by Kat London
Table of Contents
Title
Copyright
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
EPILOGUE
You can make a big difference!
Exclusive Content
Also by Kat
About the Author
Contents
Title
Copyright
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
EPILOGUE
You can make a big difference!
Exclusive Content
Also by Kat
About the Author
GETTING AIR (A Three Sisters Story, #3)
Kat London
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2017 by Kat London
www.katlondondauthor.com
GETTING AIR
by Kat London
All rights reserved.
Published by Kat London Books.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.
ONE
Every morning I walked through the door at Three Sisters the door dinged about me. Every morning I walked into the office, straightened out the pamphlets, and tidied up whatever things the cleaning staff left askew.
I liked order.
Wait. Scratch that. I demanded order.
I stopped in front of the coffee machine, like I did every morning, and clicked the brew button. The hiss of the machine filled the quiet office. Coffee wasn’t my drink of choice—in my opinion, it killed you. I was a smoothie kind of girl—I know—groan. Call it the mountain-life wearing off on me—all those organic yuppies in their Birkenstocks and wool socks filling the aisle at the local natural foods market. Yep, that was me. Well, I still had enough common sense to go barefoot in my sandals, but I would admit that there was a pair of Birks in my closet.
The door dinged behind me followed by a rowdy bunch of men’s voices. I glanced over my shoulder in curiosity. Those definitely weren’t the voices of my two coworkers, Blake and Cher. I took a deep breath before plastering on my best customer service smile and turned to greet the group of eight.
“Hey there, boys.” I tossed my long platinum blonde hair over my shoulder. Bleaching my hair to blend in the whites was my way of holding onto my youth. “How can I help you?”
Their eyes scanned my body, trailing from my low cut tank top down to my short shirt. There was a built-in pair of shorts underneath it, but they didn’t know that. From the looks on their faces, they were picturing me commando. The outfits were my idea—a way to draw in more business. I didn’t get a promotion just because of my good looks.
A preppy brunette stepped forward, leaning against the long front counter that separated me from them and their testosterone filled bodies. Definitely tourists. “I can think of a lot of ways you can help me.” He paused as the rest of the guys snickered like a bunch of teenage boys. “But today we’re looking for a pilot.”
“Really,” I said, sashaying to the opposite side of the counter as I took on my work role. I leaned forward to match his gaze, emphasizing my cleavage as my breasts rested on the countertop. “What do you need a pilot for?”
He cleared his throat, looking surprised at my forwardness. “We need to get to the top of a mountain so we can get some pictures.”
“Oh,” I teased. “So you’re all a bunch of photographers?”
He blushed. “Nah. We’re bankers by day and amateur photographers on the side.”
“Well I’m sorry to tell you boys,” I said pushing myself away from the counter. “But I don’t fly groups this size. You’ll have to go to the municipal airport and see if they have any private pilots available.”
“Bet they won’t be as hot as you,” someone piped up from the back.
I let a slow smile sneak across my lips before replying. “Then I guess you’ll have to come back sometime when you want a one-on-one flight.”
The boys groaned as they filed out of the shop. When the door finally closed behind the last of them, I let out a sigh. I was tired of playing the same role every day. But seriously—I only had myself to blame. I was the one who came up with the flirt-for-business idea.
It’s been ten years since I started working at Three Sisters Adventures. Ten years of working my way up the ladder into my supervisor position. Currently, I worked with two subordinates, Blake and Cher. They reminded me a little of myself in my early twenties—innocent and doe-eyed. And I was almost ten years older than them when I started. But I wasn’t in my twenties anymore.
This week I was turning forty.
I returned to the coffee machine, staring out the window at the peaks of the mountains. We had a long love affair, me and those peaks. I’d overtaken every single one of them. Here at Three Sisters, everyone had a specialty. Blake handled water tours, while Cher handled hikes up the mountainside.
My specialty was much more—flying. Born and bred a military girl, I learned to fly from my dad—a fighter jet pilot. When I was little he took me out for flights, and as I got older he let me take the wheel until I was finally flying on my own. Now I flew the rich to the mountain tops where they felt like they too had overcome the great mountains of the Canadian Rockies. That was me—helping others live out their dreams.
Ten years. Wow. I can’t deny that I saw myself doing something more with my life by the time I was forty. I had started training for commercial airline flights, and though I knew it would take me years to get the hours I needed in, I was determined not to give up.
But now was not the time to dwell. Blake and Cher would be here any moment. I returned to my desk, sinking myself into the pile of paperwork involving bookings and licenses, and as if on cue, the girls arrived.
“Do you really think it could be tonight?” Blake asked as she passed the front counter. “I mean it’s only been six months. Is that crazy?”
“Ohmygosh, no!” Cher squealed from behind her.
“What are you two talking about?” I asked.
