Natalie groaned inwardly and fought to remain calm. Her sex life was really none of Tammy's business, and she had no right to judge a relationship she didn't know anything about. "Tammy, how would you know whether or not I kept Greg happy in the bedroom?"
"It's pretty obvious. Why did he dump you for that bimbo?"
"I dumped him, remember? She probably filled in for me while I was away. His needs were greater than mine, I suppose."
"You're finding excuses for him now."
"Tammy, it takes two to tango. I was gone a lot, and Greg was possessive and jealous. He was convinced that I was having affairs during my short stays in other countries. I think he paid me back by going out with the bimbo."
"So? Does that mean you're considering taking him back? You could always find a job on the ground if your being away was part of the problem in your relationship."
"I don't know. We've been together a long time."
Tammy sent Natalie a smirk as she left the galley.
Natalie gazed after the stewardess and frowned. What am I thinking of? I don't want him back after what he's done, and I don't want to work on the ground. I've given up on finding true love, so I might as well resign myself to staying alone. On that thought she glanced into a nearby vanity mirror, smoothed a few stray hairs back into the tight bun nestled in the nape of her neck, refreshed her lipstick and returned to the cabin to tend the first class passengers.
While she collected the empty trays she avoided looking at Jamieson. She could feel his eyes following her every move, and the more she tried to ignore it, the more awkward and clumsy she felt. During her safety spiel, her eyes had automatically skimmed over the passengers without seeing any of their faces. It was a routine that came to her now as easy as sleeping and eating. Now, she tried to remember the man who had made the absurd proposal and wondered about him.
She was busy in the galley when a buzzer went off. She glanced at the board and frowned when she noticed that it was Ryan Jamieson. With a sigh, she entered the cabin and headed for the man who, through his absurdness, had stirred her curiosity.
"Yes, Sir? Can I get you something?" she asked while she kept her eyes on a fixed point above his head.
He had a deep, vibrant voice. When he spoke, it was almost as if it contained a caress, and shivers ran down her spine. His voice sparked hidden feelings, something she'd not felt in a long time.
"Natalie Dubois, what a lovely name. Very unusual, too. Where does the Dubois come from?"
Nervously she fingered the telltale nametag. "My great-grandfather was French." The white lie emerged easily. It was none of his business that it was her ex-husband's name. "What can I get you, Sir?" This time she could not help but meet his eyes. They were brown and dotted with small golden flecks. Right now, they seemed filled with amusement at her discomfort. His hair was not gray as she'd thought, but silver at the temples and above his brow. The rest was black and pulled back into a ponytail. It was hard to guess his age, but she figured him to be in his early forties.
"Nothing. I just wanted to talk to you and hear your voice again." An amused smile played on his well-formed lips.
Natalie attempted a smile. "Thank you, Sir, but I'm really busy and--"
"I don't see a ring on those pretty fingers. I was serious when I asked you to marry me. I need a wife."
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