As she prepared to touch down on her third touch and go, Jet said, "Land and pull over off the runway."
She looked a question at him. "What? You need the restroom or something?"
Staring straight ahead, he said, "Yeah, or something."
She pulled off and came to a stop, turning to Jet.
He opened his door and slung his leg out, looking back over his shoulder. "Three touch and goes, then come back and get me. This thing will feel a lot lighter when I get out, so be prepared."
Eve's mouth dropped open. "Wait, you mean I'm soloing?" Giant butterflies battered the walls of her tummy.
He squinted at her. "You ready for this?"
"Kicking you out of the plane? Heck, yeah."
He barked a laugh. "One more thing. Do you have any unusual scars?"
"Uh, why?"
"So we can identify the body if you crash."
Giving his shoulder a shove, she said, "Out!"
Taxiing back to the runway, she was at once exhilarated and terrified because she had no one to answer her questions. But she was flying alone! Her mind whirled with the myriad things she'd learned from Jet over the past weeks, and she feared she wouldn't remember something important when it counted. Lining up on the runway, she shot the throttle forward, feeling the powerful engine respond, and yelling, "Yahoo!" into the silent skies.
She safely performed her touch and goes, gaining confidence with each one. Flying alone was so exciting—so exhilarating. It freed her in a way nothing in her life ever had. Praying silently, she thanked God and Jane Fox for her encouragement to make her dream of being a pilot come true.
On her third touch and go she landed and pulled up alongside Jet, who stood waiting for her just off the runway.
Climbing inside, he offered her his first ever almost-compliment. "Not bad for a girl."
She rolled her eyes. "I think in fighter pilot jargon that means I nailed it."
He shook his head. "I created a monster."
She grinned.
With a deadpan expression, he said, "Take me home, Amelia."
She pulled the plane back under cover and parked.
As Jet climbed out of his seat, he said, "You'll do."
"Thanks, Jet." A warm flush of accomplishment filled her. Finally, a real compliment, and from a man she'd come to respect.
As she took the straps out and tied down the wings, Jet said, "Stop in at the FBO before you leave. I'll be waiting. And hurry up. I'm a busy man."
A little while later, when she walked in, he threw a t-shirt at her. "Put this on. I guessed your size. And bring me the one you're wearing."
She grinned and stared at the walls of the FBO. They were lined with torn t-shirt backs and hers would soon be added to them. Her pulse raced as she strode to the restroom to change. Jet had actually almost smiled. The expression looked good on him. He must have been a handsome devil in his day. The shirt he gave her was big, but that was okay.
When she came back out, Jet handed her a marker and pointed at the wall. "You know what to write."
Laying her gold shirt, backside up, on the table, she printed: Eve Owen, Initial Solo, KF46, Cessna, N8954C, 14 September 2019
Jet took out his knife as she gave her shirt to him. He made a cut, then tore the lettering out of her shirt. Grabbing the staple gun he'd brought from the desk, he tacked it to the barnwood wall.
Moving back, she snapped a picture with her phone, catching Jet before he stepped away, and couldn't remember a prouder moment in her life.
FRIDAY MORNING, AFTER flying again with Jet seated beside her, Eve headed to her office. She was leaning more and more toward going with David's proposal which embodied everything she'd ever hoped for in her business. The number of struggling ranchers she could help would skyrocket. She would impact so many families. Though she hadn't committed yet, David had made an appointment for them with an architect that afternoon to talk about what the building might look like. She'd been thinking about it since he'd set the meeting—what to include and how big it would need to be.
Her text message tone went off as she arrived at the office. Once she settled at her desk, she took out her phone. The text was from Caleb. Though he'd listened to her talk this week about the new direction her business might take, it had been obvious his enthusiasm was forced. She understood why. Anything that kept her in Dallas, kept her far away from him—hurt him—and she didn't know what to do about that. She couldn't hide from the fact that she was deeply in love with Caleb. That ship had sailed. She was trapped between two opposing forces, each invincible. Her work and the life she lived because of it and her love for Caleb were completely at odds. No matter how she looked at it, she couldn't see a happy outcome.
