Reagan felt her face flush. Sometimes she wished she wasn’t a redhead because her fair skin did nothing to hide embarrassment.
“Betting erupted following several bets on your father killing Carter tonight. Word is they came to blows. There was also a sharp uptick in engagement bets,” Poppy whispered the inside information as she topped off the sweet tea. Carter hadn’t told her any of that. When she’d asked about how it went with her father, Carter had said they’d come to an understanding and that everything was good.
“Gossiping, I see,” Carter said with a grin as he placed both hands on Reagan’s shoulders and bent to kiss her cheek.
“We’re not gossiping, we’re catching up,” Sydney said haughtily.
“Until you went and kissed Reagan in the middle of the café. That’ll be gossiped about all night,” Piper teased, though it was the truth.
“Then it’s a good thing you don’t know what I have planned for the rest of the night.” Carter winked at them and Reagan smacked his hand that rested on her shoulder.
“I have these great oils,” Aniyah started but Piper cut her off.
“I don’t want my cousin to catch fire, Aniyah.” Piper looked over at them and though she smiled, Reagan saw it wasn’t a full smile. “We’ll let you get to your dinner. Remember what I said about Nikki.”
“Why don’t you call her?” Reagan asked as Carter waved goodbye to the women and headed over to a tableful of his friends to say hi.
“I’ve thought about it, but I have a lot going on at the lab right now. I’m heading to Rahmi to visit the international lab in a month or two and then to Washington, D.C. I could be gone months. I don’t know when I would be able to see the little guy.”
“Piper,” Reagan said, reaching across the table and grabbing her hand. “Is everything okay?”
Piper flashed a smile, but Reagan knew her so well she knew it was fake. “Everything is great. I just have something I’m working on, and it’s distracting me. I haven’t said it yet, but I’m happy for you. Carter is a wonderful man and the two of you are perfect together. So perfect I’m putting a bet on it. But, now I need to get back to the lab. I’ll see y’all tomorrow.”
“Not me,” Reagan said, standing to hug Piper. “I fly out first thing in the morning.”
“Then we’ll get together when you get home.” With a smile that held a little grimace, Piper walked out of the café.
“She needs to get laid, bless her heart,” Aniyah said as she made the sign of the cross and offered up her prayer to the heavens.
“Ready for dinner?” Carter asked as he slipped his arm around her waist.
“Starving.” Reagan ignored the way Aniyah snorted as if she knew that the reason Reagan was so hungry was because she’d just had hot shower sex.
Reagan placed her order with Poppy and when they finally had a moment alone, she leaned forward. “So, what really happened with my dad?”
“We came to an understanding. We’re good. Don’t worry. About tomorrow, what time do we need to leave the house?” Carter asked, changing the subject.
“Five in the morning. Daniel is copiloting, so it’ll be a little different from the last time we flew together.”
“I haven’t flown in the new plane. I’m excited. Do I get my very own stall?” Carter teased.
Reagan laughed and shook her head. “There’s a small seat behind mine. You can sit there for takeoff and landing or you can sit in one of the passenger seats in the main part of the plane. Then we’ll be in Ocala for six hours before flying back here.”
“And Daniel can fly the plane if I want to steal you away for a roll in the hay? Literally.”
Reagan laughed and shook her head. “We are not joining the mile-high club with Mrs. Bristol on the plane. But, yes, he can fly the plane. There’s an autopilot too.”
Poppy came with their BLT sandwiches, and before long, they were wrapped up in their own world as they talked about their day and upcoming events they could now go to as a couple. The patrons of the café were placing bets and people were coming and going, but all they saw were each other.
13
It was still dark out when Carter and Reagan arrived at the airport in Lexington. Reagan had an office next to her hangar and the light was already on in the office when they parked next to the building. Carter saw a man walking around the plane with a clipboard and a flashlight as the exterior lights from the building illuminated the plane.
“Is that Daniel?” Carter asked as Reagan looked up from the paperwork in her hands. She wore her official dress of black slacks and a royal blue blouse with her company logo embroidered on it and gold captain’s bars on the shoulders and sleeves.
