Page 61 of Red Wine and Roses

“That I met someone special. That you’re amazing.”

Piper couldn’t hide her smile. “Well, if you could also tell her that I’m a size eight, that would be awesome.” She rolled away from him and got out of bed. “I need to get moving if you want me to get you everywhere you need to go today.”

He came and closed his arms around her when she got out of the shower. “Don’t worry. I won’t hold you up. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

“I am. This is all a little weird, but I’m good.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “Are you?”

“I’m great. What do you mean?”

She shrugged. “Is it weird for you to have the chick that you’re sleeping with thrust into your real life?”

He tightened his arms around her. “You’re not just the chick I’m sleeping with. You’re my girlfriend. And yes, if I’m honest, it is a bit weird, but I like it.”

She smiled. “So do I.”

~ ~ ~

Cameron looked across at Piper as she brought the plane down. “Damn, there’s something so sexy about watching you fly.”

She smiled through pursed lips as she taxied the plane off the runway and toward the hangar. “Thanks.”

“No, thank you! I’m loving this.”

“Me too. Am I going to the right hangar?”

“Yep. Mary Ellen said she’d meet us there. She has everything I need and clothes and toiletries for you, too.” He wondered how he would feel if the roles were reversed. What would he think of Piper’s friend going shopping for him? He was pretty sure he wouldn’t like it too much. He just hoped that she and Mary Ellen would take to each other in the few minutes they’d have.

It was weird to have Piper open the door and let the steps down for him. He was used to Gene doing it, but she was his girlfriend—he should be getting the door for her. She stood back to let him go first. “Thanks.” He wanted to kiss her, to reassure her—and himself—but the hangar door opened, and Mary Ellen stood there waving at them. “Come on. Let me introduce you.”

He didn’t get a chance to make the introductions. Mary Ellen beat him to it. “Hi! It’s so nice to meet you, Piper! I’m Mary Ellen, his long-suffering assistant.” She held out her hand.

Piper shook it. “Nice to meet you.”

“Thanks so much for saving the day. I’ve been prepping everything for this Phoenix meeting for the last few weeks. You’re not just saving Cameron’s ass; you’re saving mine, too.”

Piper smiled. “I’m glad I can help.”

“Oh, and I hope I did okay with returning the favor.” Mary Ellen held up a large shopping bag.

“Thanks.”

“Not a problem. Shall we go and see how I did?” Mary Ellen thrust a bag at Cameron. “This should be everything you need.”

He had to laugh at the look on Piper’s face. “Don’t worry, this is how she always treats me.”

Piper laughed. “Good to know.” She smiled at Mary Ellen. “Let’s go and see what you brought, and while we’re at it, perhaps you can give me some tips on how to handle him.”

Mary Ellen gave him an evil grin. “I’d be more than happy to.”

Cameron groaned, but it was just for effect. He was happy to think of the two of them ganging up against him. Mary Ellen had a heart of gold, and he knew it would help Piper feel more at ease.

He looked through the bag Mary Ellen had brought for him. He wasn’t worried about getting changed yet. He could do that on the plane once they were closer to Phoenix. He was more interested in reading through the files and preparing for the meeting. He’d planned to go over everything last night.

When he came back out, Mary Ellen was sitting in the reception area, but Piper was nowhere to be seen.

“She’s doing her flight planning.”

He nodded. Of course she was. He didn’t normally see Gene at all before a flight until it was time to go. He had to remember she was in the middle of doing her job, and he should be doing the same. He went to sit down with Mary Ellen.

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