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I swagger over, trying to play it cool, but she sees right through me. “I couldn’t wait to see you.”

My words seem to shock her silent. Her mouth opens and closes a few times before she swallows. “Oh.”

“I’ll just hang out until you’re ready to go.”

“It’s been a quiet day.” She shrugs. “I’ll close up a little early and we can get on our way.”

“Where’s your luggage? I’ll load it up while you finish here.” I’m ready to have her all to myself.

She points to the door on the back wall. “It’s in my office. I won’t be long.”

While I load her luggage into the back of my SUV, she turns off the lights, grabs her purse, and turns on the alarm system.

As we reach my car, I open the door and help her into the vehicle. Her breath brushes across the side of my face as I lean over her to hook the seatbelt. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” I can’t resist the urge to place a soft kiss on her cheek. The light contact sends sparks firing through my blood, nearly bringing me to my knees.

Once we’re both settled in, I drive through the winding roads leading toward the private airstrip. Conversation flows easily between us, though we talk about nothing important.

We pull up to the airstrip, and sure enough, the small plane sitting on the runway looks ready to take off at a moment’s notice. Once we have our luggage loaded, we settle into the plush seats, and I can’t deny the thrill bubbling beneath my skin.

The engines roar to life, and as the plane begins to speed down the runway, I catch her glancing at me, looking as shellshocked as I feel.