“No, that’s Stewart, the flight engineer,” she told him as she slipped the paperwork into her satchel. “He’s doing the preflight check. We don’t want the horse waiting long, so we get everything ready beforehand. Daniel is the copilot and will be here soon. And that’s Paul, the flight mechanic,” Reagan said, pointing to a man in jeans and a T-shirt who was walking up the portable flight stairs carrying a bag and a sweatshirt. Reagan opened the passenger door and Carter followed into her office.
“Why is the plane running?” Carter asked when the door closed.
“To run the air conditioner and allow all the system checks to be done.” Reagan paused in front of the main desk. “Jane, do you remember my boyfriend, Carter Ashton?” Reagan asked the woman sitting at the large L-shaped desk in the middle of the rectangular room. There was a door on the back left wall that led to the attached mechanics’ garage and storage area, and then an open doorway in the back right of the room that led into the small galley kitchen. The office was not fancy by any means. The floor resembled any school cafeteria and the office could be described as “cramped college dorm room chic.” Behind Jane’s desk was a second desk that belonged to Reagan and a couple of chairs propped against the walls.
Jane smiled kindly. She was the mother of three teenage boys, and Carter always thought she had such a peaceful and calm look on her face. No matter what work threw at her, it couldn’t be worse than living with three teenage boys.
“I do. But I didn’t know he was your boyfriend. It’s so nice to see you again, Mr. Ashton.” She held out her hand and Carter shook it. Jane was about fifteen years older than Carter with blonde hair cut short, no nail polish, and barely any makeup. She didn’t need it. She looked like the cute girl next door.
“Please, call me Carter. Did Reagan tell you I’m hopping the flight with her?”
“That’s wonderful, but I’ll need—”
“Here you go,” Reagan said, passing her all the paperwork for the flight.
“Then you’re all set,” Jane said with a smile as she sat back down and entered the flight information into the computer. “Mrs. Bristol and Miss Mambo will be here in thirty minutes. Diego is checking the stalls, Paul has checked the plane and is loading up, and Daniel is working his way through the first part of his checklist. As soon as Mrs. Bristol arrives, we’ll be set to go.”
Carter watched as Reagan moved about the office with purpose, getting everything ready for the return flight. The door opened and the man Carter assumed was the copilot came in. He was in his fifties and from what Carter remembered, he had taken up flying as a second career after being a horse trainer for most of his life.
Daniel, with his salt-and-pepper mustache, looked questioningly at Carter before recognition hit. Even though they hadn’t met, Carter was talked about in the news and at the track quite a bit. It wasn’t something he enjoyed, but most people recognized him or at least his name.
“You’re Carter Ashton,” the older gentleman said, holding out his hand. “Daniel Stillwater. It’s nice to meet you. Are you flying a horse with us?”
Carter smiled as he shook the older man’s strong hand. “I’m flying with you, but it’s because I know Mrs. Bristol and Reagan.”
“They’re dating,” Jane put in without looking up from her keyboard.
The man’s bushy eyebrows rose. “You’re dating Mrs. Bristol?”
Carter laughed and Reagan turned red. “No, I’m dating your boss.”
Daniel looked back and forth between Carter and Reagan. “Good luck, son. I hope you know what you’re getting into.”
Daniel laughed as Reagan swatted his arm. “How’s the plane looking?” she asked as Stewart came in.
“I finished the pre-check,” he said, handing the clipboard to her. “Everything looks good.”
The door opened again and Diego and Paul stepped inside, giving each other crap about some woman they met at dinner the night before. They gave Carter a nod in greeting before turning to Reagan. “The hay is set up in the stalls. I also put in some treats and some oats in case any of the horses need a little spoiling,” Diego told her.
“Excellent.” Reagan looked at her watch. “Mrs. Bristol should be here in twenty-five minutes. In the meantime, I bought breakfast.” Reagan handed out a three bags of fast food breakfast they picked up on the way to the airport. “We’ll load Miss Mambo, who is a sweet girl, and be on our way. Mrs. Bristol is an old friend of Carter’s. I met her yesterday. She won’t be a problem flyer.”