She opened his text:
My PW—Eve.
Loving you and missing you today.
You're my one.
Your PH, Caleb.
She smiled. Her pretend husband. She'd loved that game they'd played.
Dear pretend husband, I'm missing you like my life depended on it. And maybe it does. I don't deserve you, but, being the selfish woman I am, I'm taking your sweet love anyway and cherishing it close to my heart. Your pretend wife, Eve
Hitting send, she picked up her messages, sorting them into clients and other.
A short time later, Tammy knocked on the open door.
Eve glanced up and her assistant held a huge bouquet of what must be several dozen roses in many different colors.
Tammy strode in and set the large vase on Eve's desk. "Read the damn card. I want to know if it's from my future husband."
Eve hooted and grabbed the little envelope and opened it.
Eve, my beloved, I'm getting more desperate, so am sending you three dozen kisses this time. I love you with all my heart and to the depths of my soul. You have a surprise arriving at your office tonight at around six. Please don't leave before it arrives. Text me if you do have to go, and I'll make other arrangements.
Mystified, she handed the card to Tammy, and stood to sniff the blooms. The arrangement was magnificent—the florist was a true artist.
Tammy finished reading and fanned herself. "And you're still here in Dallas why?"
Eve laughed. "He's amazing, isn't he? I wish with everything I am that things were different for us. He keeps telling me that there's an answer, and he's so sure, I can't help but believe him."
An hour and a half later, a knock sounded on her closed door. She said, "Come in," and looked away from the computer.
David walked through, and his eyes immediately went to the flowers. "Are those from West Texas?"
She shook her head in resignation. He refused to say Caleb's name. "His name's Caleb, David, and, yes, they are."
He frowned slightly. "Nice." Sitting in front of her desk, he said, "I figured since I drive past here on the way to the architect's, I'd stop in and give you a ride."
Glancing at the clock, she said, "I guess it is about that time. Give me a minute, and I'll be ready." Grabbing her personal bag, she headed to the restroom to freshen up. Their relationship had changed slightly since David had made his revelation. Tinges of jealousy, like with the flowers, showed up fairly often. That had never happened before. In all fairness, she'd never been in love with another man before, either. Still, it made her uncomfortable.
A few minutes later, she walked back in the office, cleared her desk and locked it, then headed out with her friend.
When David pulled into the parking lot at the architect's firm, it wasn't just some architect, it was one of the premier firms in the city. She turned to him. "Are you sure we really need someone like these guys for a project this small?"
"They've done work for me before, and I trust them. We'll be fine." He parked his black Lexus and got out to open her door. Helping her out of the low-slung sportscar, he said, "Did I tell you how lovely you look today, Eve?" His smile was that of a hungry wolf with the scent of his prey.
She glanced away. "Thanks." So much for being f
riends.
He placed his hand at her back as they walked to the door, and she remembered how that same touch from Caleb had given her goosebumps. Not so with this man.
David went up to the receptionist, and they were shown right in to their meeting. He got the ball rolling but then took a step back, letting her direct the efficient woman in her work. The architect had lots of questions and came up with things for the building that Eve had never thought of. It was an incredibly interesting and exciting experience. By the time the meeting ended, the architect said she had enough to begin some drawings.
David raised his brows and stared at Eve.
Heart pounding, knowing this could be a turning point in her life, she nodded her head.
He dropped her back at the office at four forty-five, giving her a hug and then holding out his hand. "Are we partners now?"
She hesitated. "Not yet, David. I'll pay for the drawings if I decide not to commit."
His face fell. "Come on, Eve. I thought this was a go."
She looked through her window. What was she stalling for? This was everything she wanted. Well, not everything. She wanted Caleb, too, and that was the problem. "Just, don't move forward yet. I'm sorry, David."
