All The Pretty Lights (The "A" List #1) Read Free

to do that when I’m trying to think my way out of a tough situation. “Hmm. I didn’t realize they were flying together.” I remember the loving looks they shared and even through I don’t know them, I’m happy to hear they’re on their honeymoon. Just because I think marriage is an archaic institution bound to fail, it doesn’t mean everyone else does. It’s not that I don’t believe in love, I’ve just never experienced the kind of thing I saw between the newlyweds outside in the waiting area.
    Kara begins to move, attempting to leave. “Wait. Could I give them my seat and then purchase another seat so they’ll be next to each other? Is there an empty seat in first class available?”
    I mean, how much could a first class ticket cost, anyway?
    Kara looks vaguely annoyed that I stopped her from leaving. “There’s one available first class ticket left.”
    “Sold!” I reply a little too loudly for some of the other passengers nearby. I’m gifted one or two nasty scowls in return. Lowering my voice, I ask. “How much will it cost?”
    Kara suddenly looks smug when answering. “Nineteen hundred dollars.”
    I lose my breath. Nineteen. Hundred. Dollars. That’s one month’s rent for me, and equal to the balance of my checking account. The disappointment is tightly wound through my voice. “Oh…”
    Sitting back in my chair I feel a wave of disappointment wash over me. Kara turns to leave for a second time.
    “I’m sorry, is there something wrong with your ticket?” The handsomely dressed, sunglass-wearing man to my side asks, having witnessed the scene unfold.
    Resting my head on my hand with my elbow propped up on the armrest that separates our seats, I shake my head. “No. I was trying to give my ticket to a soldier who’s waiting with coach, but he needs two tickets. I can’t afford the extra ticket, so it looks like I can’t make the switch.”
    I can’t even manage to do this correctly.
    Several small metal clicking sounds signal that he’s finally taking off those absurd sunglasses. I mean, who wears sunglasses like that, hmm? Who does he think he is? Brad Pitt?
    “Why would you give a perfect stranger your ticket?” He’s curious. I can sense his body shifting to sit closer.
    He’s nosy.
    “Do I need a reason? He certainly didn’t, whoever he is, when he signed up to protect our country. The least I could do is let him have a comfortable seat to say thanks. It doesn’t matter now though. It’s not going to happen.” I rub my temple to relieve the stress.
    “We’ll see about that.” The man stands and follows Kara out. 
    What’s that supposed to mean? “ We’ll see about that .” I watch his body as it walks away, his powerful gait marching further and further away until it disappears through the door.
    Who is this guy, with his delicious cologne, his nosy questions, and his arrogance?
    My recent behavior has earned me a fresh round of condescending eye rolls from Miss Plastic Surgery over there.
    Within two minutes I see the brown leather shoes land directly in front of me as I hang my head in defeat.
    “Let’s go, Speedy,” he holds his hand out to me.
    I eye it, but don’t take it. My eyes snake up the sleeve, following the muscular arm to those rock solid shoulders before settling on his gorgeous face no longer hidden by those silly sunglasses.
    Holy. Fucking. Shit.
    I know who he is. Hell, everyone knows who he is.
    Colton Webb.
    Sparkle magazine’s sexiest man alive. Multi-millionaire blockbuster actor, and object of every warm-blooded woman’s fantasies.
    “Ex—excuse me?” I just spoke with Colton Webb. Colton Webb is speaking to me . How is this happening?
    “This lounge is for first class passengers only.” His phrase is vague. I look around as we’re now the center of attention.
    “And? I still don’t understand.” I feel a dozen or so pairs of eyes boring into me. My neck begins to feel warm.
    He gives up on me taking his hand, and instead,