A Match Made in Wilde [Wilde, Nevada Beginnings 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Chloe Lang

  When they got next to Greg’s plane, she took it all in. “Beautiful.”

  It was red like Grant’s boat. The seats were also white, again, just like the boat. Twins. In every way.

  “This is my Cessna 152.”

  “Does she have a name?”

  “No, but if you can think of one, we can start calling her that.”

  “Greg, I’ve only been in a plane a few times in my life, and each trip was on a commercial jet. This is so small. It is kind of scary.”

  “You’re going to love it. It’s totally different. Trust me.” Greg opened the door and helped her into the seat. “This is your headset.” He took the cord and plugged it in.

  “I need a headset?”

  “You’ll hear me better with it. Keep it on your lap until I start the engine. Let’s get you settled in, and then I’ll run my check list.”

  She buckled up and watched him walking around the plane with a clipboard. His confidence and attention to detail helped ease her mind. She looked at the controls of the plane. She wondered what all the instruments and dials were for. There were two steering wheels, one in front of both seats. Why two? If he thinks I’m flying this plane like I did the boat, he’s crazy.

  When Greg climbed into the cockpit with her, he continued checking off boxes on his list. Once finished, he turned to her. “Time to put on our headsets. She’s ready to go, Maude. Are you?”

  She nodded, placing the headset over her ears.

  He did the same with his. “Can you hear me?”

  “I can. Coming in loud and clear, sir.” She gave him a quick salute.

  He started the plane’s engine, and the propeller began to spin. “Hang on. Here we go.”

  The plane started rolling, continually picking up speed—faster and faster. She felt the vibration zip through her, and the plane lifted. “Oh my God. We’re in the air.”

  “Are you okay?”

  Even though she was still apprehensive, she nodded. “I just love this.”

  “Look out the window, sweetheart. It’s a million-dollar view.”

  Below she could see the fields of Strong Ranch. As the plane continued climbing, she could see farther and farther. The sky was bluer than she’d ever remembered seeing it before. The rivers and streams looked beautiful. “Do those mountains always have snow at the top in June?”

  “Most years, yes,” Greg said. “When summer temperatures are unusually cool, like they have been this year, the snowcaps don’t recede much at all.”

  She could feel the plane leveling off. “How high up are we, Greg?”

  “Sixty-five hundred feet,” he said. “A little over a mile from the ground. That’s our cruising altitude for this leg of our trip.”

  “Wow.” She shook her head, remembering going up in the Gateway Arch in St. Louis during a high school trip. It was just over six hundred feet tall, less than a tenth of the distance from the ground than they were now. “You said ‘trip.’ Are we going somewhere? I thought this was just a quick sightseeing plane ride.”

  “It’s a surprise.” He yawned. “I’m getting terribly tired. It’s your turn to fly.”

  “Not on your life, and it probably would be.”

  He took his hand off the steering wheel. “Somebody better fly it.”

  “Oh my God, Greg.” She grabbed the one in front of her with both hands and pulled back hard.

  The plane’s nose went up, and they soared high into the clouds.

  “Shit,” she yelled.

  “It’s okay, just push back on the yoke.”

  “What’s a yoke?”

  “What you’re holding.”

  “The steering wheel?”

  He grinned. “Yes.”

  With her heart beating like a hummingbird’s, she nodded and pushed it all the way forward. The plane dove, and she could see the ground headed their way. “Shit. Shit. Shit. What do I do? What do I do now?”

  Greg laughed and grabbed the yoke in front of him. “I’ll help you. Trust me. It’s okay.” He straightened out the plane, explaining how to use the yoke.

  She leaned back in her seat, smiling. “That was some rollercoaster ride. My stomach jumped up to my throat. Don’t you ever scare me like that again.”

  He continued flying the plane. “This is the altimeter.”

  “That clock thingy?”

  He nodded. “Each of these numbers represents one thousand feet. The little hand is for the thousands and the big hand is for the entire dial, which is also a thousand feet. Understand?”

