Chapter 1
“Please fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, we’re beginning to land.” Doreen’s high pitched, peppy voice rang out over the speakers, pulling me out of my slumber and making me jump.
“Have a nice nap?” Zane asked from beside me and I gave him a nod.
“Yes…You’re quite a comfy pillow,” I replied as I re adjusted my seat belt.
“Well, I have to say that’s the first time I’ve been told that,” he said as he ran his fingers lightly through my light blonde hair to untangle it.
“Thanks,” I said as I bent over to give him a kiss on the cheek. Before my lips even touched his skin someone behind us broke into a coughing fit, I sighed and leaned back into my seat. “You okay mom?” I called back and I heard Sierra trying to hold back her laughter, unsuccessfully.
“Oh yes dear, I’m fine,” she replied, a smug tone to her voice.
“Sorry,” I whispered to Zane and he let out a quiet chuckle.
“It’s fine Summer, I’m just glad to have you alive and well,” he replied and I looked up at his brilliant blue eyes.
“Oh yeah? Well I’m just happy to have you, period,” I challenged and he flashed me one of his blindingly white smiles.
“But you always had me,” he said as leaned in and gave the tip of my nose a quick kiss.
“Aw aren’t you two just so adorable?” Stephanie called from across the aisle way, “Quick Lance, toss me that paper bag, I think I’m going to hurl!” Lance pretended to be deeply concerned as he tossed her the bag and she pretended to vomit into it.
“Oh stop!” Sierra said as she reached forward and ripped the bag out of Stephanie’s small hands. “They are cute and you know it!” she insisted as she gave me a wink.
“Oh yes, I agree,” my mom chimed in, “I think they’re quite
an adorable couple.” I blushed a deep pink as my friends all burst out into laughter and I pulled out a magazine to hide the embarrassment on my face. Really mom?
I thought sarcastically, Why don’t you just team up with Stephanie and you can both make fun of me together?
I slumped forward in my chair and Zane put a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“Don’t worry, she’s just kidding around,” he whispered as he pulled the magazine down so that I was looking into those beautiful blue eyes that I love so much.
“I know, I just forgot what it was like to live with my mom,” I whispered back and he let a soft chuckle escape his lips.
“Alright ladies and gentlemen, your flight has now landed. Welcome to Venice, Italy.” Doreen’s loud, high pitched voice rang out over the speakers and I let out a squeal of excitement.
“We’re actually here!” I whisper screamed to Zane and he gave me a big smile, one that showed off his adorable dimples.
“Excited?” he asked and I gave him an eager nod.
“You bet I am! This is actually the first time I’ve left the U.S.,” I said with a big smile as he got up and took our luggage from one of the male attendants.
“Well it’s bound to be an adventure,” Zane replied as he tossed one of my bags over his shoulder.
“Want me to help?” I asked and he shook his head.
“It’s okay, I’ve got it.” I smiled proudly as my mother gave me a wink and smile.