Change of Plans Read online

  "Any brothers or sisters?"

  "One sister, two years younger. She goes to the junior college close to home, so she can stay with mom."

  "Isn't that admirable of her,” he remarked wryly. “Leaving the guilt to you."

  "No kidding,” she laughed.

  "Well, I understand that. My brother, also two years younger, works at the paper factory. He and my father go for beers together after work. I'm sort of the odd man out."

  "Don't they see that you want more? You're trying to better yourself. Oh—” Kelsie stopped as realization dawned on her. Of course, Tom's father wouldn't appreciate his wanting to be better. It would be like a slap to the older man.

  Tom smiled at her, sadly. “Yeah, you guessed it. What they don't see is, I want to live in a bigger town. I love the pace of big cities. Denver, Kansas City ... I don't know where, but I'm going to settle down in a city."

  She smiled at how much they had in common. “I love bigger cities, too. I knew a marketing degree would get me in the door of a large company, most likely based in a big city. I wouldn't want to stray too far from home, maybe Kansas City, or Oklahoma City.” She grinned, and he laughed.

  Their food arrived, and they continued talking as they ate. Tom was funny and seemed intelligent. Kelsie couldn't help but be captivated by his big brown eyes. She found herself staring into that mesmerizing gaze more than once.

  When they finished eating, the restaurant didn't seem to need the table, so they sat and talked for another two hours. At one point, he reached out and touched her hand for emphasis. She felt a fiery spark between them. Judging by the look on his face, he'd felt it too. His fingers slowly intertwined around hers, until their hands were clasped.

  Tom squeezed her hand when she yawned a short while later. “You look beat. Ready to try and get some sleep?"

  She perused the bustling airport. “Do you really think sleep is possible?"

  "No.” He stood, tossing some cash on the table. He'd paid their tab hours ago, but the waitress continued to bring drinks. Kelsie thought it was sweet of him to tip her again.

  They gathered their belongings before heading back to their assigned gate area. People were spread out across most of the seats, attempting to get comfortable by whatever means possible. Many huddled together in groups on the floor, and that seemed the only option available to them as well.

  A crowd of people walked past, along with a couple airport security guards. Kelsie could have sworn she saw Tom shirk, ducking his head and turning away from view. It struck her as strange, until he gazed into her eyes and she forgot about everything but him.

  "Looks like we get the floor. I see an empty corner over there. We can pile our stuff up behind us."

  "Whatever you think,” she replied softly.

  "Come on.” He tugged her hand, and they dragged their things to the corner. Tom put her rolling case down first, then his backpack. He looked at her backpack, but she shook her head.

  "I'll hang on to this one."

  "Okay.” He removed his coat and shoved it up against the wall as a cushion. She did the same. Together, they leaned against the wall. Tom positioned her bag between their knees and covered them with the blankets. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He reached behind her head and settled one of the little pillows there.

  "Thanks.” She looked into his eyes. Their faces were inches apart. She felt the strong attraction to him growing. He must have felt it too, because he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.

  Kelsie pulled back, blinked a couple times at Tom, and leaned in to kiss him again. He caressed the back of her head as their mouths opened and tongues began to explore.

  She let one hand slip around his neck, holding him firmly. His lips felt warm and inviting. She never wanted the kiss to end.

  His free hand skimmed her shoulder and went lower, cupping one breast through her sweater. She whimpered as his thumb found her nipple, caressing it into a hardened bud.

  A shadow loomed above them, and someone cleared his throat. Kelsie and Tom separated quickly, looking up. A uniformed security guard stared down at them. “You folks have everything you need here?” His tone was polite, but his eyes said something different.

  Tom cleared his throat. “Um, yeah, we're fine."

  "Good.” The man nodded. “There's a bunch of us patrolling around here tonight, so if you need anything, just holler.” His gaze fixed on each of them before he sauntered off.

  "In other words, we'll be watching you,” Tom said in a low voice.

  "Geez, no kidding.” She giggled nervously.