  “I think so. The little hand is between the six and seven and the big hand is on the five. We’re flying at sixty-five hundred feet, right?”

  “You’re a fast learner. Exactly right. That’s where we want to keep it. A pilot watches the altimeter and lightly pulls and pushes on the yoke to keep at that elevation. You can use the yoke to steer the plane. This is the altitude indicator. The blue is the sky and the brown is the ground. The thing floating in the middle represents the plane and our relationship to the horizon. You want to keep it level, right between the sky and ground.”

  “Got it.”

  He demonstrated more about how to fly the plane.

  She felt more at ease. “You’re really good at explaining all of this.”

  “Now, are you ready to try again?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “This is more fun than Grant’s boat, I bet.”

  “You’re not tricking me. I’m too smart for that.”

  “I can see that.” He smiled. “Your turn. Just keep it between the lines.”

  She nodded and grabbed the yoke.

  He removed his hands from his yoke. “She’s all yours.”

  “I’m flying the plane. Oh my God, this is so fun.” She watched the dials, making little corrections whenever needed.

  “Great job, sweetheart.”

  “I had no idea this would be so much fun. How hard is it to get a pilot’s license?”

  “Not hard at all. If you’re serious, I can teach you. I actually have my instructor’s license.”

  “No wonder you’re so good at teaching this stuff. How do you fit it in with your ranching and raising the boys?”

  “I only teach friends and family, sweetheart. And I would love to teach you. You’re definitely a natural. Are you ready for me to take back over?”

  “Yes. Although I love it, I am still a little nervous. Ready to relax and enjoy the view.”

  He took over the controls.

  Fluffy white clouds floated beside them. They talked about many things, but mostly about the boys. Every story he told about them just reinforced to her how much he loved them.

  “Even though biologically Tobias and Seth are my sons and Heath and Nate are Grant’s, to each of us they are all our sons. No difference between any of them in our eyes. Since the accident, we’ve raised all four of them together. When you take care of children—making sure they are fed, getting up with them when they have a sore throat and stuffy nose, even changing dirty diapers—they just become your own. Does any of that make sense?”

  “Every word makes sense, Greg. You’re both wonderful dads. I’ve only been around the boys a little, and I already love them.”

  “I know you do, and they love you, too.” He reached over and squeezed her hand, which sent a spark up her arm.

  She smiled. “Keep your hand on the yoke, mister. I don’t want us crashing.”

  “I promise, we won’t. Actually, see that up ahead? That’s our destination.”

  She saw they were approaching a city. “And what’s its name?”

  “Reno,” he said. “I’m taking you to the best five-star restaurant in the state.”

  “Oh my God. That’s why we’re both dressed up.”

  “Yes, it is. And you look stunning.”

  “So do you, Greg. Very handsome.”

  He landed the plane at a small private airport, which was owned by a friend of his and Grant’s.

  When she stepped out
of the plane, she saw a limo. “Somebody important must be using this airport besides us.”

  Greg put his arm around her. “That limo is for somebody important. It’s for you, sweetheart.”

  “You’re going to spoil me rotten.”

  “That’s the plan. Come on. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

  The driver opened the door for them.

  When they got inside the stretch, she saw that a bottle of white wine and chocolate-covered strawberries were waiting for them. “I feel like a princess.”

  “And the evening is only just starting.” He hit a button, and a screen came up, separating them from the driver, giving them total privacy. He opened the wine and poured them both a glass. “To you, sweetheart. And all the beauty and fun you’ve brought back into my world.”

  She felt her cheeks warm as they clinked their glasses together. “And to you, Greg, for such a wonderful date.”

  He leaned forward and kissed her, making her tingly all over.

  “How long a drive is it to the restaurant?” she asked him, out of breath. “I’d like to freshen up a little bit before we arrive.”

  “There’s plenty of time for that, sweetheart. The airstrip is thirty minutes from the restaurant.” He stole another kiss from her.