Cher beelined for the coffee machine while Blake stopped at my desk. “Cher thinks that Darian might propose tonight. He’s driving down for a late supper.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Propose, as in marriage.”
“Yes, marriage, Ali.” Cher rolled her eyes as she poured a large cup of coffee. “What do you think it’s a business proposal?”
I ignored her and focused on Blake. “You’re right,” I said. “It is crazy.”
Blake frowned, and Cher burst out laughing. “Sheesh, Ali. You’re such a romantic.”
“What?” I said, looking at Cher with disapproval. “She’s young—not even twenty-five yet. She should give herself time to live a little. I mean, who even knows themselves at twenty-five.”
“I’m right here.” Blake’s face wrinkled up as if she was going to cry.
“Blake—” I began. But it was too late; she’d already moved past my desk to the locker room.
Cher frowned at me as she followed after Blake. “Good one, Ali. Tell us what you really think.”
“I’m just trying to protect her,” I called out to no one but myself. Turning back to
my computer to work, I couldn’t help but keep looking toward the locker room after Blake. Yes, I did find it hard to keep my opinion to myself, but sometimes I felt like my younger coworkers needed a little guidance. Blake was asking for opinions, wasn’t she? I slammed my fist on my desk. Dammit. Everyone here has become extra-sensitive since they started getting serious in their relationships.
I grabbed my purse and left the office. There were two things I needed – a brisk fall walk and an organic smoothie from my favorite smoothie stand in Canmore. When I got there I could instantly feel my stress level start to drop—the line was short. Within minutes my favorite kale-mango drink was being blended. I closed my eyes and exhaled a deep breath.
“Kale-mango,” the employee said, putting my drink on the shelf.
“Thanks,” a male voice said at the same time as me. Both our hands reached for the drink, but I got there first.
“Jinx,” he said.
“What?” I turned to him in confusion.
“I said, ‘jinx’,” he repeated. “And I’ll add that you’re holding my drink.”
“This?” I said, holding the smoothie between us, then pulling it back. I took a long sip from the straw not taking my eyes off of his steely greys. “You must be mistaken. It’s definitely mine.”
A smirk lifted the edge of his mouth, revealing a dimple just above where his clean-cut jaw ran square to the edge of his face. It would be cute if I was into that sort of fresh cut, sweetheart, boy next door kind of look. But I wasn’t. I liked my men rough around the edges so they weren’t so damn predictable like city-boy over here. The only things out of place were his expensive shoes. Italian leather stood out in a resort town.
“Well, it’s yours now,” he said. “I’m Josh.” He stuck out a hand, as well manicured as the leather shoes, waiting for me to take it.
I continued to suck my straw, glancing from his face, to his hand, and back again. “Hello, Josh.” I coyly slid my hand into his. His shake was firm and tight, and something fired up in his eyes when I didn’t resist. “So what brings a boy like you to a town like this?”
He held his arms out to his sides. “Isn’t this the place to find adventure?”
I chuckled. “It’s a little quiet here for that. My best advice is to go searching for it in the mountains.”
A limo pulled up next to the smoothie stand, sharply contrasting the quaint street and shops that surrounded it. I leaned in closer to Josh and motioned to the limo. “Maybe this guy can show you where to have some fun.”
“Awe,” Josh said, dropping his voice. “I was hoping you could show me how to have a good time.”
I took another sip of my smoothie before answering. “Sorry, I’ll have to decline. I’m not really into boys.” Then I spun on my heel and slowly walked away.
“Wait,” Josh called out. “I never got your name.”
I held a hand up in the air, waving goodbye as I continued down the street. Before I turned the corner toward the store, I glanced over my shoulder and saw Josh talking to the smoothie worker. Right before he climbed into the limo.
“Yuppie,” I mumbled under my breath. “Shoes never lie.”
TWO
Back in the office, everyone was quieter than normal. This wasn’t how I wanted to start a work week. Ever since my coworkers found love, we stopped having drinks with clients. That had drastically cut my social life down to nil. So I did the only thing that would make things right. I set my smoothie down on my desk and cleared my throat.
“Ladies,” I said, getting both of their attention. “I’m sorry. I’m just in a slump lately and can’t seem to get out of it. I didn’t mean to drag you both down.”
“That’s okay.” Blake offered a smile.
Cher piped up. “I think you need to get laid.”
“Hey!” I threw up my hands. “What do you know about my sex life?”
Blake walked over to my desk. “Honestly? Not a thing.”
“For reals,” Cher added. “I just assumed you didn’t have one.”
“I do,” I said, defensively as both of their brows raised in surprise. “Okay, I did. Ugh, all the boys here are boring.”
“I totally remember that,” Blake said. Cher nodded in agreement.
“Well standing around here doesn’t fix it, so I might as well get back to work.” I dropped into my desk chair and turned to my computer, burying myself in the online booking program, so I didn’t have to see any pity in their eyes. I was a good fifteen years older than them. I did not need their sympathy when it came to my sex life.
