Page 5 of Turbulent Fires

A moment of silence spreads between us as our eyes lock together, the cabin humming around us. I’m certainly playing with fire, but I’ve done it before, all without getting burned. I ignore the voice in the back of my mind telling me this isn’t a normal man I can walk all over. This man has more than confidence; he has power, and it’s the sort that’s been earned, not taken.

“I think you owe me a date after this flight ends,” he tells me, taking his gaze away long enough to glance down at his ruined pants. I chuckle. I do appreciate a person using what’s at his disposal to get his way. It’s clever even if it won’t work on me.

“As incredibly charming as you are, Mr. Young, I won’t be joining you when our flight ends. I’m far too busy.”

His eyes show a brief glint of disappointment, but his confidence isn’t shaken. He might not be used to being turned down, but he’s also a man who doesn’t give up easily. I’ve surprised him but, unfortunately, I’ve also motivated him. Some men like a challenge even if that’s not what I’m trying to throw out to him.

“We still have time for me to change your mind,” he says.

“Nope,” I tell him, my smile not faltering.

His smile grows as he leans back, his gaze not leaving mine. “You certainly intrigue me, Ms. Beach.”

“Just because you’re not used to being turned down, don’t look at this like a challenge,” I warn.

“Women don’t have a reason to turn me down, so, of course, I’m intrigued,” he counters.

My grin grows. “Consider this a free piece of advice,” I say. “A little humility is good for the soul.”

His laughter is genuine as the warm sound washes through me. “You’re truly enjoyable, Audrey.”

“I know. I’m the life of the party,” I tell him. There’s no doubt I’m confident. I like who I am, and I’m surrounded by incredible people in my life. I do have bad days, though, as we all do. Today isn’t one of them.

We’re interrupted by the flight attendant, who brings us food and refreshed drinks, which I’m grateful for. Neither of us eats much of the food, but we continue our conversation as we down our drinks. I feel even lighter as we chat.

Before I realize how much time has passed, the plane begins its descent, making the people around us start to shuffle items around. I start gathering my possessions so I can make a quick exit from the plane. I don’t mind traveling, but I’m always more than ready to stretch my legs when we land. I don’t like being cooped up for too long... even while next to a sexy stranger, though that does help the time pass quickly.

We touch down, and Wolf catches my gaze again, his eyes intense. “Are you sure I can’t persuade you to join me for dinner?”

We travel closer to the terminal as I smile at him. “I never accept a first date offer,” I tell him. It’s true. It’s always been my test for men. If I intimidate them so much that they run away with their heads bowed at my rejection, they aren’t someone worth giving my time to.

Wolf doesn’t look at all fazed as he grins. “What you’re telling me is I have a chance.”

I laugh. The plane stops, and I grab my bag and stand, grateful I’m in the aisle seat. I hear the door open. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” I tell him with a wink and walk away before he has a chance to gather his items. I quickly walk up the jet bridge as other passengers move behind me. I don’t look back. I don’t want to know if he’s following me. I don’t want to give him the chance to charm me further. I’m too tempted to cave.

It doesn’t take long to get lost in the crowd of traveling passengers in the busy terminal, my heart beating a bit too hard. A part of me thinks this isn’t over, although I don’t see how we’ll possibly run into each other again. I’m a little disappointed, but I assure myself this feeling will pass.

Just because I’ve been intrigued by a man for the first time in forever doesn’t mean it’ll lead to anything. This was merely a fun experience on a flight that might give me a few good dreams. So it was well worth it, spilled wine and all.

Chapter Two

Wolf

The woman is gone before I can even blink. One moment, I’m trying to figure out my next move as the incredibly intriguing Audrey Beach gives me a dose of sass, and the next, she disappears. Damn, I’ve never been as infatuated as I feel right in this moment. The woman is all fire and flirtation with a killer smile to top it off. But then, as if I’ve just woken from a great dream I wasn’t in any way ready to leave, she’s swallowed up by a crowd of hurried people.

That gorgeous, long, blonde hair, incredible posture, and confident strut are gone. I stand where I am, unsure of what to do next. There are very few times I don’t have the next ten steps already planned out. But at this moment, I’m standing outside the jetway, trying not to look like a fool, as I scan the massive crowds in the busy Orlando airport.

I’ve only known this woman for a few hours, yet it was enough to make a permanent impression on me. Her magnetic tug shifted me off my feet, and my internal compass is now firmly pointing in her direction. She not only turned me down... but she clearly meant it. Me. She turnedmedown. What’s even stranger... I like it. I grin at the thought. Not only do I like it... I love it. This woman needs to be chased, and I do love a good race.

“I’m beside myself I’m so shocked.” A familiar voice makes me turn, my grin not faltering the slightest. It’s Monica, one of my favorite flight attendants, who got to witness my humiliation in real time. Monica is in her mid-thirties, sharp as hell, and has worked my flights more times than I can count. She’s earned the right to mock me.

“Okay, get it out,” I tell her with a chuckle.

She flutters her eyelashes, making me roll my eyes. “Our very own Captain Young just crashed and burned,” she says, drawing out each word with far too much delight as she uses hand motions to really bring it home. “It was glorious to behold and something all of us agree should happen a little more often to tame that huge ego of yours.”

I can’t help but laugh again. “It wasn’t exactly a crash,” I assure her.

“Really?” she asks, arching a perfectly manicured eyebrow. “From what I saw, it looked like a full-on tailspin with zero chance of recovery.”

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