  They continued enjoying their wine and the strawberries until they arrived at the restaurant.

  Their driver opened their door. Greg stepped out and offered her his hand. She stood and marveled at the exterior of the restaurant, which reminded her of a garden fit for a palace. In the center was a ten-foot-tall fountain surrounded by exotic flowers.

  “This fountain was imported from a chalet in Italy. It’s believed to grant wishes. Would you like to make a wish?” Greg asked her.

  “Yes. That would be fun. Do you have a coin?”

  “It doesn’t take coins.”

  “Not coins? How do people make their wishes then?”

  “With a kiss. Like this.” He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to her mouth.

  When he finished the kiss, which had taken her breath away, she said, “You kissed me so fast I didn’t make my wish.”

  “We can’t have that. Close your eyes, sweetheart.”

  She smiled and obeyed.

  “Do you have your wish in your mind now?”

  “I do. I’m ready for my kiss.” She pursed her lips.

  “Mr. Strong, how good to see you again,” a male voice with a distinct Italian accent said.

  She opened her eyes and saw an older gentleman with gray hair had come up to them. He wore a black suit and had a kind smile.

  “Giovanni, I’d like you to meet my guest, Miss Maude Kincaid.”

  The man took her hand and kissed it. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, signorina. Welcome to Giovanni’s.” He turned to Greg. “Mr. Strong, everything is ready for you as you requested.”

  “Excellent. Thank you.” Greg offered her his arm, and she took it. The three of them walked to the entrance of the grand restaurant. They passed the red velvet rope, which had a line that wrapped around the building.

  Giovanni’s interior was plush and filled with patrons. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The tables were covered in linen cloths, and the chairs were upholstered in rich, dark fabrics. A musician in a tuxedo sat at a grand piano playing soft music. The staff was dressed in formal attire, and the customers looked like they had stepped off the who’s-who list of the rich and famous.

  “Is that who I think it is?” she whispered and motioned subtly to a table with a movie star who often graced the covers of international magazines.

  “Probably,” Greg whispered back. “Giovanni has quite the clientele. In fact, I know that Sylvester is a regular whenever he is in town. Lots of celebrities are spotted dining here, especially on the weekends.”

  “And apparently you’re also at the top of Giovanni’s list of VIPs.”

  “Dad and Giovanni became friends a long time ago back when he only had his mother’s recipes and big dreams. Grant and I still supply him in beef.”

  Giovanni led them to a private room, set apart from the main dining room.

  A single table with two chairs sat in the center of the space. In the middle of the table was a vase filled with beautiful red roses.

  “Let me introduce you to your staff for the evening,” Giovanni said. As if by magic, five people appeared in the room, three men and two women. “This is Adrian. He is your headwaiter.”

  The man stepped forward. “I look forward to serving you.”

  “This is Isabella, my granddaughter,” Giovanni said with pride. “She will be assisting Adrian. Miguel and Liliana will also be ready to serve you in any way. And this is Anthony, your sommelier. If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to call me.”

  “Thank you, Giovanni.” Greg shook their host’s hand.

  Giovanni smiled and turned to her. “The smile on this young man’s face is nice to see again. I’m sure it is all your doing. Please.” He pulled out the chair for her.

  Maude felt a connection to the gentlemen, who seemed so open and kind. “I’m sure the evening will be wonderful.” She sat. “Thank you so much.”

  Giovanni left, and Adrian, the headwaiter, stepped forward as the others filled their water glasses, placed a basket of bread on the table, spread out napkins on their laps, and lit the candles.

  “Tonight, Chef Petrocelli has prepared a delicious sampling to start your evening. Watermelon salad with hazelnuts, cherry tomatoes, and blu di bufala tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette. Prosciutto with ripened figs.”

  Adrian continued informing them of the dishes they would be enjoying. All of them sounded absolutely divine. When Adrian finished, he and the other servers left.

  Anthony, their sommelier, stepped forward and recommended wines for each course.

