Page 35 of Plane Passion

She took off her hat and goggles and pushed down her scarf. Mr. Dunston’s eyes went wide. “I’m afraid one room simply won’t do.”

“And I’m equally sorry that it’s all we have to offer.”

Attempting to keep calm, she turned to Ernie. “Are there any other hotels here in town?”

He looked as shocked as she felt. “I wish there were.”

“I can ask around to see if someone in town will put one of you up at their house,” Mr. Dunston offered.

“I would be very grateful,” Millie said, relief flooding through her.

“In the meantime, I’ll take that room if you please,” said Ernie, then turned to her. “One of us needs to take it, and until we have another solution, at least it gives us a place to put down our things and get changed.”

She nodded. It was sensible. Better one room than nothing.

Mr. Dunston handed Ernie the key.

“Thanks, Mr. Dunston. Aldrich, why don’t you go up first. I’ll grab myself a nice hot cup of coffee while you change.”

Ernie handed the key to Millie. Their fingers brushed, and warmth tingled through her that had nothing to do with blood flow returning to her extremities. She walked as quickly as decorum would allow over to the stairs.

What a relief it was when the door closed behind her, and she was out of Ernie’s presence. Climbing to the third floor, she tried not to panic. One room. There had to be another option. Surely, someone had an extra room where one of them could stay for the night.

She made her way to number 316 and opened it up to find a charming space, painted in cream with dark wood furniture and accents. Sunny yellow curtains hung at the window, and matching bedspreads covered the two beds, which were practically buried in pillows. Walking over to the window, she looked out at the swirling snow and the picturesque town, her stomach twisted in knots. This weather was no good. Nor was this room situation.

Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that warm, delicious food awaited downstairs. All she had to do was change her clothes.

Shedding her coat, hat, and scarf, she hung them up in the spacious wardrobe. Then she looked through her ditty bag and pulled out a serviceable light blue dress. It was a bit rumpled from being rolled up in her bag, but it couldn’t be helped. She put a dark blue wool cardigan on over it, needing an extra layer despite the warmth of the hotel. Wrangling her hair into a loose, low bun, she looked at herself in the mirror. Beth would never approve her rumpled appearance, but Beth wasn’t in Bellefonte. Besides, there was no one here she was looking to impress.

Heading downstairs, she spotted Ernie across the dining room, sipping a cup of coffee as he read the paper. A lock of blond hair fell into his face, and she had an overwhelming urge to tuck it away.

Her cheeks heated as she stopped in front of him at his table and put down the key. No need to risk another touch.

“Care to join me for a cup of coffee?” he asked, as if she would ever contemplate sitting at the same table as him again.

“No, thank you. I’m only handing off the key.”

“Shall I join you for dinner when I come back down?”

No. Absolutely not. “I think it’s best if we keep our distance.”

“As you wish.”

He picked up the key and headed off. She flagged down a waiter and was soon seated at the opposite end of the room. The least she could do was stay away from him for the evening. After that… She’d figure that out later.

13

One room. How could there only be one room?

The snow outside was so thick, Ernie could barely see across the street. He changed into a clean shirt. Maybe, if he was lucky, he would bump into someone he knew downstairs and would have some distraction for the evening. There were usually two or three pilots hanging around. Anything to avoid Millie with her soft curves and her smart mouth and her pink lips and her…

Shaking himself, he headed down to the dining room, scanning for familiar faces. He could feel her presence in the far corner and avoided turning his gaze that way. On the opposite side of the dining room, he spotted his friend, Jack. Good. Jack would be able to occupy his attention and keep him from dwelling on things he shouldn’t.

“Jack, you old devil. Fancy meeting you here.”

“Ernie! Have a seat.” Jack gestured to the seat across from him. “Nice weather we’re having, eh?”

Ernie sat. “Perfect for a picnic, I’d say.”