  He slipped an arm around her shoulder, and spoke softly into her ear. “Probably just as well. I forgot where I was for a minute. All I could think about was you."

  "Me too,” she agreed, her head resting against him.

  He pressed a kiss to her forehead, not bothering to pull away. “It's going to be a long night."

  Kelsie chuckled, and closed her eyes.

  Chapter Two

  She dozed, but never really slept. Lights in the gate area dimmed, but people still came and went throughout the night. Occasionally she'd glance up at the TV screen, where the Doppler radar indicated snow falling and more was on the way in the greater Denver area.

  Tom spoke quietly every now and then. Kelsie answered in a soft voice. People around them seemed to be sleeping, but she wasn't sure how they managed. The floor was hard and her back ached. Even leaning against Tom's warm form, she was cold and uncomfortable. She yawned as shivers ran through her.

  He rubbed her arms with both hands, then tucked the blanket under her chin. “Want your coat on?"

  "Nah. I want to be in Florida. Or back home, where I don't have to keep my guard up. My backpack is cutting into my side, and the floor is killing me."

  He nuzzled his face in her hair. “Funny, I was just wishing for a nice soft bed, myself."

  "You could have had one,” she said regretfully. “You should be at a hotel with your friends right now."

  Touching her chin with one finger, he gazed into her eyes and smiled. “I meant you and me. The only person I'm interested in being with is you, alone, somewhere private."

  Kelsie inhaled. She felt the same way, secretly wondering if she was crazy. She barely knew this guy, but all she could think about was getting naked with him and wrapping their bodies around one another.

  He hesitated. “Unless I misread your signals. Was it my imagination that you seemed to want me as much as I want you?"

  "You didn't misread anything.” She hung her head, embarrassed.

  "Hey.” He touched her chin again, lifting her face to meet his. “I know it seems fast, but we might not have a lot of time here, Kelsie. I want to make love with you."

  "I don't know.” She wanted it too, but quickie, one-night stands weren't usually her style.

  "Have you ever been with a guy?” He mistook her hesitancy for something else. It made her laugh.

  "Yeah. Jason Rutledge, star quarterback for the McPherson Bulldogs football team, after the Homecoming game. I let him score, and he went for the extra two points. It was a pretty great first time."

  Tom laughed. “Was that your only time?"

  "No. There've been a few others. I've never been with someone I just met hours before. And never with someone I probably won't see again. That's what has me uneasy."

  "It's spring break! Weren't you prepared to go to Florida and have a little fun?"

  "Um, yeah, with my cousin at Disney World. We're going to spend a couple days at Daytona Beach, but mostly we have a Mickey Mouse vacation planned.” She gazed around the crowded airport. “Or we did have, anyway."

  He squeezed her shoulders. “We can still salvage this vacation. You may miss a couple days at the happiest place on earth, but I'll bet I can make you pretty happy right here. I know a few things that Mr. Toad doesn't about wild rides."

  Kelsie slapped his chest playfully. “You're nuts. I can't believe I cuddled with you all night long."

  "Wait until you see what I have in mind for later.” He raised his eyebrows up and down.

  She grinned and shoved him away. “Sleep. All I can think about is getting some decent sleep. Maybe some coffee and something to eat."

  "I need to use the john first.” He stood, offering his hand and pulling her up.

  "Go ahead, I can wait."

  "Thank you.” He took off for the bathroom and she glanced around. People were beginning to wake up, but no one was manning the ticket counter yet. Maybe they had time to eat before checking on their flights.

  Tom returned and Kelsie grabbed her backpack, heading to the bathroom. She used the toilet then washed up, splashing water on her face and brushing her teeth. She looked and felt like hell, but it couldn't be helped. Sleeping, sitting up in an airport, did that to a person.

  Tom waited for her outside in the lobby, and they returned to the restaurant for toast and coffee. When they'd finished, they strolled back to the ticket counter and waited for it to open. He looked around nervously, seeming to scope the place out.

  "That security guard was right,” she commented. “There are a lot of people patrolling here."

