Out of The Box Awakening Read Online Free

choice and thank you for flying United Airlines.”
    Okay—adrenaline kicks in and I am in high anxiety. Will Alan be there to meet me?
    As I grab my things and depart the plane, I suddenly feel the need for a glass of wine and a cigarette. Yes, my only vice in times of stress. As I make my way off the plane into the lobby, I look for Alan. I quickly switch on my phone and realize I have four text messages and seven missed calls. Damn! They are all from Alan. I stop to read his texts.
    “Hey babe stuck in L.A.—was supposed to be back at three, but the contract negotiations are keeping me an extra day. Ash will be at the airport to pick you up. He will be holding up a sign with your name on it. So sorry babe. Don’t be pissed. Will make it up to you, I promise. Love you, and can’t wait to see your beautiful face”
    Well, great, just great! Okay—I look around the lobby. I’m supposed to be looking for a guy holding up a sign with my name on it. I probably look like a blooming idiot looking around the room for this mystery man. God I just hate situations like this. Of all days, why-oh-why today?
    Just then, I see him: a tall, gray-haired, well-built and extremely handsome man in a pair of jeans and an untucked black button-down shirt, holding up a sign. I wave, and he scurries over to help me with my carryon things. He smiles, looks into my eyes and I feel my face flush. Oh.My.God! I just died and went to heaven!
    “Hey there Olivia! Welcome to Chi town. I guess you know by now that Alan got delayed, but I promised him I would get you home safe and sound. Oh, and here—I got you a coffee. I know you must be hungry, but this will tide you over until we can figure things out. By the way, I’m Ash, Ash Harper”
    I know I am blushing to the max, but I have to compose myself. Deep breath, Olivia! “Hello Ash—thanks so much for picking me up—I really could have grabbed a cab. I just turned on my phone and saw all of the texts and missed calls from Alan. I wasn’t expecting he wouldn’t be here.”
    “Let’s go get your bags and we’ll get going,” Ash puts his hand in the small of my back to lead me to the baggage area, which raises goose bumps. We head down the escalator to baggage claim and finally get my bags. I’m at a total loss for words. I really don’t feel like talking. I am tired, pissed, and need a glass of wine badly. A cigarette would be nice too. I must give him credit though; he’s trying really hard to make this easy on me.
    “So, are you hungry? Want to stop on the way home, or would you just prefer to head to the house? We can make you something to eat and you could probably use a glass of wine, huh?”
    “Actually, I would kill for a glass of wine right now, thanks”.
    We walk out of the terminal to his SUV, a really nice white Range Rover.
    “I brought the bigger vehicle—wasn’t sure how much luggage you would have. This belonged to my wife and I kept it after she passed away.”
    “Wow! It’s beautiful!” I am at a loss for words. What do you talk about with someone you don’t know, when you are hungry, dog tired—oh, and did I mention pissed?
    “We should be at the house within forty minutes,” Ash tells me. As we head into the city, I realize just how beautiful Chicago is at night. The lights are stunning. The city looks magical. I begin to relax and my anger subsides. Why stress over this? I’m here, now, and that’s all that matters.
    “Do you mind if I put on some music?” Ash asks.
    “Oh absolutely not that would be great! I love music. What kinds of music do you listen to?”
    “I like all kinds of music: jazz, classical, classic rock, alternative—you name it. I don’t listen to much country music though. Since you’re from Texas you will have to introduce and enlighten me.”
    “Count on it.” I’m feeling more relaxed and am enjoying the music. Coldplay’s “Green Eyes” is playing. It’s a mellow song and this car has an incredible sound system.