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“Yes, I’m sure. Go take a vacation. You’ve earned it. If anything important happens, I’ll send you a text. Until then, I want you to disconnect, ignore your email, and spend some quality time with your man. Enjoy yourselves.”
Sam, Aero, and Gemma all shared a look before thanking Peggy and moving toward the door.
“I’ll be in touch with Brian Barnes, as well as Mr. Weaver and Miss Dean. I promise,” Peggy said as the group got into Aero’s truck. “Have fun.”
Chapter 16
Sam was pacing the living room, trying to act natural, when Aero knocked on the door.
Sam opened it and grinned at him.
“Ready?” he asked, holding out a hand for her bag.
“Yes,” she said excitedly, handing over her carry-on and taking his hand in hers as he walked her to the truck.
They drove in companionable silence until they reached the airport in Denver, and Aero parked in the parking garage.
“Sam?” Aero said before she could get out. She faced him and smiled. “You’re sure about this?”
“Absolutely,” she said, taking his hand in hers.
Her soft smile made his chest ache. He nodded, squeezed her hand, and got out to retrieve their bags.
Seated side by side on the plane, Aero glanced around as Sam stared out the window.
“Have you flown before?” he asked her, and she shook her head.
“No, I’ve only driven places. This will be the furthest from home I’ve ever been.”
He smiled, holding her hand. “Just hang onto me if there’s turbulence.”
She giggled, giving her attention to the stewardess while they gave the safety demonstration.
By the time they caught their connecting flight and were headed for Portland, Maine, Sam was exhausted.
The cabin was dark as they flew along, her head resting on Aero’s shoulder as she slept.
He set aside the book he’d been reading and looked down at her. Her dark lashes cast spiky shadows on her cheeks, her brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her lavender scent made him relax. She was so lovely.
Aero thought about all he was going to tell her, recalled everything he had already shared, and hoped to God she didn’t demand he take her home after he spilled the rest. In the back of his mind, he knew she wouldn’t push him away and that she would accept and love him no matter what he revealed. The knowledge gave him some strength.
Byrd was right that he couldn’t have a relationship with Sam until she knew about his past, but he was having a hard time believing she wouldn’t run once she did.
But Sam wasn’t like other people. She was exceedingly patient, tenderhearted, and understanding. Maybe, just maybe, she was the one for him, the one who would love him regardless of his flaws, would help him as he healed, and would give him a second chance at life.
He sighed, and she shifted, nuzzling against him before stilling. Aero smiled, settled into his seat, and opened his book again.
When the plane landed, Sam and Aero held hands as they exited the airport and found a cab.
In the back seat, Sam bounced excitedly as they turned onto the main drag. She gasped loudly when she caught sight of the water, rolling down the window and leaning out.
“Aero,” she breathed, grasping his hand tightly.
Her eyes lit up, and he watched her inhale the scent of the ocean, her hair fluttering in the breeze. More. He wanted more of her pleasure, her sounds, and her joy.
His heart swelled as he watched her enjoy herself, soaking up her excitement.
“You can pull over,” Aero said to the cab driver, who nodded and found a place to stop. Aero paid him in cash and exited the car, rounding to Sam’s side and opening the door. She was grinning widely as she took in the people, the lights, and the sound of the waves as if they were in some kind of magical place.
