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“Really? Oh, thank you!” She grabbed his arm just above his elbow and electricity shot through him like a taser, making his muscles flex. “I don’t have a huge budget right now, but I could pay you.”
Her eyes flicked to her hand still on his arm, then she dropped it. Her fingers flexed beside her. Was she experiencing lingering sparks like he was? She gave him a sheepish smile and shrugged one shoulder, the pink blush deepening.
“You don’t have to pay me.” Bjørn jumped in to move the conversation along.
“Fuel isn’t cheap. I can pay—”
“I’m flying almost daily anyway, getting used to the terrain and weather systems here.” Bjørn interrupted her, not wanting her to get the wrong idea. “It’d be nice to have someone to talk to other than myself or Annie.”
Actually, he enjoyed being in Annie alone, experiencing the beauty Alaska offered with no pressure from command or the adrenaline missions built in his muscles. He’d loved being a Night Stalker, but the stress had started to take a toll on him. Yet, he’d sacrifice his quiet solitude if it meant he could get to know this fascinating woman more.
“Who’s Annie? Is she your wife?” Her color blanched.
“No. No wives or girlfriends. Haven’t had either for a long, long time.”
Sadie’s eyes widened, and she took a small step back. Shoot. What had he just said? His neck heated as realization crashed over him.
“I mean, I’ve never had a wife, let alone plural.” He stumbled over his words like some nervous teenager. “Haven’t even had a date in almost a decade.” Seriously? Could a hole open up and swallow him, please? “Annie is my chopper.” He blurted the last out, closing his eyes to escape his humiliation.
Her low chuckle settled in his gut. He peeked at her with one eye to see just how much damage he’d done. Her lips pressed together, and her eyes sparkled.
“Would you be able to swing by the kennel tomorrow so we can make a plan?” Her watch beeped, and her forehead scrunched when she glanced at it.
“Sure. I’m free all day.” Obviously, since he’d just spewed how pathetic his life was.
“I’m usually there at six in the morning until late.” She pulled out her phone, messed with the screen, then handed it to him. She’d typed his name in the contact form. “I have no life, boyfriend, or anything else at the moment except the kennel, so it seems we’re in the same boat.”
Though his mind cheered she was single, he focused on putting his info in. Maybe he hadn’t messed up his chance at getting to know her better. When he handed the phone back to her, she held it up and snapped a picture. She giggled low and showed him a goofy picture of him all wide-eyed, like she’d startled him.
“Okay, I’ll swing by in the morning.” He crossed his arms so he didn’t snatch her phone and delete the picture.
“Great. I’ll text you directions.” She reached out for a handshake. Her smile was warm, and her palm sparked against his own. “I look forward to chatting with you more.” She pulled away and pointed with her thumb over her shoulder. “I hate to run, but I have a sick dog I have to check on before I go home.”
“Is it serious?” He knew how quickly a dog could turn south.
“No. He just ate something he shouldn’t have.” She stepped backward, waved big at someone behind him, then gave him one last smile. “See you tomorrow.”
“Yep.” He rocked on his heels. “Looking forward to it.”
She pressed her lips together, then turned and stepped out the door. Was she hiding a smile, or was that a look of concern? She jogged to catch up with someone ahead of her, her cheery voice floating back to Bjørn. He blew out a long breath. What the heck just happened? He’d come to the meeting looking to volunteer, never expecting he’d offer so much.
