Page 24 of Turbulent Fires

“This is work, not pleasure,” I tell him, trying to convince myself. I don’t believe it, but I’m trying to keep a tiny portion of my sanity in place.

“Why people think work and pleasure can’t mix, I’ll never understand,” he tells me as we take our seats and buckle up, only a few inches of space separating us. This is going to be a very long ride, because it’s taking all I have not to rip off some clothes and climb onto his lap.

Before I can answer, the captain speaks. “Buckle up and get ready for a smooth ride. The skies are clear, and it will take us about five hours to arrive at our destination. If you need anything, just push the button on the wall. Other than that, you have the entire back to yourselves. Enjoy.”

Wolf’s smile grows. “Just you and me,” he says, as he holds up his glass. I chuckle again, but raise my glass and clink it against his. Excitement fills me. Maybe I need to let go and allow whatever is going to happen, happen. It can’t be that bad.

A few minutes into the sky, Wolf hands me an envelope. “This was left on the counter for us,” he says.

“What do the puppet masters have to say?” I ask with a chuckle. He shrugs his shoulders.

“We’re about to find out.” I open the envelope to find a beautifully handwritten note. I read aloud:

Wolf and Audrey,

We’re thrilled you’ve agreed to attend the Summit. We think this year will be our most important gathering yet, and we have a few surprises lined up. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the opening events have been delayed by three days. In the meantime, please enjoy the full amenities of the resort. We’ve arranged for your stay at one of our most private villas right on the beach. Rest, explore, and most importantly of all, enjoy each other’s company. We’ll see you soon.

Joseph and Sherman

I gaze at the paper a second longer than necessary before folding it. “Well, that was nice of them to let us know about the delay before we took off,” I say with a shake of my head.

“They are truly kind men,” Wolf says, seeming quite pleased about this change of plans. His wolfish smile lights his eyes. “We aren’t going to need to sneak off anywhere now.”

“You’re a very dangerous man,” I tell him. I finish my champagne, and he refills my glass. I should turn it down, but it’s really good.

“And you’re dangerously tempting,” he counters.

I roll my eyes at his cheesy line, then reach for the platter of goodies, placing some brie and apple on a buttery cracker. “I’m sure you say the same line to all of your kidnapped dates while jetting off to an island.” I take a bite and sigh in happiness.

He chuckles. “Maybe, but I wouldn’t mean it with anyone other than you.” Damn, this man makes my stomach flutter. I look away and grow very interested in a chocolate-covered strawberry. I might get very fat on this flight, stuffing my face.

“I might have to keep track of all your lines,” I tell him, needing more laughter.

“We could make a blog of the best lines and which ones to stay away from,” he suggests. I laugh again. It’s impossible not to have fun with this man. I’m definitely in serious trouble. The weirdest part is that I’m not worried about it... quite the opposite, in fact.

For the next few hours, we snack and drink, our conversation flowing easily. We argue about the best places in Seattle for coffee, the best foods, where our favorite places to travel are, and who has the craziest family. I’m not sure which of us wins any of the battles. I just know I’m having a great time as the miles disappear faster than ever.

The ride is so smooth we’re able to get up and move around, use the bathroom, and try out different seats in the roomy space. I should take a private jet to every destination I blog, but I think it’s silly to waste so much fuel on personal flights. Once a year isn’t that bad, is it? I hate feeling guilty for what I have, but I’m very conscious that I’m blessed when so many others aren’t. I guess it’s public transport for me, minus some rare exceptions like this one.

“Have you had any close calls as a pilot?” I ask.

“I’ve had a few close calls, but I’m a damn good pilot, so I’ve never been scared,” he assures me.

“You’re incredibly humble too,” I say with as straight a face as I can manage.

“It’s very difficult to be this good and humble too,” he says as if it’s a rough life. This man is keeping my stomach hurting I’m laughing so much.

“I did have to make an emergency landing in Argentina once, but that turned out really well because I ended up dancing all night with a tango instructor. I learned some moves I’d love to show you,” he says with a wink.

“You want to use moves you used on another woman with me?” I say with mock outrage.

“You’ll be shocked to hear I only danced with her until sunrise, then went to bed alone. I love the tango. It’s sexy as hell.”

“I might have to agree with you on that,” I say, not adverse to doing the dance with him. Then again, I’m growing less and less adverse to doing anything with him. The more time I spend with him, the more I want to. I also love that he didn’t sleep with the tango instructor, which is stupid as we didn’t know each other then. Even now, it’s not like we’re a couple. We’re simply... flirting as we contemplate an affair.

“I love an agreeable woman,” he says, trying to get a rise out of me.

“Don’t get used to it around me. It won’t happen too often.”

---