The morning slipped by along with the awkwardness of our conversation. I was so busy with paperwork that I didn’t bother to look up with the door dinged.
“Welcome to Three Sisters,” Cher greeted the customer. “What kind of adventure can I help you with today?”
“I’m not sure that you can help me with this request,” a semi-familiar voice floated to my ears. “I’m looking for a guide to come with me on a heli-flight. I was told I could find Ali here?”
My head snapped up at the mention of my name, and I locked eyes with the customer. I knew that voice sounded familiar. It was kale-mango boy. A frown pulled down my lips and pushed my brows together. What was he doing here?
“Josh, isn’t it?” I said, standing from my desk. What brings you here?” I chuckled. “Well we both know it was your stretch-limo, so let me rephrase that. How can I help you?”
His face blushed at the mention of the limo, but he quickly brushed it off and cleared his throat. “A birdie told me that you worked here. I was hoping I could get you to guide me on my flight out this afternoon.”
“That’s pretty short notice.”
“You are the one who recommended I search for adventure in the mountains. And seeing as I am the guy in the limo, I seem to be the best option to show myself a good time—again as per your recommendation. I’m just looking for someone with experience to show a boy like me around these parts.”
I smirked. Touché my young friend. “Of course I’ll join you. It is my job. That’s what I get paid to do. I’m just not sure we can get a flight approved that fast.”
“I’ve already taken care of that,” he said. “We’re taking my chopper. My pilot is waiting for us at the hangar.”
I frowned. “Your pilot? Listen, I pilot my own flights.”
He put both hands up in fake-defense. “I’ll pay the same rate. I just need a seasoned pro like you to guide us.”
“So what? I’ll just be your sightseeing guide?” I couldn’t hide the sharp edge in my voice. Who did he think he was, coming in here and demanding I act like his personal chaperon to the mountains?
“Please,” he said, dropping his lower lip into a pout. “I’ll pay double your wage.”
I paused, biting the inside of my cheek. Double. Hmm. That might just work. I could put it toward more commercial airline training—get myself out of this town to see the world.
“Deal,” I said, jutting out my arm. “But you have to pay it as a tip.”
A wicked grin crossed his lips as he grabbed my hand and gave it a stiff shake. “Deal.”
***
The sky was where I felt most like myself. In control. Away from the rest of the world. Call me a loner, but I loved being as far away from the hustle and bustle of a resort town in the Rockies. There was never a slow season. Outdoor adventures kept Canmore busy all year round.
But today I had to take a backseat. Not my forte.
At the hangar, I made sure to check the flight plan. It was nothing tough, just a quick stop at the Mount Charles Stewart landing site, a common place for weddings, hikers, and others looking for a quick ride to the top. It would be a piece of cake.
I’d swapped my skimpy office uniform to the standard company tour gear. We were allowed to dress much more practical when we left the office. Wouldn’t do to have girls trampling the mountainside in miniskirts and tank tops. I slipped out of my mini-skort into a pair of Three Sisters cargo pants and
threw a wind jacket over my tank top. Yeah, I had to skip underwear (the skorts had them built-in), but I’d survive the four-hour outing without them.
“So,” I said, trying to take my mind of the front of the chopper where I wished I was sitting. “Why Canmore?”
“I have some business here,” Josh said, from the seat across from me. He clasped his hands and started tapping his thumbs together. “Well, a mix of business and pleasure.” The wicked smile returned to his lips.
I turned my attention from his hands to the scenery outside. Below us, the peaks of the Three Sisters peaks approached. Not only the same name of our adventure tour company, which was actually owned by three sisters, but Canmore was also home to an amazing range of mountains with the same name.
“So what’s your business?” I asked, turning back to the cabin. I was being paid to keep Josh company after all. I should show a little interest.
“It’s a little of this, and that,” he said, focusing on his hands. “Some manufacturing. Some retail. Some research.”
I grunted at his ambiguousness. “Sounds like a lot more than this and that. So what—you’ve got a store or something? Obviously, you’re doing well.” I motioned to the chopper.
Josh shrugged. “It takes up a lot of my time, but I did start it from scratch, so I guess it’s like my baby.” He laughed. “I must sound like an idiot.”
“Not at all,” I said, shifting my body toward him. “Tell me what your business is about.”
Josh’s bit his lip before meeting my gaze. “Pleasure. It’s all about personal pleasure.”
I started laughing again. “You make it sound sexual.”
Josh lowered his head, his eyes burning into mine. “It’s exactly that. I’m the CEO of Moore Sex, LLC. A multi-national line of—”
“Sex toys,” I finished, my mouth dropping open. “You guys have everything. Dildos, vibrators, creams, oils, lingerie—”
“Blow up dolls, cock rings, and much more.”