STORY EXCERPT

Jessica dreaded getting off the plane. She stared out at the heavy rain that washed over the cockpit windows. The rainstorm that had been only a threat was now a full-fledged thunderstorm complete with ground shaking lightning and crashing thunder.

After they taxied to a stop at the end of the runway assigned to them, the pounding rain on the windshield reminded Jessica of the misery waiting outside. She shrugged and turned up her collar.

“No use sitting here.”

Jake stared out at the rain, then at her. “You’re kidding.”

“You won’t melt.” She buttoned her sweater-vest over her journal. “Gee, I wish I had a coat or something.” She was a specialist at appearing defenseless and eyed him with all the piety she possessed.

He obligingly shrugged out of the coat and handed it to her. “I must be crazy.”

For a split second, she felt guilty. He looked so gallant leading the way off the plane without any kind of protection, for a second she wished she hadn’t taken his coat.

She wanted to get back on the plane after stepping out into a cold blast of rain and small debris that flew around their heads. He took her hand and ran toward the terminal. He slowed down and shouted his question.

“Where the hell did we park?”

She saw the welcome glow of lights from the terminal, urging him to hurry. “Let’s get out of this and then worry about the car!”

He gripped her hand and led the way through puddles and small rivers that rushed under their feet.

From beneath the jacket she held over her head, Jessica could see rainwater running swiftly across the concrete. Her shoes were ruined, and her slacks were soggy up to her knees.

Jake hugged her waist and moved her along at a faster pace. His laughter was unexpected and contagious.

“Fontana.” He bumped her hip with his. “Want to share that coat?”

“What? You think I’m crazy?”

They ran toward the blurred lights that were barely visible above a small door marked Private. She was breathless as Jake drew her to the door and opened it, pulling her inside the hallway.

They were gasping for breath and laughing, not moving apart in reserved coolness.

Instead, their bodies brushed lightly with no excuses or sudden separation.

She probably shouldn’t let his hand graze her cheek. How was she to respond negatively while suspended in a sweet, quiet net of misconduct? She gripped his wrist, swaying to and fro in the unfamiliar sensation.

Droplets of water fell from his hair and splashed onto her lips. She licked them, the moisture tasting like an exotic potion.

Her gaze traveled to his mouth. There was nothing boyish about his smile. Jessica was convinced her legs would cave when he touched his forehead to hers.

The overhead lights blinked, a signal from a higher power to break it up immediately.

“I think its time to find the car.” She removed his hands from her waist and handed him the dripping coat. “Thanks for the loan. I’ll have it cleaned for you.”

She had one last quick glance. Only a man could look that sexy while soaking wet.

In the deserted hallway, the fury of the storm was muted into a distant hum. Her eyes closed as he brushed raindrops from her cheek. He dropped his hand, and glanced around.

“We better get a hustle on.”

He moved away from her, raking his wet hair with his fingers. He looked uncomfortable.

“What’s wrong, Claypool? Does being alone with me make you nervous?”

“That’ll be the day.”

She’d hoped he’d taken that as friendly teasing. Stupid woman. His smoldering gaze dipped inside her most private feelings and needs.

She smoothed the wrinkled material of her slacks. “Hey, Claypool. I was just messing with you.”

He smiled speculatively at her before swinging his drenched coat over his shoulder. “Come on. Unless you have something else in mind.”