Page 116 of Reckless Harmony

“I can’t believe they let us load the plane with twenty-seven dogs,” she said in a hushed voice.

Stark grinned at her. “I told you, when you’re rich, they let you do what you want.”

“Apparently,” she said before peering out the window of the plane. A flight attendant was waiting for them when they arrived at the plane, but the pilot and copilot hadn’t arrived yet.

She studied the gray and cloudy skies. “I hope the weather holds out.”

“It will,” Stark said confidently. “There’s supposed to be a big storm hitting New Cassel, but that won’t happen until tomorrow morning. We’ll be landed and back home in Harmony Falls by tonight.”

The flight attendant joined them. “Mr. Stark, would you like something to drink?”

“Just water, thank you, Henry,” Stark said.

“And yourself, Ms. Abrams?”

“Water is great. Thank you,” she said.

“Of course. We’ll also be serving snacks during the flight. A cheese and cracker plate with cheeses imported from France.”

“Looking forward to it. Thank you, Henry,” Stark said.

The man retreated to the back of the cabin, where a small kitchen was located, complete with better quality appliances than Rayna had in her kitchen.

“I’ve never had French cheese before,” she whispered.

Stark bent and pressed a lingering kiss against her mouth. “You’ll love it.”

Someone cleared their throat behind them, and they turned to see a woman and a man, both wearing pilot uniforms, standing in front of the cockpit. The man nodded to Stark before slipping inside the cockpit, but the woman stayed where she was, her green eyes assessing Stark coolly.

Stark’s body stiff, he said, “Captain Malek, nice of you to finally join us.”

Rayna gasped, her eyes flying wide as the woman’s gaze turned frosty. “Stark. There’s a line, and you’re grazing it.”

They stared each other down. Rayna immediately had visions of her, Stark, and twenty-seven dogs being left on the tarmac. She was trying her best not to hyperventilate when a smile cracked the pilot’s face. Stark began to chuckle, and Rayna watched in astonishment as he and the pilot embraced.

“It’s good to see you again, Amanda,” Stark said.

“You as well,” she said.

Stark put his hand against Rayna’s lower back and ushered her forward. “Rayna Abrams, meet Captain Amanda Malek. She’s an old friend from high school.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Captain,” Rayna said.

“Please, call me Amanda.” She peered past Stark, staring at the carriers. “So, you’re a dog guy now, Stark? Because I heard a rumour that you have cats living at your house.”

“You need to stop texting with my mother, Amanda,” Stark said, but Rayna could hear the amusement in his voice.

“How else am I supposed to keep tabs on you?” she asked.

He rolled his eyes, and she grinned before glancing at her watch. “All right, let’s get these dogs to New York.”

She joined the copilot in the cockpit, and Stark and Rayna took their seats. She buckled her seat belt and placed the bottle of water Henry handed to her in the cup holder. Her nerves were singing high soprano, and she listened carefully as Henry went over the safety instructions. He finished and took his seat at the front of the plane as the engines began to power up. She stared out the window, anticipation and nerves swirling in her belly.

“You okay?” Stark took her hand and squeezed it gently.

“Yes.” She fidgeted in her seat before blurting, “This is my first plane ride.”

He blinked at her. “Seriously?”

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