” I mock his deep voice. “‘It’s something you don’t even want, and have a nice life’?” I fold my arms over my chest. “Some genie you are. They ought to revoke your bottle.”
He plants himself back down. “Listen, Ginnie, I don’t know how to give you what you want. It’s beyond my capabilities.”
“I never asked for anything,” I growl under my breath. “Well, besides the money, but you and I both know I didn’t mean it.” That was also before the kiss, and before I found out there’s way more to the story. Here’s the thing, though: I haven’t changed my mind about finding out what’s really going on because, bottom line, I still feel this undeniable pull towards him. I just want to know what I’m getting myself into.