Chapter Five
I continued to watch the group of boys as they quieted down and settled themselves amongst the rows of seats, focusing themselves around the two older boys. It seemed that they were, for whatever reason, the leaders or figureheads of their little group. What were they, a boy scouting group? A college elective class of some sort? Including the leaders there were… nine altogether.
They were such an eclectic group with varying looks and styles. Dark hair, light hair, short and long- even one with multi-colored hair (he was the one who had shouted before). They ranged in heights from tall to even taller and everywhere in between. Body types ranged from heavily muscled and giant, like North and the boy he sat beside to, to lean but athletic. Not a pudgy or overweight boy in the bunch. It was impressive. Very impressive. Two of them had glasses, looking a little Clark Kent-ish- nerdy but still athletic and gorgeous. Something about them shouted leadership. It was in the way they sat and talked, and observed the group around them. Responsibility ran deep in their blood.
Happy-go-lucky jokesters to burly, surly and serious, this group had them all. Several were the 'boys next door' type- sweet, strait laced, clean cut and amazingly gorgeous. North was the obvious bad boy of the group and strong and silent was the one sitting next to him. The one with multi-colored hair (chin length brown hair with two strips dyed blonde in front) had more of a 'punk' look. Each ear was pierced, and his right ear had three hoops on top, and each hand held several rings. His shirt was an awesome bright orange. He looked like fun. Blonde hair, brown hair, reddish-brown and near black. My eyes continued to rove over the group, drinking in their easy camaraderie and steadfast friendship. This group had been close for many years, and had experienced many things together- both good and bad. Theirs was a bond that couldn't be broken by anything other than their choice alone.
North peeked up and caught me staring. I was mortified to have been discovered, and blood rushed to my cheeks. North just smirked and winked at me, returning to his conversation as if nothing had happened. Not wanting that to happen again, I decided I should try to eat my lunch and just mind my own business- it wasn't an easy thing to do. Constantly, I found my eyes wandering toward that charismatic group without my permission.
"Attention ladies and gentleman, may I please have your attention. We are sorry to report that flight 677 to Jacksonville, Florida will be delayed this morning. A mechanical malfunction was discovered during the safety check." The group of boys groaned, and I nibbled on my bottom lip to try and hide my grin. The attendant continued, "The airline does apologize and we are doing everything we can to get this flight back on track as promptly, and safely as possible. Please come to the desk if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your understanding." Mumbled complaints and sounds of irritation and frustration continued to make their way from my (my?) group of boys. It was actually quite adorable how they appeared so eager for their trip.
Mr. B had gotten up after the announcement to talk with the attendant. He had been the only one. It was odd how empty the gate was. Just me and my boys… I smirked at that thought. I hadn't even spoken to them and I was possessive already. I wonder what I would feel if I actually had the opportunity to get to know them? I didn't even want to humor that thought because I wanted to know them, desperately. But when was that going to happen? When we hit Jacksonville, they would continue on their way and where would I be? Other than alone, I still didn't know.
Suddenly depressed, I set down my sandwich and curled into a ball, while sitting on the seat. I wrapped myself up in an effort to provide some sort of comfort. It wasn't working. I struggled not to cry but a traitor tear escaped without my consent. Was I doomed to spend the rest of my life utterly and hopelessly alone?
"Hey." A deep baritone interrupted my turbulent thoughts. I felt the bench dip a little at my right with his added weight. "Are you ok?" My head jerked up with his question. I knew it was North before I looked. I would recognize that voice anywhere, but I was surprised that he cared enough to come over and ask. Why would I even matter? I nodded my head again… I felt like a broken record around him but North just smirked and said, "Good." I think he was poking fun at me but I wasn't one hundred percent sure. I smiled thinking that he might feel comfortable enough to tease me. "There, that's what I wanted to see." My gaze slid to his. "Beautiful, just beautiful." North whispered the words as he traced my cheek with his finger. I noticed that his group of friends had gone quiet and I turned from North to look over and see what had happened. Apparently they were curious about North approaching me because when my eyes fell onto his group, each and every one of them were watching the two of us. My face heated in embarrassment, again… always again. North chuckled next to me. "Don't worry, they're just jealous that I made it over here first." My head snapped back to stare at him in incredulity. "True story, sweetheart." I let out a rather un-lady like sound with his confession. Unexpectedly, North stood up and reached his hand down to me. "Come on, Beautiful. Come sit with us. We're gonna' be here awhile."
