Page 18 of Soaring Sweethearts

For a moment, he imagined what would happen if he stopped keeping her at arm’s length, if he gave in to the feelings he buried deep, deep down where no one could see. Feelings he could hardly admit, even to himself.

But he was still her honorary big brother and confidante. She confided in him, never suspecting he might feel something more. Breaking that trust would ruin everything between them. And he was still a pilot—a job he loved but that nonetheless was trying to kill him.

“I always told her not to marry a pilot,” Jack said at last.

“And yet you decided to pursue her anyway.”

“I never said it was a good idea.”

At that moment, another group of golfers came up behind them, waiting at a discreet distance.

“You should take your turn, Jack,” Doug said, glancing at them.

With difficulty, Jack pulled his thoughts back to what was happening around them.

“I think I’m done with golfing for today.” Jack turned to Doug and held out his hand. “Good game.” Doug took his hand and shook it.

With that, he turned and left, wishing he’d never gone there in the first place.

7

The neighborhood was silent as Constance slipped out the door before dawn. She treaded softly to keep her footsteps from echoing and disturbing the peace. Stars still blinked in the lightening gray sky. A touch of pink glowed on the eastern horizon.

Though she wasn’t particularly fond of waking up early, she couldn’t help looking forward to the long drive with Jack. It was so easy to be with him. He was such good company. And she couldn’t wait to ask how things went with his golfing outing with Doug.

She walked up his front steps and rang the doorbell. He opened it moments later, as if he’d been waiting right behind the door for her.

A warm smile broke across his face as soon as he saw her. Once upon a time she lived for those smiles. Even now, it stirred things within her.

“Good morning.” His deep voice resonated in the high-ceilinged entryway.

At his beckoning, she stepped inside.

“Good morning. I hope you enjoyed your weekend. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

A cloud passed over his face, and he cleared his throat and looked down. “I should turn out the lights so we can get going.”

Oh dear. Did things not go well with Doug? She had such high hopes that they would get along.

Jack stepped away briefly, and the electric lights winked out one by one. Moments later he walked into the entryway light with his canvas ditty bag, offering his arm to take her down to the car. As she folded her hand into the crook of his elbow, he looked down at her with an expression that was almost pained. Some strong emotion flashed in his eyes, and he quickly looked away.

“Is everything all right, Jack?” she asked, trying to catch his eye again.

He blinked and shook himself, plastering on a smile. “Everything is fine. Why wouldn’t it be?”

Opening the door, he led her outside then paused to lock the door. They descended the steps to the car in silence. As he opened the car door for her, she shivered.

“You’re cold. Let me get you a blanket.”

Such a thoughtful man, even when he was moody and distracted.

After she was seated, he retrieved a blanket from the back and tucked it around her gently.

“Better?” he asked. A hint of a smile broke through his grumpy façade as he caught her eye.

“Much.” She smiled back.

For a long moment, they looked at each other. An old, familiar warmth coiled within her, but she ignored it. He was only her friend and concerned for her well-being. She knew better than to read anything into it.