He drew his agitated face into a calm mask. "Okay, you know your own mind. I'll call you when the drawings are ready."
Waving bye, she sat down at her desk, admiring her stunning roses. What she'd just told David was crazy. The building would be fabulous—a dream for the business she could build. Her fists clenched. She felt battered between wild waves and a high cliff wall. Either direction held devastation—the death of her dream or the death of her love.
She decided to leave earlier than usual, and then the note from her flowers caught her eye. Her surprise arrived at six. Damn, of all days. After making herself a cup of coffee, she logged into her computer.
Tammy came in to say goodbye.
Sometime later, the outer door to the office opened. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was five after six. This must be her surprise. Smiling in anticipation, she walked out her door.
Chapter Ten
CALEB, HEART POUNDING, strode toward Eve. Would she be angry? She'd said goodbye at the ranch, never expecting to see him again.
Her eyes widened as her jaw dropped—her mouth making an O in shock.
His chest contracted in fear. He'd made a mistake—one he couldn't take back. He slowed.
She said, "Caleb?" then rushed toward him, arms open, smiling.
He nearly lost it. He sucked in a breath and reached for her. "Eve, I needed to see you."
She clutched him, burying her face in his chest. "You smell wonderful. You feel so good. I'm glad you came."
Wrapping her in his arms, all the anxiety, the fear for her reaction, melted away, and he closed his eyes, home at last where he wanted to be.
In a moment, Eve pulled back. "How long can you stay? Wait, is something wrong? How are your parents? Are they here in the hospital?"
He laughed. "No, they're fine. It's only me. I had to come. I was losing my mind, missing you."
"Me, too." Smiling, she led him into her office. "Let me lock up real quick. Look at your flowers. Aren't they gorgeous?"
"Not as beautiful as you are, but, yeah, they're nice." He came up behind her and pulled her to him. "I can't let go of you." Kissing the top of her head, he whispered, "Hurry, Eve."
She laughed softly. "I am, I am." Securing her paperwork, she grabbed her purse just as he drew her into his chest. Slipping her arms around his neck, she demanded, "Kiss me like you mean it."
And he did.
When they came up for air, she grinned. "How about pizza delivery tonight? Let's go home."
"Sounds perfect. Can you text me your address in case we're separated in traffic?"
She locked the office door behind them then texted him as they walked to the parking lot.
At her car, he pulled her into his arms. "Eve, I don't know what I would have done if you weren't happy to see me."
"You're better than any surprise I could have imagined." She drew him down for a kiss. "Don't get lost. I'm counting on having you all to myself tonight."
He grinned, his mind instantly wandering through scenes of their previous nights together. "Right behind you."
Eve lived in a newer, quiet residential neighborhood. She pulled into the garage and Caleb parked in the driveway. When they entered the house, she shoved a bootjack at him. "I usually leave my boots here." When they were both in their socks, they headed through the mudroom and into the kitchen. She asked, "What kind of pizza do you like?"
His suitcase rolled to a stop and he grabbed her hand. "Later. I'm hungry for something else right now." Grinning, he drew her in for long, slow kiss.
When he released her, she said, "My shower actually has room to turn around. What do you say?"
Laughing, he picked her up, swinging her in a circle. "I knew I liked you. Lead the way."
In the bedroom, she pulled a luggage rack from her closet and took his suitcase from him. "You never answered me. How long can you stay?"
He unbuttoned his shirt as she lay his suitcase on the rack, and eyed her beautiful ass. Desire surged through him, hot hungry heat filling his veins, pooling behind the zipper of his jeans. God, he'd missed her. Missed this. "I left my return open. I wasn't sure what was going to happen when I arrived."
She turned and arched a brow at him. "Good, you're all mine. I may never let you leave." She drew her shirt over her head and advanced on him.