Their chatter was drowned out with our approach. As I stood there waiting for a clue as what to do, my finger made its way to worry my bottom lip. Were they expecting me to say something? If they were, we would be here for a long time. That was way out of my comfort zone. North cleared his throat, I wasn't really sure why. They were all looking at us, he had their attention.
"Guys, this is…" He stopped crossed his arms over his broad chest and looked at me, raising an eyebrow. North couldn't tell them who I was because I'd never given him my name. Strange, it felt like North knew so much about me that my name would have had to been included in that vital information. Gently, North put his left hand on my lower back, encouraging me to introduce myself.
Oh crap. I hope I didn't wet myself. Nine unbelievably gorgeous… let's just be honest here… men were all looking at me as if I had the answers to the universe. It seemed like they were collectively holding their breath, waiting for my answer. Clearing my throat, I gathered my wits and squeaked out, "Hi, my name's Sang." I even managed to include a dorky little wave. Nice one, Sang. If any of them were handing out cool points, yours just all got taken away. Grrr! Why was I so awkward?!
A chorus of 'Hellos' and 'Hi Sangs" rang out amongst the group. Their exuberance caused me to blush. A nervous giggle made escaped my lips, and several of the boys started to giggle too. "Oy! Sang. Come sit over here, by me." The boy with all the piercings tapped the empty seat next to him. I looked up at North and he smiled at me, telling me without words to go ahead. North set my bag down as I made my way through the obstacle of bags, backpacks and the occasional body. Hesitantly, I sat down and smiled at… whoever he was. "Hey, Sang. I'm Gabriel, and the only name or person you need to worry about out of the bunch." His smile was angelic and right away I knew we could be the best of friends if given the opportunity. Several voices protested playfully.
"No way, Sang. Don't listen to him. He doesn't know what he's talking about." Mr. Abercrombie model was laughing as he countered while karate-chopping Gabriel in the head. Gabriel just laughed good-naturedly, obviously used to this type of banter.
"Sang's a smart girl. She'll figure it out all on her own. Won't you sweetheart?" Gabriel reached his left arm out and wrapped it around my shoulder, squeezing me into his side. He smelled divine. When I looked at him, Gabriel's bright blue eyes were shinning mischievously, like he knew something that I didn't. Shyly I returned his smile with one of my own and I was rewarded with a wink of his gorgeous blue eyes.
"Whatever, you ass." Mr. Abercrombie reached around Gabriel's right side and held his hand out to me. "Hi, Sang. I'm Lucian, but all my friends call me Luke. You should, too." I leaned forward to shake his hand, but Luke had other plans. When our palms met, he turned my hand and brought it to his lips, placing a sweet kiss on my knuckles. It was the first time that I could remember anyone had ever kissed me… aside from my own father when I was a little girl, that is. He wiggled his eyebrows at me to lighten the mood, making me giggle again. Luke had nearly shoulder length blonde hair, and pale skin. Model-like high cheekbones, striking brown eyes and a strong chin.- why wasn't his face on the cover of a magazine somewhere? After Luke, the introductions continued around the circle.
Nathan, the All-American had reddish-brown hair that was cut short. His voice was deep and soothing. Serious blue eyes stared into mine and I just knew he saw things in me that I wasn't ready to reveal. Nathan had an angled chin and a strong jaw. His shoulders were broad and his muscles prominent. He definitely worked hard for those and it showed. He radiated power and strength but I could see there was a soft side to him. Something he would give to the right person.
