Page 31 of Plane Passion

The thought of Barney brought some sanity at last, and she tore herself away, panting.

Ernie stood back and gasped for air. His eyes were dark with desire, and he looked at her like a hungry, ravening beast.

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “This can’t happen again. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Without waiting for a reply, she escaped to the street and rushed to her car, leaving him behind in the alley.

The trip home was a blur. When she arrived at her apartment, she fervently hoped Beth was either out or asleep already. Millie didn’t think she could face her just yet.

What was she thinking kissing Ernie? Did she want to be his next toy? Because that was what she just became. It was a mistake. A terrible one. And if anyone found out, she’d lose the chance to bring more women into airmail jobs, not to mention risk the future of the entire airmail operation.

Beth was right. About everything.

She opened the door to the apartment and there was Beth, waiting expectantly, martini in hand. “So, how was your date?”

Looking around the room for answers, she spotted Beth’s glass and blurted out, “Martini.”

Beth’s eyebrows shot up.

“I need a martini before I tell you.”

Millie clumsily went through the motions of making herself a drink, wondering how long she could stretch it out before her friend became suspicious.

The drink was finished. She took a long, deep sip.

A half-smile curled Beth’s lip. She thought this was funny, damn it all.

Millie took another swig and knew she could delay no more. “It was a nightmare. We fought the whole time.” Largely true, minus a few details. “He took me to a speakeasy after we finished going over the route.”

“Heavens! He must really like you.”

He did. That was the problem.

“I think he felt obligated because I asked him to treat me like one of the men.” It was a sweet gesture. And truth be told, she enjoyed it despite the bickering.

“He might. Or he might have had designs on you.”

Millie froze. Was it possible he set out to seduce her? In the moment, she would have sworn he was as surprised by their kiss as she was, but maybe he was deliberately toying with her as revenge for her interference. Or maybe he was trying to get her in trouble so that she’d get fired? No. This was all ridiculous speculation. He couldn’t possibly have planned that kiss.

“I’m fairly certain he thinks I’m a terrifying virago,” she lied.

“Well, you are, my dear.”

“Thank you. I work hard to uphold my reputation.”

They laughed and clinked glasses.

“And how is your plan going?” Beth asked with a pointed look. “Has he reformed his wicked ways?”

Millie did her very best not to wince. “Yes and no. He broke up with Vera. I was angry at him for it, but not as much as I should have been.”

“Hmm.” Beth’s self-satisfied grin worried Millie. “I think I’d like to propose an amendment to our bet.”

“Oh?” What was Beth up to?

“I bet that if he does follow through, it will be because he’s interested in you. I propose we make your winning contingent on your not being romantically involved with him.”

Millie took a deep drink to hide her discomfort. As usual, Beth saw far more of the truth that Millie would like. She both loved and hated this about her friend. “You’re on. There isn’t a chance in hell he’s interested in me.”