  "Sure are,” he replied, continuing to look around.

  The clerk appeared and the ticket counter opened. Tom was first in line, and asked about their flights.

  "The airport is still closed,” the clerk told him. “Until the snow stops, we can't give you any information on when you'll be leaving."

  "So we have to sit here and wait?” he asked incredulously. “We spent the whole damn night here, and we're no closer to leaving then we were yesterday."

  "I'm exhausted,” Kelsie tugged at his arm. “Can we find somewhere to sit?"

  "One minute,” he told her, and turned back to the c
lerk. “What happens when the airport reopens? Do our flights have priority over scheduled flights for today?"

  The woman got a funny look on her face. “Actually, sir, they don't. We'll run the flights as they were scheduled today, and try to rebook all of yesterday's passengers on them somewhere. It might take a while to catch up."

  He spoke slowly and firmly. “So you're telling me, when the airport reopens, we still have to sit around, waiting until you can rebook us on another flight?"

  "We'll get to you as quickly as we can, sir. Some people on today's scheduled flights won't show up, so we'll fill their seats. People who went to hotels will be accommodated when they return. Those people sitting here waiting usually get the first seats out."

  "So we could leave, and when we come back, you'll find us flights?"

  "Yes sir. We don't even know when the airport will reopen at this point. We hope it'll be today.” She shrugged.

  Tom looked at Kelsie, and caught her mid-yawn. He turned back to the clerk. “We're exhausted. Sleeping on your floor isn't as great as we thought it would be. What are the chances of finding us a hotel room?"

  "Probably pretty good. Lots of folks will check out this morning."

  "Can you try, please?"

  "Certainly. One room?"

  He glanced at Kelsie again, then nodded to the clerk. “Yes. One room will be fine."

  "Give me a few minutes. I'll let you know when I've got something."

  "Thank you.” He took Kelsie's arm and led her to a couple chairs.

  "I don't know,” she said, yawning again. “You heard the lady. The people sitting here will be the first ones out when the airport reopens again. I think we should stay and hope to catch a flight."

  He clasped her arm. “I heard her. Did you hear her say previously scheduled flights today take priority, and they'll try to squeeze us in? We could be sitting here another fucking twenty-four hours, Kelsie. I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like much fun to me. If we can get a room, we can shower and get some sleep. This'll be much easier to take if we're fresh and rested."

  She looked at him. Was he pushing so hard because that's how he really felt, or was he just trying to get her alone in a hotel room? Probably a little of both.

  She was so tired, she wasn't sure what to think. Looking into his sultry dark eyes, she smiled. She wouldn't mind being alone in a hotel room with him. “Okay,” she agreed. “Let's do it."

  Tom nodded, and the clerk called him over, saying she found a room for them. A shuttle would be outside in ten minutes to take them to the hotel. “Thank you,” he told the woman, and returned the pillows and blankets. He helped Kelsie gather their bags, and they walked toward the appointed exit.

  She noticed he continued to glance around, and finally had to comment on it. “Are you looking for someone?” His drunken friends were no doubt still sleeping wherever they spent the night.

  "No, of course not."

  "You seem nervous."

  "Just exhausted. I dozed, but never really slept. That coffee didn't do much to wake me up, either."

  "I hear you,” she agreed, and decided to let it drop. She was beat, too, and prone to paranoia when over-tired, thanks to her nervous mother.

  The shuttle was late, but it was obvious the road conditions were horrible. “Should we be going out in this weather?” she wondered aloud. Tom pulled her close to him in their seat.

  "The hotel is close. These busses have good traction. Give him a few minutes, and we'll be able to relax in our own room."

  She nodded nervously, and said a silent prayer to a god she wasn't that familiar with. But when she was scared, it felt like the thing to do. She knew it couldn't hurt.

  With or without divine intervention, they arrived at the hotel in one piece. Tom tipped the driver generously, and carried the bags off the shuttle. Kelsie followed, relieved to finally be at a hotel.