  “Anthony, the lady likes sweet white wines,” Greg said, taking charge completely. “Bring us your best.”

  “Of course, Mr. Strong.” Anthony exited.

  “Greg, this is so special. I’ve never taken a plane to have dinner before. I’ve been in some nice restaurants, but none on the caliber of Giovanni’s. You sure know how to impress a girl.”

  He reached across the table and took her hand. “I’m so glad you like it. I know you’re going to love the food. I’ve never been disappointed. It’s always great.”

  “I’m sure it is, but nothing is going to top our plane ride together.”

  “I really hope you’re serious about learning.”

  “Oh, I am. I hope you’ll let me take the yoke for some of the time during our flight back to Wilde.”

  The servers brought their appetizers to the table, which looked like works of art on the white plates.

  Anthony appeared with a bottle of wine, showing the label to Greg. “This is a Riesling from the Mosel Valley in Germany. The vineyards in the area are famous for their wines as far back as the 1300s. Bottled in 1972, this wine is delicately sweet with notes of honeysuckle and strawberries. It will pair beautifully with your salad and the prosciutto and figs.” He opened the bottle and poured a little sample into Greg’s glass.

  It was clear to her the way Greg sampled Anthony’s offering—swirling it in the glass, inhaling its scent, then taking a sip—that he was quite knowledgeable about wine.

  Greg put the glass down. “Perfect. Thank you.”

  Anthony nodded and then filled her glass.

  She took a sip, loving the sweetness of the wine. “Thank you. This is very good.”

  Greg had been right about their meal. Every bite was incredible. She had a warm glow from the wine Anthony had served them. Greg told her what it was like growing up in Wilde, and she told him about her childhood. The more they talked, the more she felt like she’d known him her whole life.

  More food came, as if by magic. Her wine glass never emptied. But she was barely aware of their servers coming in and out. It was as if she and Greg were alone. The date with him made h
er feel so special, like a princess.

  When they finished the delicious chocolate dessert, Giovanni returned with Chef Petrocelli.

  Giovanni asked, “How was your meal?

  Buzzing slightly from the wine, she stepped forward and gave the sweet man a hug. “Everything was absolutely perfect.”

  Giovanni kissed her on both cheeks in a very traditional Italian way. “Excellente.”

  “You heard the lady,” Greg added. “Perfection. Thank you so much, Giovanni. Thank you, chef.”

  After finishing their good-byes, she and Greg, walked arm-in-arm out of the restaurant. They stopped in front of the fountain.

  Greg turned to her, and she gazed into his deep blue eyes. “You never did get to make your wish, sweetheart. Are you ready to make one now?”

  She grinned, got up on her tiptoes, and kissed him. I wish it were possible for me to let go and fall in love with you and Grant.

  “What did you wish for?”

  “You know the rules about wishes,” she said with a grin. “They don’t come true if you say them out loud.”

  He laughed. “I believe there’s a pen and paper in our limo.”

  “You’re a devil, Mr. Strong. No matter what you do to me, I won’t tell.”

  “No matter what you say, that’s a challenge I look forward to taking.”

  They walked over to their limo. The driver opened the door and she got in.

  “Take the long way back,” Greg told the driver before joining her inside.

  “Thank you for everything, Greg. I loved every second of our date.”

  “It’s not over, sweetheart.” He hit the button that sent the privacy screen up. “That’s better, don’t you think?”

  Before she could answer him, he pressed his mouth to hers. The evening was so wonderful. He was so perfect. She surrendered to him completely. Perhaps I can have my wish, even if it’s just for tonight.

  She parted her lips, and they tangled their tongues together. He pulled her in tighter, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. This was where she wanted to be—in the arms of one of the men who were stealing her heart.

  Greg moved his hands to her breasts, squeezing them tenderly. Her heart pounded faster and faster in her chest. He reached around, unzipped her dress, and unfastened her bra. With her breasts now fully exposed, she watched his hungry stare fix on her chest.