Red Hot Train Ride

"Do you like reading?" With the book under her hand, the answer seemed obvious, but I was raised to avoid silent traveling at all costs.
While people of all ages left the cities for the inviting coastline, I had found the rattling train going upcountry almost empty. Some well-meaning railway official had placed us both in the same cabin. Another early lesson - follow orders - made me stay and keep her company.
"Oh, I love to read," her melodic mezzo-soprano voice announced.
Realizing the luggage rack above her was empty, I wondered, "Where are you going?"
Tapping her index finger on the open book page, my sight got caught on what was on display. As the contours unfolded before my eyes, heat poured into me. Was it the late afternoon sun soaking our legs, the failing AC or her traveling gaze stopping at every station my body offered? Finally, her eyes moved to the reservation display above me.
Running over a switch, the train made us both jump in our seats when she said, "Your place, I guess."