“Problem flyer?” Carter asked and the group groaned.
“We had one who yelled at Jane because we weren’t serving meals on the plane,” Reagan told him.
“Don’t forget that man who didn’t like the smell of horse crap,” Diego added. “He tried to get Reagan to land thirty minutes into a two-hour flight.”
“For horse crap?” Carter asked disbelievingly.
“He was from Wall Street. He owned a share of a horse and thought he’d make a big grand entrance at The Louisville Airport. The horse was a Derby favorite and the news channels were going to be there,” Reagan explained as they headed to the kitchen for breakfast. Ah, Carter knew exactly who they were talking about. If karma were real, then hopefully this man would fall into a pile of crap three feet deep.
“I’ll try to behave, but I can’t promise it,” Carter teased as he kept his eyes locked on Reagan’s. He loved turning her red, and it wasn’t only from embarrassment. He grinned at the memory of last night.
Carter poured a cup of coffee and watched the coworkers talk and laugh as they all ate breakfast. They teased and joked as if they were their own little family. This was Reagan’s life away from him, and he was glad she had a group of friends to make it enjoyable.
“Hello?”
Some thirty minutes later, Carter stepped out of the kitchen and saw Mrs. Bristol standing in the doorway. “Hi, Mrs. Bristol,” he said warmly before introducing her to the Keeneston Air team. Diego and Paul said hello on their way out the door to get the ramps set up before Mrs. Bristol could ask what Carter was doing there. “I had some time and thought it would be nice to tag along with my girlfriend. Of course, it would also give us time to talk.”
“Talk about what?”
Carter was surprised to hear the deep voice behind him. He plastered on a smile and turned to shake hands with Mick. “Mick, I wasn’t expecting you. Mrs. Bristol and I have a lot to catch up on. I was going to tell her my sister is pregnant.”
Mrs. Bristol’s look of worry fled as she clasped her hands to her chest with glee. “Sienna is going to have a baby! I bet your parents are over the moon. I can’t wait to hear all about it. But, darling,“ she said, turning to Mick. “What are you doing here? I thought you were going to head over to Keeneland.”
Mick stepped around Carter and kissed Suzanne on the lips. Carter heard Jane shuffle uncomfortably behind him as Mick made a point of his PDA. He was making sure everyone knew where he stood with Suzanne. “I am. But it’s right across the street, and I didn’t kiss you goodbye this morning,” he said, smiling lovingly at her. So much so that Carter wondered if Mick even realized that Miss Mambo was worth next to nothing. After all, it was Sam Basques who had the reputation for lying and cheating. Maybe Mick was an innocent caught up in Sam’s scam too. “I have to kiss my other girl too,” he winked as the group followed him outside to where Diego already had Miss Mambo hooked up and ready to be walked aboard.
Mick leaned over the railing Diego had set up and handed the sweet horse a sugar cube. “I’m going to miss my ladies,” he smiled sadly at Carter. “It’s silly, isn’t it? But it just doesn’t feel right when Suzanne and Miss Mambo aren’t with me.”
Carter shook his head. “No, it doesn’t sound silly. In fact, that’s why I’m going with Reagan on this trip.”
Mick looked surprised as Diego led Miss Mambo over the gateway and up the ramp into the plane via the large door on the side. “I didn’t know you were going. I tried to move my meeting but couldn’t.”
“What meeting do you have?” Carter asked as Daniel and Reagan began to board the plane.
“My business partner, Sam Basques, has me meeting with BBN Farms. They are interested in purchasing Night Keeper for stud,” Mick told Carter as they walked toward where Jane and Mrs. Bristol stood talking at the bottom of the airplane steps.
“How long have you known Sam?” Carter had a sinking suspicion Mick was being duped by his business partner.
“Two years. So far we’ve worked well together.” Mick turned and held out his hand. “Take care of my girls. I look forward to seeing that filly of yours.” Mick stopped and looked over at Suzanne. “Screw it. I’m coming with you all. I’m going to move my appointment for a couple of days from now. I won’t take no for an answer this time. Well, I guess they won’t have a choice since I won’t show up. If they want Night Keeper bad enough, they’ll give me a couple days.”
