Alex sat at his window seat on the 747 and took in a deep breath. He hated flying, but hated being apart from Jacob more. Two months was too long for his libido, and he was eager for the plane to get underway. Ignoring the strain in his jeans, Alex shifted and closed his eyes. Maybe if he slept through the flight he would see Jacob sooner.

The inevitable happened. Someone sat next to him. This took away the promise of a peaceful flight. He kept his eyes closed and played a guessing game. Was the person next to him male or female? He sniffed lightly. Hmm… Sandalwood, that could be either gender. That didn’t help. Were they making noises or coughing? He listened intently. Nope.

Whoever was sitting next to him wasn’t giving any hints. He slightly shifted his leg to determine how close he or she was. He didn’t feel anything within six inches. He opened his eyes and peeked.

Female, no, she was all woman. Her wavy, dark-brown hair fit the shape of her face perfectly. She was looking at him too.

She’s pretty.

He looked closer and caught his breath. Oh, good heaven her smile brightened everything around her.

Down boy, it’s just your libido on overdrive waiting to see Jacob.

“Hello.” She gave a short wave and kept looking at him.

“Hey, you smell nice.” Alex couldn’t believe he said that. He kept his full attention on her.

A stream of low giggles escaped her lips. “Thanks, it‘s sandalwood.” She extended her hand. “My name is Abby.” Each finger had a silver ring, including her thumb.

Alex shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Abby. Are you going to Flagstaff?”

“Yeah, starting residency there next week, you?”

“I’m beginning a master’s program this fall, in Business.”

“Nice.” Her smile turned to a frown as she looked out the small, oblong window past him.

He could tell she wanted to say something but stopped herself. Her forlorn expression made his heart skip. “What are you thinking, Abby?” He squeezed her hand, surprised he was still holding it.

She furrowed her eyebrows. “Are you a psych major, too?” She exhaled a long, held-in breath and shrank into the seat.

Alex opened his mouth to speak and stopped. Did he really want to have this conversation with a stranger? Fuck it. “Yes, I did major in Psychology. I also counseled for a few years.”

“Why did you change to business?”

She turned her aqua blue eyes to him. He felt the heaviness of her pain emanating from her whole body. His first instinct was to hug her.

“At least in business, there are laws against lying. I learned people lie to their therapist.” His voice rose a bit. The woman across the aisle looked over at them. It was his turn to retreat in to the snugness of his seat. He felt Abby looking at him, not moving, just staring.

“Have we met before, Alex?” She still had not removed her hand from his.

He looked at her again, wondering what made her so attractive to him. Her soft skin glowed, and her glossed lips sparkled pink.

“I don’t think so.” Alex didn’t socialize with many women. Between school, counseling, and Jacob, his plate was always full. This could be why they hadn’t found their third yet.

“Tell me something, would you walk away from a three-year relationship because of education?”

He considered her question, observing her facial expressions. God, she was beautiful, so vulnerable, and sweet. She made him want to spank her. “Are you doing the leaving, or your partner?”

Abby blinked back a mounting sea of tears and let out a short, bitter laugh. “You left the Mental Health profession—why?”

“It doesn’t take a degree to see you’re upset. Need to talk?”

“I’m beginning a new segment of my life. I’m going to be a doctor in a few years.”

She straightened her back as she spoke. It was clear she took pride in her achievement.

“Do you plan to be a single doctor?”

She glared at him. “Why, are you looking for a relationship?”

The disdain in her voice was palpable. She was hurting and needed a hug. “I’m already in a relationship, Abby. But my hugs are free.”

She pouted, still holding back tears, and looked down at her lap. She clasped her hands, twisting them together.

He turned and opened his arms and patted his chest. “Come here, honey.”

She leaned into his chest and cried softly. Alex just held her and played with her hair for a few minutes. He hardly noticed the plane taking off.

There he was, on his way to rejoin the love of his life, wondering what was going to happen to this woman. “Where are you staying, Abby?”

She leaned back, pulled out a small package of tissues to wipe her tears. He saw no smudge marks or raccoon eyes. She obviously did not wear eye makeup. Nor did she need it. She was a natural beauty. His heart unexpectedly skipped a beat. He knew he had the capacity to care for a woman. He’d just never felt it this strong or this sudden.

“I don’t know.” Her head hung low as she shrugged. “I was planning to stay at my ex-boyfriend’s sister’s home for a short time until I found a place. But that would be too awkward.”

“Did he just break up with you?” A low snarl came out.

Her lips quivered as she turned away from Alex’s gaze. “Yes, he’s probably leaving the airport parking lot as we speak.”

He had to think. What would Jacob say? Was he overstepping his bounds? The Dom in him wanted to protect Abby, rescue her, and make her his. This notion was not out of the question. Oh, he knew Jacob would love Abby. “How long were you together?”

“Dan and I dated three years. We met in Med School. He dropped out last year. We’ve been drifting apart since.” She shrugged with a sigh.

The attendant came by to offer drinks and snacks. Alex bought a juice and offered to buy Abby something.

“I’m good, thanks.” She turned her head and torso to face him. “What about you? How long have you been with your mate?”

“I’ve been with Jacob six years. We’ve been apart for two months while I finished my last term.”

“So you must really be looking forward to going home.” She offered a knowing look.