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"And did you always have your eye on flying for the Navy?"
He smiled. "My first goal was to fly the fastest planes I could find. Fighter jets seemed the best option. But once I got in the Navy, there was more of a need for helicopter pilots so I changed directions. I liked the fact that helicopters require the pilot to really fly them, and the stealth factor was appealing. I could set down in remote locations. I could go where no one else could."
"You have an adventurous spirit."
"Yeah, kind of like you."
"Did you ever get shot at?"
"Lots of times. I only had one hard landing."
She gave him a knowing smile. "Is your idea of a hard landing equal to someone else's idea of a crash?"
"Possibly," he conceded.
"When you left the Navy, did you ever consider a civilian job, maybe flying tourists around Hawaii or something? You had certainly already done your duty."
He shook his head. "Way too boring. The Coast Guard is perfect for me. And it's a family tradition to serve the community or the world. My great-grandfather started it, and just about everyone since then has taken up a career that gives back in some way."
"That sounds like a burden."
"More of a guidepost. At least that's the way I looked at it. Some of my siblings have a different take. Did you grow up with any family traditions?"
"Not really. Although my grandfather used to tell me that a pessimistic person complains about the wind, an optimist expects it to change, and the realist simply adjusts the sails. I think he stole the quote from someone, but it's the way he lived his life. And I try to live my life that way, too." She paused for a moment, giving him a long, thoughtful look. "Can I ask you something, Drew?"
"Shoot."
"Why are you so interested in me? Is it because I'm not interested in you? Do you want what you can't have? Is it the chase that makes me more exciting?"
He gazed back at her with a thoughtful expression. "First of all, I don't believe for a second that you're not interested in me. I know when a woman is attracted to me, even when she's pretending not to be."
"That's a cocky statement."
"It's true. And I don't need a chase to find you exciting, although I must admit I'm both intrigued and a little wary."
"You should be less intrigued and more wary," she said dryly. "Look, Drew, I had a great time with you on the island. But it's over. I'm not that woman anymore. And I can't be connected to you."
"Why don't you just let me help you, Ria?"
"I can't." She took a breath. "I'm not the only one involved and the secrets don't belong just to me." Glancing down at her watch, she added. "Your hour is up. Time to go back."
"We can't leave it like that."
"We have to. I know you're curious and frustrated and probably pissed off, but you have to let this go. You have to let me go."
A rough wave of disappointment ran through him. He wasn't ready to say goodbye yet, but she was already on her feet, adjusting the sails. "Let's see if we can find some of that speed you love so much," she said, giving him a bright smile that barely covered what looked like sadness. She might be determined to be alone and on her own, but she wasn't feeling that great about her decision. And neither was he. In fact, he was nowhere near done with her, but he'd save that statement for a later date.
The last thing he wanted her to do was run again. So he'd be patient, bide his time, and wait for his opportunity.
As they sailed back to the harbor, Ria let the boat run at full speed, and Drew reveled in the ride. All too soon, they were back at the dock.
After securing the lines, Ria held out her hand. "My necklace, please."
Drew pulled a baggie out of his pocket and handed it to her. As she took out her necklace, her eyes filled with moisture, and her hand trembled. "I never thought I'd see this again."
He was surprised by the show of emotion. "That necklace must mean a lot to you."
She nodded. "My sister gave it to me a very long time ago."
His nerves tingled. "You never mentioned a sister before."
Ria stiffened, as she realized she'd given something away. "It doesn't matter. Will you help me put it on?"