Grinning, he dropped his shirt on the floor and ripped his belt out of his Wranglers. "Come here. You're too slow. Let me help you."
He quickly unfastened her bra, dropping it, then unhooked her belt and slid her Wranglers and panties down, taking them off as she stepped out of them. She was as breathtaking as he remembered.
She reached out, stripping his jeans and briefs from him, throwing them to the side. He was hard—ready for her. She clasped him in her hand and stood on her tip toes.
Groaning, he ravaged her mouth with a kiss. "If we're showering, we'd better go now, missy."
She led him to the bathroom and started the water.
He held her hips from behind—clasping her against him—as she fussed with the temperature. They stepped inside together.
The large square shower head was so tall he could stand easily under it, and he did, pulling Eve with him.
She laughed and grabbed a net sponge, filling it with bath gel.
He took it from her. "Me first this time." He lathered her neck and shoulders and then her breasts. Cupping them in his hands, he massaged them gently, her skin slick with soap.
Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes.
He washed her arms and hands, massaging her palms and fingers, then helped her step back a pace in the big tiled shower. Kneeling, he washed her thighs, encouraging her to spread her legs. After scrubbing her calves and feet, he reached for the bath gel and lathered his hands.
Eve watched as he stood and pulled her to him, slipping his hand between her legs.
Her eyes closed.
He found her sensitive spot and touched it with his slippery fingers, rubbing round and round, watching her face as her passion grew.
She tensed and whimpered, opening her eyes. "Caleb." Desire smoldered in her gaze.
He whipped her around and braced her hands on the shower wall.
Moaning, she called his name and tilted her hips toward him, spreading her legs wider.
His cock twitched, and he entered her. She was warm and wet.
She gasped and tightened around him.
Pushing into her, he grasped her hips, growling, pleasure shooting through him.
She shoved her hips at him, and he groaned, plunging into her with abandon. Her body jerked with each pounding thrust.
She cried, "Caleb," and reached back for his hand.
He laced his fingers with hers, holding her hip with his other, fucking her hard and fast. H
e wasn't even trying to hold back. His mind—his body—centered on his cock.
She called, "Caleb! Caleb!" and clutched his fingers as she spasmed around him.
He stiffened and convulsed, a roar of satisfaction on his lips as he pulled out of her, spilling his cum on the shower floor. He hadn't used a condom. Hadn't even thought of it. What had he done?
EVE LEANED INTO THE wall, her thighs tense and shaking, still reeling from Caleb's lovemaking. Her pulse began to slow, and she turned around.
He met her gaze, a worried expression on his face. "I'm sorry, Eve. I didn't protect you."
She chewed her lip. "I know. I just ... I didn't want you to stop. It's my fault, too." Eyes downcast, she took the sponge from the rail and sudsed it well. "Come here. It's your turn." When he was clean, she turned off the shower.
They stepped out and she got them each a towel. He looked so upset, she took his hand and laid it against her cheek. "Look, it's not like we weren't already worrying. Nothing's changed. And, like I said, circumstances make it unlikely that anything will come of it."
He leaned in and kissed her. "I love you, Eve. With all my heart."
She nodded and dried herself, toweling her hair as she walked into the bedroom. When she'd put on a gown and robe, she said, "You never told me what kind of pizza you like."
As he slid a t-shirt over his head, he answered, "I like everything. Surprise me."
Later, as they ate pizza sitting on the couch, he said, "This is nice. There's no pizza delivery at the ranch." He frowned, as if regretting his words.
"I can think of worse things. Besides, you have a cook that makes fabulous food, lucky dog that you are."
He smiled. "I do, don't I?"
"Yep."
Snuggled into his chest, she nibbled on her pizza slice and realized that she was relaxed for the first time since she'd said goodbye to him at the ranch. She brought his fingers to her lips and kissed them.
"What was that for?"
"Because you make me feel wonderful."
The Cowboy's Fate (The Govain Cowboys Book 1) Page 9