  They were admitted and given the key card to room two-twenty. The elevator ride was short, and she felt the nerves tingling in her stomach as they approached the room door. What would happen when they got inside? Would he be on top of her immediately? She'd talked herself into believing this was what she wanted, but now she was having doubts.

  Maybe Tom was right. It was spring break, what harm could a little fling do? She was on the pill, and would insist he used a condom. She'd take every precaution. But she'd have a little fun, too.

  He opened the door allowing her to enter first. One queen size bed filled the room, with a couple dressers, a TV, two chairs and a small table. There was a small closet and a large bathroom, with a shower.

  "Ah!” He tossed the bags on the table and kicked his shoes off. “Finally, we can let go of the luggage. My hands were starting to cramp up."

  "I know what you mean.” She watched him pace around the room.

  "Would it be rude if I called dibs on the shower?” He smiled at her hopefully. “I'm dying to get cleaned up. I promise to save you some hot water."

  "Oh, sure. Go ahead.” She dropped into a chair and leaning forward, untied her shoes.

  Tom pulled some clothes from his bag and headed to the bathroom. He stopped on his way to double check that the room door was locked.

  Kelsie watched him, tossing her shoes to the corner. She tugged at her socks and sent them flying. Leaning back in the chair, she grabbed the remote control and surfed channels on the TV. A few channels carried old reruns, one home shopping network, and the rest were focused on the weather. Radar indicated a wide band of snow yet to come. How long could it keep snowing, for Pete's sake?

  A special bulletin broke into the weather report, and Kelsie punched the volume button up. “A van transporting convicts from court back to prison crashed yesterday, killing the driver and the two guards on impact. One inmate was also pronounced dead on arrival, but three others escaped. Two were apprehended late last night, but one man remains at large in the Denver area."

  Tom stepped to the TV and changed the channel. “Isn't there anything more cheerful on? Here we go, Leave it to Beaver.” He turned and smiled at her.

  Kelsie's heart skipped a beat. He looked sexier than ever wearing blue boxers and a yellow t-shirt. His skin glistened from the shower and his short hair stood on end, wet and spiked.

  She stood to face him, running a finger over the black tribal tattoo that circled his left bicep. “This is cool."

  "Yeah.” He chuckled. “The shower's all yours. There seems to be plenty of hot water. Take your time."

  "Thanks.” She looked at him for a moment, then went to her suitcase and pulled out some comfortable shorts, panties and a t-shirt. As Tom climbed on the bed, she strolled into the bathroom.

  The hot water soothed her knotted muscles. She was so tired that she hadn't bothered to pull out her shampoo. Fortunately, the hotel provided small bottles.

  Out of the shower, Kelsie towel dried her hair and smoothed complimentary lotion over her skin. She wasn't sure what would happen when she left the bathroom, but she was prepared for anything. She dressed in the clean clothes she'd brought with her, and debated wearing a bra. Finally deciding against it, she pulled the soft pink t-shirt down over her full breasts, realizing how see-through it was. It looked pretty hot, actually. She rubbed her nipples through the fabric to make them stand out.

  Tom left his pile of clothes on the bathroom floor, but she took hers back out with her. She shoved them in the corner of her suitcase, and turned to the bed. He lay flat on his back, snoring softly, the TV remote in his hand.

  Kelsie smiled. She needn't have been so worried about what would happen. Sleep was apparently the first thing on the agenda, and she couldn't disagree. She was exhausted.

  She removed the remote from his hand without him moving a muscle. Shutting off the TV and closing the curtains to block out the daylight, Kelsie climbed into the large bed next to Tom. He looked peaceful in slumber, she stared at his handsome face until her eyes closed of their own volition.

  When she woke, the room was even darker. She realized it must be evening again. Glancing at Tom, she found him wide-awake and staring at her.

  "Hello,” he said quietly, and smiled.

  "Hey.” She blinked a couple times, trying to wake up.

  "We were tired."

  "Yeah. You were snoring when I got out of the shower."