“My pleasure.” He slouched until his shoulder came level with hers, and he only had to swivel his head to speak close to her ear. “Where’d you go? Want to talk about it?”
Deep blue eyes pinned her and almost convinced her she could tell him anything. In all fairness, maybe her secretswouldbe safe with him, but baring her soul was something she hadn’t done in a very long time. And it wouldn’t happen today, either.
“I’m fine, really. Just a little tired and worried about Pop.”
“It’s too noisy in here, but as soon as we land, you can take my phone and give him a call.” He leaned closer. “I’ve got your back if you want to sleep.”
Like I can sleep with all the adrenaline pumping through my veins.“I might take you up on that.” She smiled at the genuineness of this man she’d known for less than twenty-four hours. How did he do that? Reassure her and arouse her with only a few words?
Kellie settled back anyway. Soon, the drone of voices blurred with the buzz of the engine. With MacGyver close beside her, she was safe and warm…just in case she dozed for a minute.
* * * *
Kellie jolted upright and would have jumped from her seat if the lap belt hadn’t nearly cut her in two. Immediately, MacGyver was there, warm hand splayed on her thigh, somehow comforting, while a roar vibrated on the inside of her head.What the hell was that?
“Whoa. You’re okay. Just a little thunder and lightning around Spokane.” MacGyver looked away as another voice joined the barrage of commotion.
“They’re not letting any aircraft land until the storm lets up.” The pilot checked his navigation charts. “Closest airport outside the weather warning is Deer Park, about twenty miles north. Or I can set her down in a field. Your call.”
MacGyver swung back to her. “How long will it take your stepdad to reach your cabin?”
Pop had left Vegas late yesterday afternoon. He would have found a place to spend the night as soon as it got dark. He couldn’t see well at night anymore. Today, he might have made it to Boise before he stopped. “He’ll probably be there sometime tomorrow, late morning. That’s if he doesn’t make any unnecessary stops.” Kellie sat straighter and braced herself against the turbulence that battered the small plane.
“Let’s head for Deer Park. We’ll spend the night there. Hopefully, the weather will be better tomorrow.” MacGyver sat back as he gave instructions to Blake.
“I hate to burst your bubble, MacGyver, but last time I was there, they had zero motels. There’s a nice bed and breakfast not too far from the airport, but if you’re thinking of separate rooms for four, I can pretty much squash that plan.” Blake glanced over his shoulder. “Course, I don’t mind doubling up. How about you and me, Kellie?”
She’d worked with guys for too long to let a little sexual harassment get to her, but Blake’s comment was somehow different—almost malicious. “Sorry, Blake. I don’t take on charity cases.”
“Burn!” Travis swiveled toward her and held up his hand for a high five.
Even Blake laughed good-naturedly, but a muscle along the hard line of MacGyver’s jaw worked in obvious anger. “Kellie can have her own room. I’ll bunk on the floor somewhere.”
No one argued. Obviously, she wasn’t the only one who sensed his displeasure.
After speaking with the air traffic controller at Felts Field, where they’d originally planned to land, Blake adjusted their course to the north and, within minutes, they were flying in mostly clear skies. MacGyver Googled accommodations in Deer Park and got the number for the bed and breakfast. He was able to book two rooms—all they had—and obtain a recommendation for a place to eat only a block away. Kellie was starving, with good reason. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten.
There was a cab waiting for them when they landed and they loaded their few bags into the trunk.
“I’m going to run a few diagnostics on the plane and maybe have a drink. I’ll meet you at the restaurant later.” Blake closed the trunk lid.
“I could use a drink too. How about if I give you a hand?” Travis glanced toward MacGyver and something passed between them that Kellie apparently wasn’t intended to understand.
“We’ll see you later then,” was all MacGyver said as he held the cab door open for her.
The ride into town was short and quiet. The sun was sliding toward the horizon when the cab stopped in front of Baxter’s Bed and Breakfast. Phil and Lonnie Baxter met them at the door in a whirlwind of small town hospitality.
“Well, aren’t you two just the cutest?” The sixtyish Lonnie included them both in her cooing, but it was clear she only had eyes for MacGyver. Who could blame her?
MacGyver, evidently uncomfortable with the blatant flirting, in front of her husband too, stayed close to Kellie and touched her possessively every chance he got as they checked in. She tried to keep from laughing.
“Will the two of you be sharing a room?” Lonnie held out a room key.
“Um…” MacGyver froze, obviously not wanting the woman to know they weren’t together, but also hesitant to make any claims on Kellie after he’d promised her a room of her own.
She snatched the key from Lonnie’s fingers. “Yes. Actually, we’re newlyweds.” She beamed as Mrs. Baxter’s hopeful smile faded.
Mr. Baxter led the way upstairs.