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Every time we take a step forward and I feel like our relationship has reached some normal, respectful ground, he drags us ten steps back. What the hell did he just pull in the lobby?
And now a detour to Napa. Annie has been home alone with the kids for a week, and I need to get back. She puts on a brave face, but I know the flare-ups can completely incapacitate her, or at least her ability to take care of the kiddos.
“Sorry, I forgot to mention it. It will be a quick stop.” He moves fast, as if getting to the stupid helicopter will make this unexpected detour faster.
I almost trip, typing and walking. I’m firing twenty questions at Annie, assessing if she is lying about handling things just fine.
Besides, I have never flown in a helicopter, and I’m not sure how I feel about spending ninety minutes in that small globe.
“When will we get home?” I don’t look up and almost collide with Gio.
The deep ridge in the middle of his forehead complements the stony jaw. What does he have to be annoyed about? Jesus, the man is impossible.
Since our moment in the park, we have both focused on the job, more or less avoiding private moments. I would enjoy more of them, but it won’t happen. Gio is too guarded to even attempt anything, and I need this job too much to risk coming on to him.
But this morning has just reminded me that there is nothing to risk. More headache perhaps. Asshole.
We glare at each other, and I wish his scent wasn’t interfering with my need to be annoyed with him.
He is wearing a chocolate brown suit. I would have never guessed that anything outside of the black to navy scale could hug a person in such a favorable manner.
He’s edible. Minus the firing eyes. Deep brown abyss of… well, I don’t even know what it is today.
“Are you in a hurry to return?” he snaps and I raise my eyebrow. A shadow passes over his face, and then he shrugs, a grin almost ghosting his face. “It could be a fun trip.”
Is he placating me? Really? Fun? Not with you, mister. I shake my head and continue toward the chopper, jumping between two apps to message Annie and draft a final report from this week.
“Is there someone waiting for you?” He catches up with me.
I jerk my head toward him, studying him, and then I roll my eyes. He really has no notion of other people having a life outside of work. “Yes, there is someone waiting for me.” I march to the pilot, leaving him behind. Selfish prick.
“I’m Aldo, your pilot.” The man is tall and handsome in a boring way, but what strikes me is his age.
“Hi, Aldo. I’m Mila. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look—”
“Young to fly Polly?” He laughs.
I bite my lip and shrug in apology.
“Mila, I’ve been flying Polly for five years, and I’ve been a professional pilot for almost ten years. This face is just genes.” He winks and I giggle, slightly reassured the metal bird will get us wherever it is we’re going.
“Ready?” Gio growls behind me, and I roll my eyes again, earning another wink from Aldo.
I check Annie’s response and, hesitantly satisfied with her wellbeing, decide to enjoy the flight. It might be the last time I’m in a helicopter.
I feel Gio’s eyes on me. He’s not even hiding his glowering, or observation—who knows with that prevalent frown of his. Every time I challenge him with my gaze, I expect him to look away, to hide his open attention, but he doesn’t. What the hell?
I force myself to stare out of the window. The landscape below is beautiful, but I can’t relax enough. I guess helicopters are not my thing.
An hour and a half into our flight, Aldo’s voice carries through the intercom. “We’re almost there. We’ll be landing in—”
A loud clattering sound fills the cabin. I whip my eyes toward Gio, and his face mirrors my surprise. The feeling is short-lived as the helicopter lurches violently, and every fiber in my body tenses.
Another jerk and I clutch the seat in front of me as we drop. Like a roller coaster ride we free-fall, and I think I scream, but the sound is eaten by the clatter and roar of the machine and my pulse throbbing in my ears.
“We’re losing altitude quickly.” Aldo’s voice sounds removed, far away. “Hold on tight.”
I dig my nails into Gio’s thigh, and he wraps his hand around my palm. I focus on that point of contact, only catchingautorotation,landing, andbrace for impactcrackling at me from the intercom.
