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“Yuppie,” I mumbled under my breath. “Shoes never lie.”
TWO
Back in the office, everyone was quieter than normal. This wasn’t how I wanted to start a work week. Ever since my coworkers found love, we stopped having drinks with clients. That had drastically cut my social life down to nil. So I did the only thing that would make things right. I set my smoothie down on my desk and cleared my throat.
“Ladies,” I said, getting both of their attention. “I’m sorry. I’m just in a slump lately and can’t seem to get out of it. I didn’t mean to drag you both down.”
“That’s okay.” Blake offered a smile.
Cher piped up. “I think you need to get laid.”
“Hey!” I threw up my hands. “What do you know about my sex life?”
Blake walked over to my desk. “Honestly? Not a thing.”
“For reals,” Cher added. “I just assumed you didn’t have one.”
“I do,” I said, defensively as both of their brows raised in surprise. “Okay, I did. Ugh, all the boys here are boring.”
“I totally remember that,” Blake said. Cher nodded in agreement.
“Well standing around here doesn’t fix it, so I might as well get back to work.” I dropped into my desk chair and turned to my computer, burying myself in the online booking program, so I didn’t have to see any pity in their eyes. I was a good fifteen years older than them. I did not need their sympathy when it came to my sex life.
The morning slipped by along with the awkwardness of our conversation. I was so busy with paperwork that I didn’t bother to look up with the door dinged.
“Welcome to Three Sisters,” Cher greeted the customer. “What kind of adventure can I help you with today?”
“I’m not sure that you can help me with this request,” a semi-familiar voice floated to my ears. “I’m looking for a guide to come with me on a heli-flight. I was told I could find Ali here?”
My head snapped up at the mention of my name, and I locked eyes with the customer. I knew that voice sounded familiar. It was kale-mango boy. A frown pulled down my lips and pushed my brows together. What was he doing here?
“Josh, isn’t it?” I said, standing from my desk. What brings you here?” I chuckled. “Well we both know it was your stretch-limo, so let me rephrase that. How can I help you?”
His face blushed at the mention of the limo, but he quickly brushed it off and cleared his throat. “A birdie told me that you worked here. I was hoping I could get you to guide me on my flight out this afternoon.”
“That’s pretty short notice.”
“You are the one who recommended I search for adventure in the mountains. And seeing as I am the guy in the limo, I seem to be the best option to show myself a good time—again as per your recommendation. I’m just looking for someone with experience to show a boy like me around these parts.”
I smirked. Touché my young friend. “Of course I’ll join you. It is my job. That’s what I get paid to do. I’m just not sure we can get a flight approved that fast.”
“I’ve already taken care of that,” he said. “We’re taking my chopper. My pilot is waiting for us at the hangar.”
I frowned. “Your pilot? Listen, I pilot my own flights.”
He put both hands up in fake-defense. “I’ll pay the same rate. I just need a seasoned pro like you to guide us.”
“So what? I’ll just be your sightseeing guide?” I couldn’t hide the sharp edge in my voice. Who did he think he was, coming in here and demanding I act like his personal chaperon to the mountains?
“Please,” he said, dropping his lower lip into a pout. “I’ll pay double your wage.”
I paused, biting the inside of my cheek. Double. Hmm. That might just work. I could put it toward more commercial airline training—get myself out of this town to see the world.
“Deal,” I said, jutting out my arm. “But you have to pay it as a tip.”
A wicked grin crossed his lips as he grabbed my hand and gave it a stiff shake. “Deal.”
***
