Before Justin could reply, a timer beeped. “Time to head back for today.” Justin turned the plane in a wide curve. “I figure we got to about half of your list. If you’ve got time tomorrow, we can knock off more of them.”
“That sounds good. I’m open to doing something every day this week,” Scott told him.
“I have a couple of tours in the mornings, but I can do the afternoons again,” Justin said.
“Works for me.” It wouldn’t be cheap, but Scott thought it was a good investment for his articles and maybe finding out if there was something between him and Justin.
Justin hesitated for a moment, as if considering his next words. “If you don’t have other plans and you’re not tired of talking already, how about we get dinner tonight? That’s not part of the standard tour package, just for very special people.”
Yes! He likes us. Say yes!his coyote chimed in.
Scott grinned. “I’d love that. We spent the flight talking about my work. I’d love to hear more about what you do, and I bet you’ve got some great stories about the people you’ve met.”
“Oh, believe me. That’s an understatement.” If Justin had been worried that Scott might turn him down, his confidence and good humor returned with acceptance of the invitation.
“I’m staying at the Fox Hollow Hotel,” Scott told him. “Where do you want to meet, and when?”
“I’ll pick you up,” Justin said. “And while the hotel’s food is good, there are other places that are more fun with just as good food. Do you like fish?”
“If it’s cooked right. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just good.” Scott didn’t mention that nearly all his fishing was done in his coyote form, splashing in forest streams.
“Then I’ve got a place I think you’ll really like,” Justin said. “It’s a Fox Hollow tradition, a real old-fashioned fish house. We’re likely to see half the town there, the food’s that good.”
“Sounds great.” Scott wondered what reaction the regulars might have to him showing up with Justin. Much as he hoped the invitation sprang from the spark between them and the comfortable connection forged during the flight, he hopedJustin didn’t make a habit of asking all his single clients out on a date.
It’s just dinner. No one’s called it a date. I don’t even know for sure if he’s gay. Take it at face value and don’t overthink it,he warned himself.
Of course it’s a date. He smells good, like mate,his coyote nudged.Don’t let him get away.
All too soon, they glided to a landing on Fox Lake and puttered up to the dock. “That was awesome.” Scott couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “I enjoyed the flight aside from the research. Nice flying and good company.”
A slight blush crept up Justin’s neck at the praise. “Thank you. I had a good time too. And I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight. Six-thirty work?”
“Sounds like a plan. See you then.” Scott climbed out of the plane and waved as he headed back toward the hotel. Justin returned his wave and watched him walk away.
I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s just dinner. But what if that spark really did mean we’re mates? Could I move here and be happy? Could I handle the winters?
Mates. We’d get used to it,his coyote replied.He’d keep us warm.
One step at a time, Scott warned. If you’re right and he’s our mate, we’ll figure it out. And if he isn’t…it’s just dinner.
His coyote gave an exasperated sigh.
2
JUSTIN
Justin felt elated,far more than a simple invitation usually deserved.But I felt the zing. He might be my special person. I’ve got to find out.
From the time Justin spotted Scott in the coffee shop, he felt an unusual connection. Sure, Scott was handsome, with blond hair, brown eyes, and the kind of rangy build that revved Justin’s motor. That had caught his attention right away. But the first time Justin met Scott’s gaze, he felt something, and when they shook hands, the spark that passed between them told him Scott was more than just a pretty face and a sexy body.
If he’s related to the Lone Coyote people, is he a shifter? That’s what my senses tell me.
Justin couldn’t shift, but psychic abilities ran in his family. He couldn’t exactly read minds, for which he was grateful, but he gained sharp, immediate insights into people. His mother’s side contributed weather witch talents that let him predict weather patterns and sudden changes, a gift that came in handy for a pilot.
If he’s a shifter, odds are good he is a coyote like his cousins. I always knew it was likely that if I found someone from around here, they’d have a furry side. I can deal with that. Butwhat about him? Did he feel it too? Would he be disappointed to have a mate who couldn’t shift?
Justin felt sure he had picked up on a more-than-platonic interest from Scott, and his gaydar was rarely wrong. That zing when their hands touched wasn’t just attraction. The lore said it meant fated mate, and Justin’s intuition supported that possibility.