Carter nodded his head. He hadn’t wanted to, but he kind of liked Mick. “Just tell them you’re flying with me. They’re good friends of mine.” Carter was going to say more, but his phone rang. “I’ll see you on board,” he told Mick as he answered the phone. “Ryan, hey.”
“Can you talk now?”
“Not really. I’m about to get on a plane with Reagan. But I’ll be back tonight and we’ll talk.”
“Sorry I couldn’t talk earlier. I just wrapped up a case. I know it’s early, but I’m on my way home and thought I’d call. It’ll help me not fall asleep as I drive.”
Carter saw Mick kissing Suzanne before wrapping an arm around her and walking up the steps together as Mick carried a bag in his other hand. “It’s okay. I’m gathering information. Mick Connors is in business with a Sam Basques. Either both are bilking Suzanne Bristol, or just Sam is. Anyway, I’ll learn more on my flight and talk to you tonight.”
“I’ll run the names and see what I can find in the meantime. After I check on Sienna and get some sleep, that is. Safe flight.” Ryan hung up and Carter pocketed his phone before hurrying up the stairs.
Paul closed the door and locked it as Reagan, Daniel, and Stewart worked together to get the plane ready for takeoff. Carter decided not to bother them so he closed the door to the cockpit and walked around the metal wall between the entrance to the plane and the horse stalls to where Suzanne and Mick stood. Normally people sat in the back of the plane where twelve seats were located for takeoff and landing. But there were three seats up front attached to the metal divider facing the cockpit door that Carter would call jump seats. On the other side were the first three stalls, one currently holding Miss Mambo. Everyone was petting the horse, but Mrs. Bristol turned to him as the plane began to move. “Where should we sit?”
“There are three seats right up here. It’s a tight fit to get to the seats in the back,” Carter told them. The aisle to the back of the plane was a small space between the stalls and the wall of the airplane, probably no more than a foot wide with a low ceiling.
The three moved to the jump seats facing the closed cockpit door and took their seats. Mick sat on the far side, holding one of Suzanne’s hands. Carter took the seat on the other side of Suzanne. Suzanne reached over and grabbed Carter’s hand. With a sad look in her eyes, she squeezed it. “Thank you for being such a good friend, Cart
er.”
As the plane taxied down the runway, Diego took a seat in the back of the plane with Paul. “That’s what friends are for, Mrs. Bristol.”
“Don’t you think you can call me Suzanne? I’ve known you your whole life,” she said, finally smiling.
“Which is exactly why you will always be Mrs. Bristol to me.” Carter laughed as the plane picked up speed. The nose lifted off the ground, and then they were airborne.
14
So far the flight had gone smoothly. Miss Mambo was the best passenger Reagan had ever flown. But now they were cruising over the mountains as they flew out of Kentucky and into Tennessee. Reagan handed over the controls to Daniel and unbuckled herself from the captain’s chair.
She slid behind Stewart, who was sitting facing his wall of buttons and controls, and opened the cockpit door. Stepping out into the body of the plane, she found Carter, Mick, and Mrs. Bristol on the other side of the metal divider talking as Diego stood in front of Miss Mambo lovingly scratching her behind the ears. Paul was standing next to him as they continued their discussion of the very memorable woman from last night.
“We should be in Ocala in an hour and fifteen minutes. We’ve just flown by Knoxville and are settling in over the Appalachian Mountains.” Reagan grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler and held it out to Mrs. Bristol, who shook her head, but Mick took it from her with a kind smile.
“It’s so cold up here,” Mick commented as he opened the bottle.
“The horses like to feel the air on them. They also like it cooler. Lucky for you, we’re only flying your horse so we can keep it at a balmy sixty-two. When this place is full, it’s kept at fifty-seven degrees with vents at full blast. It’s why Diego and Paul have sweatshirts with them. I have blankets if you need them,” Reagan offered, but Mick shook his head, indicating he was fine.
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