On Nathan's right was Victor. Something about him seemed familiar, but I wasn't quite sure what it was. He was very clean cut, very boy next door. His wide, brown eyes held a fire within them, speaking of his passion and spirit. Victor was quiet, but contemplative… calculating. His soft brown hair was wavy and nearly reached the nape of his neck. Victor's face was angular, and beautiful. I wanted to touch his soft lips. He watched me as I observed him, rubbing his chin with his long, lean fingers. The next boy spoke up before I could feel embarrassed once again.
The seat next to Victor was piled with bags, and across the aisle from that seat (the farthest seat away from mine) was Dakota, or Kota as he was asked me to call him. Kota was Clark Kent number one. Black rimmed glasses framed his emerald green eyes. Thin, but strong eyebrows and light brown hair that barely reached the tips of his ears. Fair skin, high cheekbones and a smooth, masculine voice. These boys were trying to kill me, I was sure of it. Gorgeous… every single one of them. Kota seemed to be the one the younger boys deferred to. He wasn't quite the boss of the group, but close. Kota's cool confidence and commanding presence told me that he was used to telling people what to do and expected them to listen when he did.
Mr. B, was next, or Mr. Owen Blackbourne rather. All the boys called him Mr. Blackbourne, or Mr. B and I found that the formal address suited him. Black rimmed glasses similar to Kota's said that Mr. B was that he was the second Clark Kent of the group, but something told me that he was actually the number one guy around here. Mr. Blackbourne was the leader of this eclectic little group. He said jump and they asked how hi. It was something in his calm assurance; he held himself in a way that told me he knew no failure. Owen had steel gray eyes; they were watchful and missed nothing. Smooth pale skin, soft brown hair that was cut attractively short. His strong, angular face was the thing statues were modeled after. His demeanor had been all business, but when he introduced himself, the corner of his lips raised up a millimeter in a smile that threatened to bring me to my knees. I knew that my goal would be to see him smile again, and I would do anything possible to make it happen.
Next to Mr. Blackbourne, and a seat closer to my own, was Dr. Sean Green- the other college age boy, er- man. The 'Doctor' title completely threw me off. He was so young to hold a doctorate and I figured that it must be in something like English or Art. No way could he be an actual heart surgeon or someone like that… it didn't seem right, or possible. Sean had sandy brown blonde hair that fell in gentle curls to the middle of his ear. His green eyes were dazzling in nature and spoke volumes of the kind-hearted, fun-loving person that lay beneath. His heart shape faced was angelic. He radiated care and kindness and all things good. Like all the others, he was very fit and the clothing he wore did nothing to hide his tapered shoulders and trim, but fit body. What was in the water these boys drank!?
Another seat piled with bags, and then there was Silas sitting kitty-corner in the chair from mine. I didn't think it was possible, but Silas was even bigger than North. Seriously, he was huge. His deep black hair, dark soulful eyes, thick, dark brows, thick lips and olive skin would have told me that he was of a foreign origin, if his accent hadn't. I was thinking somewhere European… Mediterranean perhaps, but I wasn't completely sure. Silas had a firm, square jaw, broad shoulders and was built solidly of muscle that screamed raw power. He hadn't shaved in a couple of days and that only added to his overall imposing look. It was very appealing. He was quiet and something told me that Silas thought about what he said before he said it. He might not say much, but I wanted to hear what he had to say.
And last but not least, there was North. He smirked as he formally introduced himself and apologized once again for "nearly killing [me] earlier". With the last introduction, I slouched back into my seat. It was kind of intimidating. They were all watching me, waiting for some sort of reaction on my part but I wasn't sure what that was. I just giggled to myself, shook my head a little and looked back at them, "It's nice to meet you all. Thanks for letting me join you." And that was all it took. Chatter started up again, and I think I just made nine new, amazingly gorgeous friends.
I never wanted to leave this airport.